Anthony Scaletta, Encore Garage, is a finalist in the 2014 Top Shelf Design Awards competition with his project "Small Garage - Big Solution" entered in the Garage under 600 square feet category.

Project Description: This small two-car garage space in a 1950's build home was in dire need of some updating and improvement. The customer had several directives with this project; 1) make the garage look beautiful, 2) give us more storage space, 3) give us an oversize sink that can be used as a dog wash, 4) enhance the lighting and heat the garage; 5) give me plenty of workbench space with and a custom pull out bin system.

We started with a two-tone epoxy floor featuring a dark boarder. For cabinets we settled on a Windswept Pewter finish and full edge cap handles and butcher block countertops for a sleek contemporary look. We created more storage space by including several storage cabinets including floor to ceiling tall storage units along the back wall. In addition, we added an new attic staircase and accompanied by a Versa Lift motorized attic lift system to make lifting boxes and bins into the attic effortless. Plumbing was added for a sink and then we created an oversize sink feature enclosed in a cabinet with a slatwall back splash and valance containing recessed lighting. A 6ft workbench was added on the left wall which included a customer pull out bin system featuring 12 Handi-Solutions bins on each side of a Handi-Wall center divider. To finish if off, four contemporary custom lighting fixtures were added along with a wall mounted electric heater and a Gladiator stainless refrigerator.

List materials used in the project, including wood, veneer, laminate, hinges, decorative accessories, etc.: EncoreGarage Windswept Pewter melamine "Garge-Grade" cabinets. Full edge cap handle profiles. Butcher block countertops. Mustee Utilatub oversize utility sink, Berko in wall electric garage heater, Gladiator garage refrigerator, Versa-Lift motorized attic lift system, Portfolio 48-in L Brushed Aluminum Ceiling Fluorescent Lights, Handi-Solutions Taupe slatwall

Describe any design challenges, i.e. obstructions, etc.: The age of the home presented several unique challenges. The attic had to be reinforced to allow for the weight of additional storage. There were several unsightly electrical conduit pipes running along the outside of old cinder block wall because the home's electrical panel was actually located in the garage. We had to design the plan in such a way to conceal these pipes. Then to conceal the electrical panel we actually created special shallow cabinets that were mounted in front of these. The greatest challenge was creating more storage space in a garage with a very small footprint and very tight attic space.

Was the design created by hand or software program? If software program, which one did you use?: CabinetVision

Describe the installation process and any challenges.: Floor was patched and coated with an epxoy flake system. Additional electrical and plumbing was added per plan. New attic stairs were installed. The attic was reinforced to allow for the weight of additional storage. The Versa-Lift system was installed. Trim was installed throughout the garage and provide a clean appearance. Trim and walls were painted. Cabinets were installed along cinder block walls. Stainless steel legs were installed under cabinets. Remaining cinder block had to be fired out so it could be covered with slatwall panels to add functionality and button up the overall look. New lighting fixtures were installed. Sink was installed and hooked up.

Winners will be announced April 9 during a gala awards reception at the 2014 Cabinets & Closets Conference & Expo at the Hotel Somerset-Bridgewater. Visit cabinetsandclosetsexpo to register for the event. Voting for the People's Choice award is still open. Visit the Top Shelf Design Awards gallery to pick your favorite project.