14+ Inspiring Carriage House Garage Ideas

Carriage house garages are a charming blend of historical elegance and modern functionality. Let’s explore some creative ideas to transform your garage into a beautiful, multi-purpose space.

Create an Attached Living Space

A carriage house garage with an inviting living space on the upper level.
A carriage house garage with an inviting living space on the upper level.

Why stop at just a garage? Consider adding a cozy living area above or beside your garage. This is a fantastic way to maximize space and even generate rental income.

Possibly helpful picks:

  • Convertible Sofa Bed: Optimize your space with a chic convertible sofa bed for guests or personal relaxation.
  • Compact Kitchen Set: Enhance functionality with a compact kitchen set, ideal for small living spaces.
  • Wall-Mounted Desk: Save space by installing a sleek wall-mounted desk for work or study in your new area.

Embrace Classic Design Elements

A carriage house garage featuring classic gabled roofs and dormer windows.
A carriage house garage featuring classic gabled roofs and dormer windows.

Start with the basics by incorporating gabled roofs and dormer windows into your garage design. These features not only look stunning but also add a timeless appeal that harks back to simpler times.

May just do the trick:

  • Decorative Gable Vent: Incorporate charm with a decorative gable vent, enhancing your garage’s classic appeal effortlessly.
  • Traditional Dormer Window Kits: Add elegance to your structure by installing traditional dormer window kits for a timeless look.
  • Carriage House Style Garage Door: Transform your garage entrance with a carriage house style door, blending history with functionality.

Incorporate Wooden Accents

Rustic wooden accents bring warmth to this carriage house garage.
Rustic wooden accents bring warmth to this carriage house garage.

Wooden doors or trims can transform your garage into a rustic haven. I’ve seen clients absolutely fall in love with the warmth and texture that wood brings to their garage space.

Might be a good match:

  • Wooden Garage Door Kit: Transform your garage with a rustic wooden door kit, adding warmth and charm instantly.
  • Decorative Wooden Trim: Enhance your garage’s appearance with decorative wooden trims for an inviting rustic look.
  • Rustic Wood Stain: Apply a rustic wood stain to create a warm, natural ambiance on your garage doors.

Blend with Natural Surroundings

This garage blends beautifully with its natural surroundings.
This garage blends beautifully with its natural surroundings.

Integrate your garage into the landscape with thoughtful planting and natural materials. In my projects, a few well-placed shrubs or trees can make a huge difference in achieving that harmonious look.

Give these a look:

  • Decorative Shrub Set: Enhance your landscape with easy-to-grow shrubs, adding a lush, natural feel immediately.
  • Natural Stone Pathway Kit: Create a seamless transition with a natural stone pathway, complementing your garage’s rustic charm.
  • Rustic Wooden Planters: Use rustic wooden planters for a touch of greenery, blending perfectly with natural surroundings.

Add Modern Finishes

A carriage house garage with modern paint and window finishes.
A carriage house garage with modern paint and window finishes.

Even if you’re going for a classic look, a touch of modern finish can elevate your garage’s appeal. Consider sleek paint finishes or contemporary window designs for that perfect blend.

Try these:

  • Sleek Exterior Paint: Transform your garage with sleek paint finishes that add elegance and a modern touch.
  • Contemporary Garage Windows: Upgrade to modern window designs and let natural light enhance your garage space.
  • Modern Outdoor Wall Lights: Illuminate your garage facade with stylish wall lights for a contemporary and inviting look.

Achieve Symmetry and Balance

A garage design that epitomizes symmetry and balance.
A garage design that epitomizes symmetry and balance.

A well-balanced design can create a soothing aesthetic. I’ve worked on garages where symmetrical layouts and evenly spaced windows made all the difference in achieving visual harmony.

A few choices to try:

  • Symmetrical Outdoor Wall Lanterns: Illuminate your garage with stylish wall lanterns to enhance symmetry and visual balance.
  • Decorative Window Shutters: Install window shutters to add symmetry and character to your carriage house garage exterior.
  • Matching Planters: Use matching planters to achieve a cohesive and balanced look around your garage entrance.

Experiment with Distinctive Rooflines

A garage with an eye-catching and distinctive roofline.
A garage with an eye-catching and distinctive roofline.

Unique rooflines can add character to your garage, making it stand out. Try different angles or heights to create an eye-catching design element.

Check if these fit your needs:

  • Decorative Roof Finials: Add elegance to your distinctive roofline with stylish finials. Create an eye-catching feature easily.
  • LED Outdoor Garage Lighting: Illuminate your garage with energy-efficient LED lights, enhancing both style and safety.
  • Weather Vanes for Roof: Enhance your roof’s charm with a classic weather vane. Add a functional, decorative touch.

Integrate Overhanging Roofs

Overhanging roofs add style and protection to this garage.
Overhanging roofs add style and protection to this garage.

Overhanging roofs not only protect from weather but also add a dash of architectural flair. They’re a favorite among my clients for their dual functionality.

Consider these options:

  • Decorative Wooden Corbels: Enhance your overhanging roof’s elegance and support with stylish decorative wooden corbels.
  • Weatherproof Roof Shingles: Protect your garage with durable, weatherproof shingles designed for overhanging roof installations.
  • Exterior LED Accent Lights: Illuminate and highlight your overhanging roof with energy-efficient LED accent lights.

Design with Classic Cornices

Elegant cornices enhance the traditional appeal of this garage.
Elegant cornices enhance the traditional appeal of this garage.

Classic cornices can elevate the look of your garage with their detailed crown molding. They give a touch of elegance that complements both traditional and modern homes.

Maybe worth checking out:

  • Decorative Crown Molding Kits: Elevate your garage’s elegance with easy-to-install decorative crown molding kits and transform its look.
  • Exterior Cornice Trim Sets: Add sophistication to your garage with durable exterior cornice trim sets for a classic appeal.
  • Architectural Corbels for Outdoors: Enhance architectural details with stylish outdoor corbels to complement elegant cornice designs.

Consider a Large Porch

A large porch provides a serene relaxation spot on this garage.
A large porch provides a serene relaxation spot on this garage.

A large porch can transform your garage into a welcoming space for relaxation. In Austin, I’ve seen porches become the perfect spot to enjoy a sunset with loved ones.

A few helpful options:

  • Outdoor Rocking Chair: Enhance porch relaxation with a comfortable rocking chair for enjoying serene sunsets and conversations.
  • Hanging Porch Light Fixture: Illuminate your porch with stylish lighting that creates a warm, inviting space for evening gatherings.
  • Outdoor Planter Box: Add vibrant greenery to your porch with planters that bring life and color to your relaxation area.

Incorporate Stone or Brick Materials

Stone and brick materials give this garage a timeless appeal.
Stone and brick materials give this garage a timeless appeal.

Stone or brick materials can add a robust and timeless feel to your garage. They blend beautifully with various home styles and are a nod to the historical roots of carriage houses.

Useful items to consider:

  • Faux Stone Wall Panels: Transform your garage with easy-to-install faux stone panels, adding elegance and durability.
  • Brick Veneer Siding: Enhance your garage’s aesthetics with brick veneer siding, offering a classic and timeless look.
  • Outdoor Stone Wall Lighting: Illuminate your carriage house garage using elegant stone wall lighting fixtures for a warm ambiance.

Try a Dual-Tone Color Palette

A dual-tone color scheme adds vibrancy to this garage.
A dual-tone color scheme adds vibrancy to this garage.

A dual-tone color scheme can add depth and interest to your garage. I recommend experimenting with complementary colors for a vibrant yet harmonious look.

Some ideas to consider:

  • Exterior Paint Set: Enhance your garage’s appeal with vibrant exterior paint for a striking dual-tone design.
  • Painting Supplies Kit: Get all the essential tools you need for a perfect dual-tone paint application.
  • Weatherproof Paint Sealant: Protect your vibrant paintwork from weather damage with a reliable sealant.

Add Custom Garage Doors

Custom garage doors elevate the style of this carriage house garage.
Custom garage doors elevate the style of this carriage house garage.

Custom garage doors can make a bold statement and reflect your personal style. Whether it’s intricate designs or a unique finish, the options are endless.

A few suggestions:

  • Decorative Garage Door Hardware Kit: Enhance your garage door with elegant hardware for a sophisticated look. Elevate aesthetics effortlessly.
  • Carriage Style Garage Door Accents: Transform your doors with classic carriage style accents. Add charm and uniqueness instantly.
  • Custom Wood Finish Garage Door Panels: Impress with custom wood finish panels. Achieve a rustic, charming garage appearance today.

Incorporate Sustainable Materials

Sustainable materials blend seamlessly into this eco-friendly garage design.
Sustainable materials blend seamlessly into this eco-friendly garage design.

Using sustainable materials not only benefits the environment but also adds a unique texture to your garage. In my projects, eco-friendly choices have never compromised on style.

A few relevant products:

  • Reclaimed Wood Paneling: Transform your space with reclaimed wood paneling, offering rustic charm and eco-friendly benefits.
  • Recycled Metal Light Fixtures: Add character and innovation with recycled metal light fixtures, enhancing your garage sustainably.
  • Bamboo Flooring: Elevate your garage’s style with bamboo flooring, combining durability and environmental responsibility.
Text: Joyce Peterson