Fashion Magazine

My Ideas for Turning a Garage into a Cool Multi-functional Space

By Heather Hahn @HeatherHahnn

If you’re lucky enough to have a garage, you may or may not use it for your car.

Some people like to keep their vehicle safe in their garage. But others would rather use the space for something else. You might even be lucky enough to have a garage big enough for storing a car and other uses. I love the idea of making the most of the space you have available, and a garage is one of the best places to do it. They often go underused, when there can be so much space that can go to good use. A multi-functional garage could fit in a lot of activities that you might think you need several rooms for. Here are my ideas for an awesome garage space that’s more than just a house for a car.

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Image by AbeEzekowitz

Give It an Inspiring Interior

Garages tend to look pretty dull on the inside. Maybe from the outside they look as good as the rest of the house, but inside they’re often all concrete and brick. There might be a single sad light hanging from the ceiling and maybe some white paint on the walls. If you want to use your garage as a living space, I say you need to start with some decorating. Getting some color into the room and tidying it up will go a long way. You can still keep the space practical too. For example, you could polish that concrete floor to give it a trendy shine. Replace the ceiling light with some spotlights, so you can brighten up the room.

Replace the Door

Another way to improve the interior, as well as the exterior is to change the garage door. In fact, you can put in a new interior door too. You might not have given garage doors much thought in the past. But you can get some beautiful models, whether you’re looking for modern or traditional. I love the range of Lakes garage doors, which can integrate seamlessly with the exterior of the house. The interior door could have a glass panel in it to let some light in from the house. Garages don’t always have windows, so it’s a good idea to find a way to create the appearance of one.

Separate the Garage into Zones

If you want your garage to serve several purposes, you could divide it into different zones. For example, you might want an office, workshop, and somewhere to store sports equipment. It will help you to use the space efficiently if you split it up for your different purposes. It can help to use varying lighting in the zones to create more of a line between them. You might also find that it helps to separate the areas using shelving units or other storage, or even by putting up screens.

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Image by Rubbermaid Products

Get Some Killer Storage

Keeping your garage tidy if you want to use it for lots of things can be hard. You might want it as an office space, but you also need to keep bicycles, ski equipment, or other stuff in there. Getting the best storage solutions is the key to this problem. There are so many innovative systems you can use that are perfect for garages. For example, you can get a ceiling storage system, which allows you to slide boxes in and out without taking up floor space. Use the walls and ceiling as much as possible to make the most of the available space. You can find different types of storage that are best suited for various items. For example, you might need a bike rack for your bicycle or a tool board for your woodworking tools.

Make It Comfortable

Garages tend to be cold, both regarding temperature and their decor. Whether you want to use yours as a den or an office, you need it to be a bit more comfortable. Installing some heating might be your first step, even if it’s just a small space heater. Some comfortable furniture is essential too. But you don’t just want a single armchair sitting in the corner of the room while the rest of the garage is full of stuff. This is where creating different zones will come in handy. Create a more pleasant space by adding other comforting features, such as rugs, cushions, and throws.

Your garage doesn’t have to be a messy space where you keep your car and anything else that doesn’t have a space. It can be a lot more if you put your mind to it.


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