Dear Jean and Richard, I recently visited a home that had custom floors and a finished interior in the garage. In another time, even rich people kept their garages simple. Are you ever asked to design a garage interior?

Jean: Well, it’s true that garages are no longer just for parking cars. But the short answer to your question is Yes. We’ve also had several projects for creating a guest suite over the garage, and other projects that create a type of stage for their automobile.

Richard: No one would deny that there is a lot of money already invested behind those carriage house doors, but usually it’s in the form of a luxury sedan, motorcycles or sports car. What we’re seeing more often these days, though, is a well-lit, spotless environment with a workshop that no husband uses, two bikes rarely used and a lovely kayak.

Jean: A serious space plan as meticulous as a kitchen plan is your best bet.

Richard: Nationwide, 82% of homes have garages, but far fewer have cars in them. These are often the neglected interiors, in desperate need of serious makeovers. The first step might be to sort the “stuff” that fills the areas you might designate for storage. Get rid of that junk that you are REALLY never going to use or fix.

Jean: Be careful, Richard. Those treasures might be in the garage because Mama wants them out of the house. Pare them down of course, but then organize the keepers behind cabinet doors or in drawers. Choose a system of heavy duty cabinetry, the way you would in your kitchen, for storage. That “stuff” will soon have greater significance. And you might even be able to find your tools.

Richard: Pay attention to lighting, too. You cannot have too much. In other words, stop thinking about the garage as a catch-all for junk, and start considering it a viable part of your home.

Jean: Just as you would in your home, add a rug at the doors. They can stop a lot of dirt and grit. And speaking of the floor, you may want to consider polishing the concrete or covering it with interlocking tiles—especially if you use the garage as work or play space.

Richard: Or put a TV in there. Maybe the husband might actually use it.

Jean: There are entire books on the subject of organizing your garage, but I would say the key design element is to group tools and materials according to use. For example, flower pots and gardening tools might live along one wall while woodworking tools and fasteners occupy another.

Richard: Chalk off on the floor how much space you need for the cars. Leave enough room to open the car doors and about three feet clearance in front and back.