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22 Detached Garage Ideas to Elevate Curb Appeal

garage with modern door

Design by WINN Design + Build / Photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg

If you're thinking about adding a detached garage to your property, note that there is truly an option to suit every home style. Whether it's installing colorful garage doors or having a functional second story, there are many different routes you can take.

Read on to see 22 detached garage ideas to inspire you.

  • 01 of 22

    Keep It Classic

    small white shingled garage

    @hatcliffconstruction / Instagram

    This detached garage contains the same light gray shutters present on the main portion of this classic white home. It's simple yet makes a statement with the surrounding greenery and timeless light fixtures throughout.

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  • 02 of 22

    Build a Mini Farmhouse

    red farm style garage

    @superior.buildings / Instagram

    Build your own farmhouse-styled detached garage, using classic red colors and barn doors. Though this one can just house one vehicle, there's plenty of space for equipment storage. Whether you're looking to set up a woodworking bench, tuck away bikes, and much more.

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  • 03 of 22

    Add Dormers for Architectural Effect

    double door garage with wooden doors

    @superior.buildings / Instagram

    Dormer windows will bring extra light into this spacious garage and also add architectural intrigue to the building. Sometimes, dormers are solely added to a home for aesthetic purposes and are not always connected to an upstairs room.

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  • 04 of 22

    Don't Forget About Lighting

    garage with wooden doors and sconces

    @theclevergoose / Instagram

    Many people will place sconces above their garage doors to light the way at night. This industrial-looking design is a popular pick and serves a decorative purpose in addition to a functional one. If you want to add a subtle pop of color, coordinate all the doors to be a similar wooden color.

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  • 05 of 22

    Include a Breezeway

    detached garage with covered area

    @ladisicfinehomes / Instagram

    A breezeway contains this detached garage to the main home, making it easy to enter and exit as needed without being exposed to the elements. All the wooden features are stained a dark color, which creates a beautiful contrast against the white brick.

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  • 06 of 22

    Embrace a Favorite Color

    garage with light blue doors

    @artisansignaturehomes / Instagram

    Why not paint your garage doors a cheerful blue? There's nothing wrong with opting for a non-neutral hue in this instance if you find a shade that brings you joy. To keep things looking cohesive, consider drawing from your front door or shutters when selecting a color.

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  • 07 of 22

    Add House-Like Touches

    gray blue shingled detached garage

    @oakstdesign / Instagram

    Bring in house-like touches for your detached garage like positioning a door off to the side. There are also plenty of dormer windows that will allow for natural light to filter through (nobody likes a pitch-dark garage).

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  • 08 of 22

    Come Around Back

    large detached garage with dormers

    @chartierbuildingcompany / Instagram

    This detached garage appears to be in the back of the main home. In this instance, it's also useful to carve out storage space for backyard essentials: folding lawn chairs, sports gear and nets, inflatable pools, and the like.

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  • 09 of 22

    Take a Rustic Approach

    wood detached garage

    @summerwood_products / Instagram

    The perfect match for a cabin-style home, this wooden detached garage is nice and rustic. Of course, you could choose to paint the wooden exterior in the color of your choosing, if you long for a pop of color.

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  • 10 of 22

    Use Stone

    stone detached garage

    Design by Amy Storm / Photo by Stoffer

    Use stone to make an elegant statement. Stone always manages to appear stately, especially when paired with the color black, which shines on the garage door, roof, and more. The dark sconces go with the rest of the design, adding to the cohesive look.

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  • 11 of 22

    Prioritize Continuity

    gray shingled detached garage

    @jpdesignshome / Instagram

    When designing your detached garage, pay extra attention to ensure that it includes details that are present elsewhere on the exterior of your home. For example, if your front door is rounded, replicate this shape when building the door to the garage to create a sense of continuity.

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  • 12 of 22

    Be Sleek

    detached garage with wooden doors

    Anthony Crisafulli

    This detached garage features earthy tones and plays to the lush surrounding natural landscape. The wood doors and deep gray exterior suit the garage's sleek, modern profile.

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  • 13 of 22

    Go Parallel

    white detached garage

    Marly Dice

    Here, a classic white detached garage is positioned parallel to the home. Oftentimes, we see detached garages that are perpendicular or off to the side of the house, but there is nothing wrong with leaving just a few feet of space between your home and garage if you prefer that look.

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  • 14 of 22

    Mix Your Materials

    stone and wooden garage

    Harth Builders

    If your home features a stone exterior, utilize this material when constructing your detached garage, too. Of course, don't be afraid to work in other finishes such as paneling and wood.

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  • 15 of 22

    Try a Tudor-Inspired Garage

    tudor style detached garage

    Design by Lands End Development / Photo by Rick Hammer

    This detached garage draws a bit from Tudor style architecture, which is characterized by steeply pointed and often thatched roofs like the one shown here.

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  • 16 of 22

    Opt for a Modern Garage Door

    garage with modern door

    Design by WINN Design + Build / Photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg

    If contemporary style speaks to you, look no further than this project. The detached garage features a large glass door that is a modern alternative to standard wood.

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  • 17 of 22

    Design a Cute Cottage-Like Garage

    cottage like detached garage

    Design by Georgantas / Photo by Ben Gebo

    If you've been wanting a coastal or cottage core aesthetic, consider using your detached garage to recreate the look. Experiment with various materials and colors until you find what you love.

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  • 18 of 22

    Try a Trellis

    detached garage with trellis

    Design by InSite Builders & Remodeling / Photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg

    Jazz up the exterior of your detached garage by incorporating a trellis with dreamy-looking vines. It's an excellent way to add some character and cottage-inspired charm to your yard. Plant your favorite flowers or shrubs in front to create some structure around your garage.

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  • 19 of 22

    Make Use of a Second Story

    detached garage with stairs

    @speightbuilt / Instagram

    Detached garages don't always have to be one story. If you're looking for more space, consider expanding your garage with a second floor and building a sleek stairway to make going up easier. This area would make for an excellent in-law suite, study, or workout studio, if space allows.

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  • 20 of 22

    Go for a Subtle Color

    detached garage with blue siding

    Design by Wentworth Construction / Photo by Vaughan Group

    If you don't want your garage to pop out too much, go for a subtle color like this navy blue. It'll blend in seamlessly with your house and you won't get tired of looking at it for years to come.

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  • 21 of 22

    Add Windows

    double detached garage

    Design by Herlong Architects / Photo by Ascendant Imaging

    Just like with dormers, upstairs windows in a garage may not always indicate the existence of a second floor. However, windows can still add character and intrigue to any space.

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  • 22 of 22

    Pair Brick and Vinyl

    brick front garage

    @linnanehomes / Instagram

    This detached garage features a brick front with vinyl siding, which is a more affordable material. The brick still makes a strong impression and is what is primarily viewable from the road.