The original space had so much potential, but was under-utilized.

Outdoor Dining Area in Garage by Kerry Green
Lauren Taylor

Like many garages, this one was never used for cars but as a storage area and a place to play for the homeowners’ two young sons. “It had two mismatched refrigerators, storage boxes, kids’ toys, and an unfinished concrete floor,” explains interior designer Kerry Green. “It was an under-utilized space with great potential. There was a pair of French doors that led to the backyard. The garage doors lead to a dining patio with an outdoor kitchen. There was one functioning skylight and two covered skylights.”

Before and After Garage by Kerry Green
The original garage had a lot of potential.

Lauren TaylorLauren Taylor

Kerry’s clients had been living in the home—a five-bedroom, four-bathroom Craftsman in West Los Angeles—for a few years before they recruited her in 2019 to help with decorating. The main house was a priority first, and the garage renovation and addition of a wine cellar were originally part of a “someday plan.”

But the “someday plan” became a “now plan” after COVID-19 hit and the husband’s work-from-home setup in the main house’s guest room became more permanent. It was time to turn the garage into a space for both work and play.

Beatles Artwork in Garage by Kerry Green
“The color scheme for the main room was driven by the Beatles and the sunny yellow sofa,” Kerry says.

Lauren Taylor

“The initial goal was to create a wine cellar and move the husband’s large collection out of off-site wine storage and create a space for entertaining above,” Kerry says. “The work-from-home dynamic added the need for a proper office. The clients also wanted to create a legal ADU unit, which meant including a full bathroom and specific requirements for the kitchen area.”

The first phase of the renovation was the most dramatic: the excavation for the wine cellar. It was the most crucial part of the renovation because the cellar had to be dug and the stairs placed before Kerry and team could get started on building out the main living spaces above.

Office in Garage by Kerry Green
“The access to the wine cellar is hidden behind the office bookcase,” Kerry explains. “Unless you know it’s there (and which book to move), you would not know there is a wine cellar at all.”

Lauren Taylor

They used the large existing trestle beam to divide the living space into two zones: the private office and bathroom, and the open space for entertaining. A soffit was created along the kitchen wall (appliances and cabinets are tucked underneath it), and a pair of doors connect the office and entertaining space.

The big challenge was maintaining the footprint of the existing garage (aside from the wine cellar) while creating all those new areas the clients wanted. In the office and bathroom, they lowered the ceiling to allow for attic storage (which could be accessed through a pull-down stair in the bathroom hall).

“The garage doors were replaced with bi-fold doors that open the entire wall to the outdoor dining area, creating a quintessential SoCal indoor-outdoor living space,” Kerry says. “At the client’s suggestion, we opened all three of the skylights allowing for beautiful natural light. We added motorized solar shades for optimal screen viewing… even on a sunny day.”

Wine Cellar in Garage by Kerry Green
The wine cellar holds the owner’s huge collection.

Lauren Taylor

As for the design, Kerry and team kept the paint and wood finishes the same throughout—the built-in cabinetry is light plain-sawn oak and the floors are a darker oak, which are similar to those in the main house. They decided to make this new back house a “brighter, more modern, spunky littler sister of the main house,” which has a traditional Craftsman aesthetic and color scheme. 

“My favorite inspiration space for this project was the Ristorante Cavallino in Modena, Italy, which was redesigned by India Mahdavi,” Kerry explains. “Both the clients and I loved the bright playful color palette. The clients’ vintage Richard Avedon Beatles posters were also a big inspiration. We planned their placement in the space early on in the project.”

Entertaining Seating Area in Garage by Kerry Green
“The sofa is covered in a Perennials indoor/outdoor fabric. The rug is woven PVC and can be hosed off if need be. [It’s] a room built for having fun and not worrying about the spills,” Kerry says.

Lauren Taylor

Kerry calls the main room the star of the show, with the color scheme driven by the Beatles artwork and the sunny yellow sofa. “In furnishing the space, we floated a large sectional sofa in the room allowing for circulation on all sides,” Kerry says. “The sofa faces an art wall that doubles as a screening wall for movies or games. The retractable screen and projector live in the console below. The area behind the sofa and to the right of the French doors allows for a tall bar table where guests can stand or sit on stools but still see the screen. When the bi-fold doors are open the room spills out onto the dining patio with a large table for sit-down dinners.”

Dining Area in Garage by Kerry Green
A cozy corner for dining.

Lauren Taylor

Of course, the clients love the new multipurpose space. It’s especially a favorite hangout for the husband, who spends most of his days in the back house, listening to music on the record player and drinking wine. 

“Both clients have shared how pleased they are that the space has so many functions. From working in the office, watching movies or listening to music, to entertaining family and friends, the space feels great,” Kerry says.

Architect: Douglas Merrill

Stylist: Liz Strong

Contractor: Lonestar West Construction