23 Detached Garage Ideas to Elevate Curb Appeal

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 detached garage ideas to inspire you.

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Keep It Classic

@hatcliffconstruction / Instagram

Keep everything consistent to make the home and detached garage feel cohesive. 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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Build a Mini Farmhouse

@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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Add Dormers for Architectural Effect

@superior.buildings / Instagram

Add dormer windows to bring extra light into a 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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Don't Forget About Lighting

Mathias Reding / Pexels

Place a light above garage doors to light the way at night. This cast-iron light adds a classic element and also functionality to this detached garage.

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Include a Breezeway

@ladisicfinehomes / Instagram

Add a breezeway to a detached garage to connect it 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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Embrace a Favorite Color

@artisansignaturehomes / Instagram

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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Add House-Like Touches

@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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Come Around Back

@chartierbuildingcompany / Instagram

Put your detached garage in the back of your 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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Take a Rustic Approach

@summerwood_products / Instagram

Go rustic if you have a cabin-style home. 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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Use Stone

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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Prioritize Continuity

@jpdesignshome / Instagram

Pay extra attention to ensure that it includes details that are present elsewhere on the exterior of your home when designing your detached garage. 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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Be Sleek

Anthony Crisafulli

Go with earthy tones and play to the lush surroundings of a natural landscape. The wood doors and deep gray exterior suit the garage's sleek, modern profile.

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Go Parallel

Marly Dice

Position your detached garage 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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Mix Your Materials

Harth Builders

Utilize your home's current materials, such as a stone exterior, 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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Try a Tudor-Inspired Garage

Design by Lands End Development / Photo by Rick Hammer

Draw from Tudor-style architecture for a whimsical look. Tudor-style architecture is characterized by steeply pointed and often thatched roofs, like the one shown here.

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Opt for a Modern Garage Door

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

Install a modern garage door if contemporary style speaks to you. The detached garage features a large glass door that is a modern alternative to standard wood.

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Design a Cute Cottage-Like Garage

Design by Georgantas / Photo by Ben Gebo

Consider using your detached garage to try a coastal or cottage core aesthetic. Experiment with various materials and colors until you find what you love.

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Try a 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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Make Use of a Second Story

@speightbuilt / Instagram

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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Go for a Subtle Color

Design by Wentworth Construction / Photo by Vaughan Group

Go for a subtle color, like this navy blue, if you don't want your garage to pop out too much. 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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Add Windows

Design by Herlong Architects / Photo by Ascendant Imaging

Install windows to add character and intrigue to any space, including a detached garage.

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Pair Brick and Vinyl

@linnanehomes / Instagram

Feature 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.

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Go With an Industrial-Style Garage

@theclevergoose / Instagram

Opt for an industrial-style garage for an edgy look. If you want to add a subtle pop of color, coordinate all the doors to be a similar wooden color.

FAQ

Is it more affordable to buy or build a detached garage?

According to HomeAdvisor, building a detached garage is more expensive than opting for an attached garage or prefab garage kit.
What are the pros and cons of adding a detached garage?

Pros of adding a detached garage include enhanced design flexibility, extra privacy, lessened noise transfer, and extra storage. Cons of adding a detached garage include increased construction expenses and potentially utilizing valuable yard space. A detached garage may also add security concerns, depending on its location.
Can a detached garage add value to a home?

Yes, investing in a detached garage can add value you your home because it gives extra storage space, provides cars protection from bad weather, and adds extra appeal and functionality to a property.