Detached Garage Designs and Inspiration

Thinking of building or redesigning a detached garage? Let’s look at different garage designs to find inspiration and figure out what sets detached garages apart — both physically and aesthetically.

Detached Garages and Home Value

A detached garage can add value to your home. This is particularly true of detached garages that are visible from the street, as they can improve curb appeal. A well-designed detached garage that complements your home’s style and provides versatile space—whether for parking or relaxing—can be a major draw for home buyers.

When considering whether to renovate an existing detached garage or build a new one, it’s essential to think about the cost vs. value it will add to your property. The potential return on investment should be a key factor in your decision-making process.

Building a whole new garage can be an expensive investment, but in many cases, the value added to your property means you’ll eventually recoup more than you spend. Ongoing costs should also be considered, including maintenance, lighting, and potentially heating.

If you plan to use your detached garage for hobbies, relaxation, or as a workspace, insulation is a smart choice. Even though detached garages don’t share walls with your home, insulating the door and walls can help regulate temperature, reduce noise, and improve comfort year-round. An insulated door adds long-term value and makes your garage more versatile—whether you're working, relaxing, or simply storing items that benefit from a more stable environment.

Detached Garage Design Types

Find inspiration while on the garage design journey by exploring different styles of detached garages:

Barn Style

Love being in the country? Or maybe you’re not in the country, but you want to bring a countryside feel to your property. Either way, a barn style detached garage is perfect. Whether you’re going to include animal stalls for the horses or just want a rustic place to park your car, a barn plan with a gabled roof, wood exterior and two toned garage doors is best.

The Carport

If you like minimalist architectural styles, a carport might be for you. The carport is perhaps the most fundamental detached garage plan, as it’s essentially just a shelter to protect one or more vehicles from the elements. While carports offer basic coverage, detached garages with walls and secure garage doors provide better protection and added security.

Carriage House

A carriage house, or coach house, is a smaller building near the main house on a property. It got its name because, before ‌the automobile, wealthy families would have what is essentially a detached garage to store their horse-drawn carriages. Often, the same building would house the carriage’s driver, the coachman. Carriage house garage plans are great if you want a one-and-a-half- or two-story building with a loft apartment up top, or if you just like the old-style aesthetic of these structures.

Contemporary

Contemporary garage plans often feature high contrasts, minimalism design and use of glass materials. A glass garage door works great with contemporary garage design and is available in both steel and aluminum.

Craftsman

Craftsman garage plans have natural aesthetics and often use a lot of wood or faux wood in their construction. Also known as Arts and Crafts style, this type of garage design emphasizes workmanship and unpretentious beauty.

Garage + Guest House

For homeowners who want a private area where guests can stay, a garage is a great option. Certain detached garage plans work better for this than others. For example, as carriage house garages are already more than one floor, you can incorporate studios into them.

Lake House Style

Lake House garage plans are similar to craftsman garage designs. There’s often a lot of wood or faux wood and collaboration with nature. If your lake house style garage is actually on a lake, you can incorporate a boathouse to store any watercraft you have.

Rustic

To achieve a rustic aesthetic for your detached garage, consider dark wood or panels for the exterior. You could use a stone base as the foundation of the garage walls or keep it clean and sleek. If you intend to use the interior as a living space or workshop, consider installing wood paneling for the interior walls.

Now that you're familiar with the different garage design options, let's tackle some common questions to guide you on your design journey.

FAQs About Detached Garages, Design Styles and Best Garage Doors

Here are some frequently asked questions about detached garage design:

What Are Some Common Design Pitfalls for Detached Garages?

Perhaps the biggest mistake is to overlook the importance of the garage door. After all, doors often take up most of the front of a garage, so their look is integral to the overall aesthetic of the garage. 

How Do You Choose the Right Size and Layout for a Detached Garage?

Another common mistake is to not give yourself ample space. Don’t design your garage to just fit your car. There are many uses for a detached garage, so give yourself more room than you think you need. There are different sizes and layouts you can choose from, so take your time and be imaginative. 

Does Garage Door Materials Affect Needed Garage Door Maintenance?

Yes! Garage door materials make a big difference in how much upkeep - and cost - you will face over time. While natural wood has classic appeal, it requires regular maintenance and a long term investment to maintain it. Faux wood alternatives offer the same look with less hassle and much less maintenance. The preferred material is either steel or aluminum, which are both durable and great for withstanding the elements—especially important for detached garages.

How Can You Make Garage Design Eco-Friendly?

If you’re going to use lumber, try to make sure it’s sustainably sourced and not harvested by clear cutting. Buying parts and features, such as garage doors, that are made in America cuts down on emissions from shipping. You can also choose a garage door from a company like Amarr, known for quality craftsmanship and a strong commitment to sustainable solutions.

Finally, consider the benefits of insulation. If you’re going to spend time in your detached garage, insulating the walls and installing an insulated garage door can save you money on energy and create a comfortable setting for a variety of activities.

Are There Special Permits or Zoning Rules for Detached Garages?

There are often zoning bylaws that affect detached garages. It’s important to check with your municipality before building, especially if you’re going to include a living space.

Can You Convert a Detached Garage Into a Living Space?

Yes, you can, but keep in mind that an occasionally used guest room is quite a different investment from a proper apartment with a kitchen and full bathroom.

Don’t Forget the Finishing Touch!

When it comes to detached garage door design, choosing the right layout, materials, and a trusted brand like Amarr can elevate your space with lasting value, style, and reliable performance.  Your detached garage deserves a door that turns heads and works hard to protect your investment. Whether you're building a fresh new garage or giving your current space a facelift, the right garage door brings it all together. With tons of design options, Amarr has the perfect fit to match your detached garage vision.

Want to see what your options look like? Try our “Design My Door” tool so you can look at different styles and decide what’s best for you.