.Miraculous Garage Transformations!

Guest Blog #181, Entry #661, September 15, 2011

Ever feel like your current home is just not “quite” big enough? Your stuff seems to be bursting out the seams? In-laws or another child entering the picture? Your need for a home office cramping the dining room style? I think I’m not alone when I say that probably 4 out of 5 of us are feeling this way and 4 out of 5 of us also do not have the budget right now to even dream about a bigger place or even adding on to the current one. Recessionista-frugalista times means conserve space, right? Absolutely. But it also, and equally as important, means making the most of the space we do have, which is why I think we’re seeing a new surge of the “garage transformation.”

Image courtesy of My Trades Direct

For even if we can’t acquire a new home office, or if the new baby is about to do a way with the one you’re currently using and we can’t imagine where to put all this craft stuff that simply does not fit any longer, most of us do have a garage… And thus: making the most of the space we’ve got right now just might call for a little garage miracle.

If you’re looking for space, you may be looking in the wrong direction. Whether you simply want to create an area that can give you some work room, whether that be for business, crafting, working out, watching TV or doing your hot yoga, the garage just may be your best bet. You can go as deep as you want in the renovation, closing off doors, insulating, putting down flooring and installing kitchen/bathroom/etc. or you can simply throw some paint on the walls, some fun rugs on the ground, a garage heater in the corner (maybe a mini-fridge for fun!) and haul out the appropriate furniture.

Need some inspiration to see what this transformation can actually look like? Thought so. I know I did. My mind just naturally equates garage to a cold concrete room with cars, oil and tools. But, thanks to my favorite friend, Pinterest: here are some amazing garage transformations that I’d like to re-create in an instant.

Need a lounging/living room that gives you some extra space to just relax?

 

Here’s what can happen if you turn a garage into your workout room:

 

 

 

 

And, if you need a new dining room, this rustic one would be my dream:

 

How about a very modern office garage re-do?

 

My mother would go crazy over this garage turned craft room:

 

Basic guest room with bed?

 

Finally, just for fun. If you have the room and budget, you could just go live in your garage.
I know I would definitely live in this one:

 

Freelancer Jocelyn is passionate about helping families live healthier and more sustainable lifestyles, whether that’s sharing a new fall recipe or describing a new home transformation.  You can follow her on Twitter at @hopesiempre. 

For more garage ideas on Stagetecture, click here.