Tips for Designing the Car Enthusiast’s Dream Garage

If youre the type who enjoys collecting luxury automobiles, then chances are you spend a fair amount of time in the garage. Of course, extraordinary cars shouldnt be kept in ordinary garages. A high-end space to park your fleet will help keep it in pristine condition and ensure you have everything you need when its time to do some work under the hood. Here are a few features that every car enthusiast will appreciate in their home garage.

Cooling and Heating
Anyone who spends long hours in their garage knows that a heating and cooling system is essential. In addition to keeping you comfortable when doing work, youll also never have to wait for the car to heat up or cool down before heading out. Plus, freezing temperatures can damage your car battery. Radiant heat is another popular upgrade for luxury garages and it works great under porcelain floors, which are an ideal surface.

Wash and Wax Area
If youre the type who regularly hand washes and waxes your cars, then youll want to have a designated station for doing so in your garage. A water source and proper drain system are essential for this and will allow you to keep your prized collection looking brand new without having to clean them in the driveway when its too hot or cold outside.

Hydraulic Lift
Of course, if youre going to be doing work on your vehicles undercarriage, then you may want to consider installing a professional-grade hydraulic lift. Sure, it will set you back a bit, but if cars are your passion then its absolutely worth it. After all, fitness fanatics have exercise rooms and cooks have gourmet kitchens, so whats the difference?

Kitchenette & Bathroom
Its no secret that garage work can get messy and you probably dont want to run back into the house to use the bathroom or grab a snack. Thats why a bathroom and kitchenette are perfect additions to any garage that you plan to use for more than simply parking your cars. Lastly, youll also want to have ample cabinets and storage space for keeping your tools organized and easy to locate.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

4 Home Features That Pet Owners Love

We all want the best for our pets, but theres no denying that they can take a toll on the house. From signs of wear and tear to less than pleasant odors, the last thing you want is your furry friend to scare off a potential buyer. Whether youre getting your home into tip-top shape before putting it on the market or you simply strive to maintain an immaculate living space, here are several home features that every pet owner can benefit from.

Proper Floors and Fabrics
Dogs, in particular, can quickly scuff up your hardwood floors, which is why its best to choose a wood thats particularly durable and resistant to scratches, such as ipe or cumaru. If youre simply going to refinish your existing floors, then choosing a low sheen finish will make scratches less visible. For cats who have a pesky habit of clawing the furniture, performance rugs and fabrics usually hold up well and are worth reupholstering with.

Pet Camera
Does it ever seem like your pet only gets into trouble when youre not home? Perhaps theyre acting out because they miss you or maybe its just a rebellious side that comes out when youre gone. Either way, installing a pet camera with a two-way speaker allows you to keep a watchful eye on your pets at all times and theyll be sure to be on best behavior when they hear your voice.

Pet Washing Station
Having a designated pet washing station in your home can be a lifesaver. Sometimes they run through mud while on a walk and sometimes they just smell like, well, an animal. In any event, you can easily keep them fresh and clean with a well-designed area, usually in the mudroom, that includes a handheld shower spray, tile floors and proper drainage.

Air Purification
Even after theyve been cleaned, however, sometimes that pet odor still lingers in the house. While you may not smell it anymore, potential buyers coming to your home just might. Thats why installing an air purification system that helps to remove the smell, as well as dander, can make a huge difference before putting your home on the market.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

The Inside Scoop on Wet Rooms

Its official: Wet rooms are a rising trend in luxury bathroom design. For years, theyve been used as a solution when space was limited, but this style is increasingly being seen in high-end homes for many reasons. Before we dive into them, however, you might be asking yourself, What exactly is a wet room?!

While they can vary in design, wet rooms are bathrooms that tend to include a shower area thats not completely enclosed. Sometimes, there may be a glass panel that separates the sink and toilet from the shower and bath, but it still maintains an open-concept feel. If this sounds like something you might be interested in bringing into your home, here are a few things to know about wet rooms:

Surprising and Stylish
For starters, if youre putting your house on the market in the near future, a luxurious wet room can be a pleasant surprise for potential buyers who appreciate a fresh, modern design that breaks the mold. With no curtains, doors or shower trays, the clean aesthetic provides a spa-like bathing experience, and whats not to love about that?

Functional
An open-concept shower and bath area has numerous functional advantages. Being more easily accessed than a traditional shower, wet rooms can be a great option for elderly couples who are concerned about getting in and out of the shower. Additionally, wet rooms are often easier to clean because the entire bathroom can be sprayed down and a slight gradient in the floors allows it to effectively drain.

Efficient Use of Space
If you dont have the space for both a soaking tub and a separate walk-in shower, this can be a great solution. By breaking down the divider between the two and simply turning it into a wet room, your bathroom will feel more open and fluid.

Bring in a Pro
Although theyre easy to envision, wet rooms certainly require professional expertise to install correctly in order to avoid exposing your home to water damage. Working with a designer will ensure your bathroom is fashionable and functional.

Published with permission from RISMedia.