Conceptual Minds | August 3, 2023
We Rate 11 Modern Auto Repair Shop Designs & Waiting Rooms
Two things make it much harder to capture the average consumer as an auto repair customer—when compared to other forms of retail.
- Repair services are a necessity, but don’t excite like food, entertainment, or shopping
- Though maintenance is an inflexible need, it’s not a frequent need
It’s tougher to generate interest, and the opportunities for doing so are few and far in between. One big solution: Create a modern auto shop waiting room that’s different enough to remember, comfortable enough to enjoy, and striking enough to recall easily.
Sound difficult?
Thankfully, it’s much easier to defy customers’s expectations when they have such a clear image in their head.
In this post, we’ll examine the look and feel of 11 different auto repair retail spaces and waiting rooms, providing guidance for improving the look and functionality of modern auto repair shop designs.
A Few Notes Before We Delve Into Auto Repair Shop Design Layout Examples
We’re going to be displaying a lot of photos of real-life auto repair shop design examples; some are in notably better shape than others. We want to make it clear that we don’t intend to judge or slam, as auto shops have notoriously slim margins, making expenses like layout and retail design difficult to afford.
While we’re big on pushing shops to develop distinguishable, clear, and engaging brands, the mark of a great shop is undeniably the work done in the garage. We don’t intend for any criticism of decor to represent any business’ worth.
A few other points to keep in mind:
- Images vary greatly in date
- Due to the age of the images, we can’t assume they look the same today
- It’s always easier to judge with the gift of foresight. Many of these decor themes may have served each shop well in the time and place they exist.
#1.) Kid-Friendly Auto Shop Layout With Living Room Comforts
Rating: A
No notes on this one.
Casey’s Automotive has designed a supremely clean, comfortable, and cozy modern auto shop waiting room. In addition to the mid-century decor and cozy leather chairs, the shop is equipped with a fully-stocked beverage bar, with K cups, water, soft drinks, and an inviting rack of coffee mugs.
Best yet, there’s a well-stocked play area for kids. Warm and inviting.
#2 Small Auto Shop Design: A Waiting Room Inspired by the Sports Car Look
#3.) Modern Auto Shop Designs: An Older Family Doctor’s Office-Style Waiting Room
#4.) Small Auto Shop Design: Homey, Professional & Simple
#5.) Modern Auto Repair Shop Design: Black on Black With a Racing and Heavy-Machinery Theme
#6.) Creative and Striking Mechanic Shop Layout Without Frills
Rating: C+
The simple design highlights the cleanliness of this modern auto shop waiting room .
While distinctive and memorable, the theme feels a little half-baked.
We’d love to see a bigger TV, especially for those sitting all the way opposite from it, but we still have a distinct and memorable auto shop waiting room.
If there’s ample seating elsewhere, that might be fine, but as is we’d like to see furniture placed more openly, as customers might feel cozier if they weren’t forced to face strangers in their eyesight.
We’d highly recommend expanding the coffee-pot carrying cart into a full coffee/beverage station. Depending on the comfortability of the couches, they may or may not be the best choice for a modern auto repair shop.
#7.) Salon Aesthetics Meets Modern Lighting And Cozy, Eclectic Artwork
#8.) High End & Earthy Coffee Shop Style; Ample and Accommodating
#9.) This Mechanic Shop Layout is Spacious, But a Bit Minimalist
Rating: B-
This modern auto repair shop waiting room lands in the middle between comfort and aesthetics.
It’s a spotless space with some quality seating, decent decor, and OK amenities.
We like the privacy of the waiting room separated from the retail floor, but some customers will feel far more comfortable in a more open space monitored by staff.
Beyond that, we’d like to see more decor. As is, it feels a little like a sparse work break room (Although more pleasant and accommodating than one might expect).
#10.) Small Auto Shop Design: An Overpacked Space With Overwhelming Colors and Mismatched Furniture
#11.) Rustic, Hip Interiors Where You Can Get a Pedicure While You Wait
Bonus: How We Designed Wiygul Automotive Clinic's Waiting Room
We’re too biased to rate Wiygul Automotive Clinic’s waiting room impartially—because we designed it (case study).
The before shot reveals a common auto shop paint theme; the yellow and blue Goodyear Tires colors. Compared with the more muted grey, the bright yellow appears abrasively bright and clashes with the matte blue shade.
We wanted the new design to visually convey Wiygul Automotive Clinic’s value proposition, as well as a handful of key messages.
We replaced the original paint scheme with something more subtle and modern; a professional and toned grey with orange accents to match Wiygul Automotive Clinic’s revised logo (Which we also designed). We also knocked back the front counter to allow for more waiting room space, which gives the retail floor a more welcoming feel.
We fully carpeted the floor and upgraded the seating, which marries the coziness of a plush living room with a refined coffee shop experience where customers can work remotely in peace and comfort.
Not too bad, if we do say ourselves.
Learn About Conceptual Minds
As veterans of the automotive industry, the Conceptual Minds team are experts at growing car counts through effective and personable marketing. If you are unsure of your current marketing strategy and would like some guidance, contact us today at 877.524.7696.
