Project Profile: Garage Condo Design is in the Details
This month we are kicking off our project profile series with an in-depth look at some of the meticulously designed details of the model unit at the Eagan Condo Garages. We invite you to follow along as we explore the intricacies of this unit’s design.
Vela Interior Design was hired by the complex's owners to create a model unit that would inspire others as they plan their own garage condos. If you find yourself wondering, "what's a garage condo?" let us fill you in... Luxury garage condos are becoming increasingly popular across the country. They are private and secure storage spaces offering many amenities and a sense of community for car enthusiasts. Our client has playfully dubbed the concept "a car lover's cabin," noting that condo garages create homes away from home. They are hybrid spaces with the potential to provide the amenities of a traditional residence focused on entertaining combined with a love of cars. The club complex operates as a community, with each privately-owned unit created in the vision of its owner.
When planning the design of a garage condo, we recommend letting creativity and individuality take the lead. We empower our clients to push boundaries and embrace ideas they might otherwise shy away from in their primary homes. Elevating experiences is paramount in all that we do, taking projects from ordinary to extraordinary, and a luxury car condo provides the perfect opportunity to dive into the details. Read on to see how we incorporated artful touches and unique details to create a space that elevates the everyday.
Embrace the unexpected
Wallcovering on the ceiling? Hell yes. This graphic wallcovering-clad ceiling is an unexpected, invigorating twist, setting the mood for the space. We love how the white pipe lights over the island punctuate the pattern while having their own modern moment. The client’s vision was to create a space that would compel a “Wow!” upon entry.
Elevate with art
Art isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when brainstorming furnishings for a garage condo, but it can set the tone for the space. We were genuinely captivated by this black-and-white photograph showcasing a spectacular automotive moment in time (lucky for us, our client was, too!). This expressive image provides an artful touch while carrying the repetition of black-and-white patterns throughout the space. Its energy perfectly encapsulates the spirit of car enthusiasts, as well as the memories to be made in this unique setting.
Custom furniture is the name of the bespoke game
You can't go wrong with adding custom pieces when it comes to furnishings. They provide the perfect opportunity to be more expressive within the design by incorporating distinctive details. For this car condo unit, we designed a bespoke organic-shaped sofa, playing on the curves of a race track in the gathered side profile. Custom furniture not only provides the opportunity to infuse personality into upholstery fabrics, but also performance. All of the fabric chosen holds up to entertaining and odors, especially important in a space where cigars are smoked and car exhaust is a non-negotiable. Even the area rug is made of recycled PET and can be hosed off if needed. When it comes to maintenance on a secondary space, work smarter, not harder!
A few more of our favorite car condo design details…
Cabinet door hardware is an opportunity for subtlety or drama, depending on the vibe you are going for in a space. We needed recessed hardware that would allow the full-height cabinetry doors to slide back into hidden pockets when open. We wanted a sleek design that felt handsome against the deep tone of the stain, while reflecting the modern tilt of the design. The Modo pull by Schaub was the perfect fit, giving slight texture to a sleek look.
A cheeky photo of Roger Moore with cocktail in hand served as our spirit guide throughout the design process. One of the most critical things we do at the onset of a project is work with our clients to understand how they want a space to not just look, but feel. A visual representation of feeling serves as a foundation for design direction, and is achieved through strategetic lighting, materials and finishes, and furnishings.
These details hint toward the immense interior possibilities for personalization in garage condos for owners and their families. In the car-centric community of garage condos, where each unit is meant to celebrate automobiles and encourage socializing on a grand scale, the possibilities are endless.
Ready to design your dream garage condo? We are here to help develop your vision and bring it to life.
