From restaurants and cafes, to art exhibitions and workshops, people from all around the world have been transforming spaces as small as a garage or as big as a warehouse into their dream business.
Some of the most successful companies in the world started from their garage. I’m sure you’ve heard of Amazon, founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 as an online bookstore, or Apple, founded by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in 1976. Even Disney, founded by Walt Disney in 1923, all started from tiny spaces hidden in suburbia.
Fast forward to 2019, and each of these companies are now multi-billion dollar enterprises.
Whether it’s from the comfort of your own home or a commercial garage, these inspiring cafes, restaurants and unique businesses show the world what it takes to be successful.
SPICE - Melbourne, Australia
Inspired by Indian Chai tea stands, this ‘hole in the wall’ cafe could possibly be Australia’s smallest cafe. SPICE, founded by Kane Egyed and Lauren Brill after an inspiring trip to India, transformed a tiny little nook, which is probably ¼ the size of your garage, into a rustic takeaway coffee shop. If you blink you may miss it but you certainly can’t miss the aromas of spice and grounded coffee beans as it fills the air around you.
Check out SPICE.
BD Barcelona Design - Barcelona
What was once an empty old industrial warehouse that covered over 600sqm was transformed into a world renowned furniture showroom and retail outlet. The historic space has a museum like feel as you walk passed innovative creations displayed on stands and spotlights used for dramatic lighting. The decor almost has a theatrical quality about it. Designers include Antoine et Manuel, Shanghai based designers Neri & Hu, and Jaime Hayón.
You may not necessarily make furniture, but it is possible to transform your commercial garage into something more than just a dusty old storage space.
View some of Barcelona Design’s projects.
Nonbei Yokocho - Shibuya, Japan
If you thought your garage space was limited you haven’t been to a Yokocho in Japan. The Yokocho literally means ‘alleyways off to the side of a main street’, visually speaking, it’s exactly that. Imagine an alleyway lined with miniature bars, each one capable of seating a maximum of 4-6 people, this is what Nonbei Yokocho in Shibuya looks like. Known as “Drunkards Alley” this little beat off the old track houses a vibrant nightlife filled with booze, tapas style dishes, and traditional japanese lanterns. It is the perfect blend of modern and traditional culture that attracts travelers from all across the globe to take part in one of Japan’s most iconic traditions.
Japan has some of the smallest cafes, bars, and restaurants in the world, with some of these tiny little nooks boasting michelin stars. Maybe it’s time to visit Japan for some inspiration.
Nonbei Yokocho can be found at 1-25-10 Shibuya, Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo
Criteria Collection - Melbourne, Australia
Exposed red brick, timber beams and polished cement, these are just some of the characteristics that you may already have in your warehouse or garage. The Criteria Collection is a Melbourne based part-gallery part-showroom that offers an alluring collection of modern furniture, art, and design objects from around the world. Doug Johnston, Stephen Kenn, and Souda and De La Espada, are just some of the designers that are featured in this aesthetically pleasing space.
If designer furniture an art isn’t your style, check out how you can transform your commercial garage as we explore business ideas at the end of this article.
Check out Criteria Collection.
Kropka - Gdynia, Poland
Taking garage design to a whole new level is Kropka cafe in Poland with its unique pegboard style walls - you probably already have these in your garage to hang up tools. As a way to maximise a small space of 10sqm, designers from PB/Studio and Filip Korzarski decided to use pegboards for the walls as opposed to your standard brick and stone. It completely opened up the space allowing for kitchen utensils to be hung on the wall for aesthetic and practical purposes, pot plants, even the menus were written on chalkboards and were suspended off the wall.
The use of pegboards is an innovative way to create potential metric space within a smaller garage.
You can find out more about Kropka here, hopefully, you can read Polish!
How your garage door can transform your commercial space
Quite often your garage door will be the first thing your potential clients will see, if it’s old, weathered, rusty, and dented, you’re already on the backfoot. Not only does your garage door act as the gateway to your home, it can also contribute to the overall value of your property. This is where a customised commercial garage door can improve curb appeal, add value, and entice potential customers. A sectional garage door with glass inserts can serve as an entry point and a source of natural light that can really bring up the mood within the sape.
From choosing the profile, colour, material, features, and style, Gryphon Garage Doors Perth makes your vision a reality. We have a team that can create the custom garage door that fits your requirements. If you can picture it, we’ll build it.
Step into your business the right way.
14 small business ideas to start in your garage
- Car Detailing
- Auto Mechanic
- Computer Repair
- Pet Groomer
- Tutoring Class
- Photographer
- Social Media Manager
- Music Teacher
- Web Designer
- Graphics Designer
- Carpenter
- Barber
- Painter