In addition to the Vehicle Turntables, Stacking Systems and Specialized Storage systems I mentioned in my first post about the Great Garage, I failed to mention the extension of a longstanding trend into the garage space. The "HisandHerification" of the American home that began in the 70s with the double sink vanity in the master bathroom has grown up to include almost all areas of the home. The spread of his and her closets, separate home offices, bathrooms, exercise areas, kitchen work areas, even his and her living spaces like game rooms, home theatres, sewing rooms, and sitting rooms has been a part of the increase in the size of the new American home.

As more and more square footage has found it's way to the garage and three, four and five car garages have become the standard for upscale new houses the idea of his and her garages has become real. "His" garage dedicated to vehicle maintenance/restoration and property maintenance equipment like lawn mowers and snow blowers separate from "her" garage space dedicated to gardening support and children's sports equipment storage surrounding the minivan. Just as the husband and wife have different needs and desires in other areas of the house it is now evident that they have different needs and desires when it comes to the fit and function of their garage space.

Obviously, every household is unique and not every house needs or wants separate functional areas, but the trends are clear. The American home is changing and the lowly garage is ripe for a makeover. The technology of the automobile has grown radically in the last 100 years but the garage hasn't changed much. Automatic garage door openers have become standard in the last 30 years. The next 30 years may see the standardization of garage technology like turntables, vehicle stacking systems, modular storage systems even trash compactors.

It's gonna be a great future (in the garage.)