GARAGE UPGRADE

Tips to make your garage work for you

The garage tends to be the catch-all space for all things outdoors, but it can become so cluttered it’s no longer useful as a parking or storage spot. We spoke with Atlanta-based merchandise experts at The Home Depot about useful ways to upgrade your garage to make the most of its square footage.

Scott

Jenschke

1. Clear the clutter and increase storage space. Plan for your organization ideas and identify the locations of wall studs, outlets and other fixtures that will impact the ideal placement of storage systems. Take some time to clean out your garage, too. Being able to clearly see the floor and how much wall storage you have can help you choose the right organization system. Choose from storage cabinets, work benches, shelves, storage bins and totes as organization solutions.

PRO TIP: If you regularly park your car, riding lawn mower or any other large vehicles in your garage, measure the amount of space you have available for storage along the walls while the vehicles are inside. Allow several feet of space so you can move easily between the walls and vehicles, and avoid accidentally dropping anything from the wall onto your vehicle. Also, make sure

DESIGN & REALTY NEWS

A smartly organized garage maximizes storage space and parking.

you leave enough space to prevent damage from the garage door.

Scott

Borgert

2 Use vertical space to organize. Build storage with slatwall panels or track systems to keep larger items such as sports gear or seasonal items accessible. Track systems offer vertical storage options that can be used with hooks and shelving. Tracks often have a high weight capacity for hanging heavy, bulky or unusually shaped items that make them a great storage solution. Wall hooks are also a great way to free up space and are helpful for hanging bicycles, sports gear and other awkwardly shaped items.

Congrats to R. Derek Hopkins, who was recently promoted to principal at Harrison Design. Hopkins has been a part of the architecture and interiors firm’s Atlanta office since 1999, focusing on residential, multifamily, retail and hospitality projects across the country. A graduate of North Carolina State University in Raleigh, he serves on the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art’s Southeast Board Trustees and is chair of its membership committee and chair of the 2023 Philip Trammell Shutze Awards in Atlanta. harrisondesign.com • @harrisondesign n Three Buckhead projects were honored in the annual Senior Housing News Architecture & Design Awards that recognize cutting-edge design, excellence and innovation in senior living.

Product Spotlight

Roll in some classy revelry with this Thaddeus Marble Bar Cart. Merging hand-forged metal with Italian Carrara marble shelves, the piece is inspired by the sculptural works of Salvador Dalí and Diego Giacometti, and part of a collection by Virginia-based designer Julie Lawrence. Choose from forged pewter, brass or bronze hand-hammered by artisans to create an imperfect and organic texture. Available at rh.com starting at $4,368.

Maureen

McGinn

3. Upgrade your garage door opener. Whether you're shopping for the latest smart garage door opener that plays nicely with other networked devices or a budget-friendly model with quick, dependable operation, you can find an opener with the power, performance and features needed for your home. Consider what rooms are next to your garage and the times you’ll be using your garage the most. Look for one with the right combination of power and noise level. Think about whether a smart or Wi-Fi enabled system works for your home. n

In the independent living category, Corso Atlanta took first place, and Kingsboro at Lenbrook took third. Heartis Buckhead was also honored with second place in the Continuing Care Retirement Community/Life Plan Community Lite category. shnawards.com n Spruill Center for the Arts recently appointed Shannon Morris as director of the Spruill Gallery. Morris will oversee the gallery’s management and exhibitions while steering its creative direction. Prior to Spruill, Morris served as gallery director of the Mary S. Byrd Gallery of Art at Augusta University. A graduate of the University of Alabama, Morris has a master’s in art history from the Savannah College of Art and Design. She is also a cultural writer for publications such as the Flannery O’Connor Review. spruillarts.org • @spruillarts

The Rug Company Keepers Red Rug (from $2,400)

Known the world over for its sumptuous rugs, The Rug Company brings the fire with its Keepers Red Rug, named after Keepers Cottage, a home near sister company Farrow & Ball's headquarters in Dorset, England. Depending on the room, the light and the rest of the decor, the rug can read from deep magenta to pure red. If you’re looking for a statement underfoot, this is one to consider. Browse it at Travis & Company at ADAC.

Travis & Company • 404.237.5079 travisandcompany.com • @travisandcompany

Portrait, Magenta, 2022 by Anne-Louise Ewen ($145)

California-based artist Anne-Louise Ewen creates in a wide range of mediums, ranging from drawing and sculpture to monotype prints. Her mixed media Portrait is 17-by-11 inches and is the perfect expression of movement and color. Anne Irwin Fine Art also shows Ewen’s original oil paintings, depicting everything from alpacas and Staffordshire dogs to citrus blossoms.

Anne Irwin Fine Art • 404.467.1200 anneirwinfineart.com • @anneirwinfineart