Product Description

Like its subject, this book is versatile - both practical and inspiring. Author Kira Obolensky shows how to transform a garage into a greenhouse, library, studio, apartment, or workplace. Inspiration comes from a survey of unusual garages, from hand-carved garage doors in New Hampshire to a midwestern milkman's wacky garage museum to the legendary birthplace of Apple computers in Steve Wozniak's California garage. This colorful celebration of the many possibilities of the humble garage features dozens of color illustrations and over 200 color photos.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #111170 in Books
• Published on: 2003-03
• Released on: 2003-04-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 202 pages

From Library Journal
These two books are fine additions to the literature of architecture and building from Taunton Press, best known for the magazines Fine Woodworking and Fine Homebuilding. In an introduction and six chapters, Obolensky, who collaborated with Sarah Susanka on The Not So Large House, presents 52 garages, from basic to elaborate. Various styles and purposes are illustrated, including workshops, hobby shops, living spaces, and parking spaces. The extraordinary photography that accompanies the precise text brings the glory of the "Garage Mahal" to life. The result is whimsical in tone yet serious in design and execution detail. Architect Mulfinger and writer/editor Davis accomplish much the same for the cabin. In four chapters "Rustic," "Transformed," "Traditional," and "Modern" they present 36 cabins from across the United States. In addition to exterior and interior photographs, colored renderings of site plans are included where needed. The authors also emphasize the importance of mood and environment. While this book is a bit more serious than Garage, the joy in the discovery of great design operates strongly here as well. These extraordinarily well-produced books are enthusiastically recommended, particularly in communities strong in second-home construction. Alex Hartmann, Williamsport, PA
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Customer Reviews

MAKES OPTIMUM USE OF EXTRA SPACE
We all know friends, neighbours and co-workers who have everything in their garage except the family car. The car usually gets booted out the door in favour of lawn furniture and equipment, camping supplies, and anything else that comes along.

In this book, the reader will find a variety of uses for the garage over and above "a place to stash the useful and useless odds and ends." Personally, I liked the greenhouse and studio ideas, but there are others here, too, such as the soundstage that would excite the teen-aged musician in the family, and a playroom to keep younger children amused for hours.

This is one of the first books I have seen on garages and it has some excellent ideas. With over fifty concepts contained here, the book has something to please every lifestyle and virtually every taste. The reader is only limited by their budget, but many of the ideas can be scaled down or expanded upon depending on the financial resources available.

Not garages exactly
This book and the great mass of the photos relate not to the garage, ie, a covered space where cars are stored or where a hobbyist workshop is located, but converted space or living space above a garage. If you're interested in creative garage layout, workshop arrangement, automobile-related storage, etc., this is not the book. If your desire is to turn a hardworking garage into a granny flat, this is for you.

Not Just a Parking Box
Kira Obolensky finally gives the garage its due as a room with potential far beyond its obvious use in her beautifully photographed, straight-forwardly written book. Great source of inspiration for anyone looking to eke out an extra room or anyone who enjoys spending time in his garage. Fun gift for lovers of architecture, home and style as well as garageophiles (my realtor says it's the #1 room for most men). But beware: your own garage will likely feel inadequate after you peruse these handsome pages.