When we find the home of our dreams, we like to settle in and get comfortable. Unfortunately, so does all our stuff, which, rather than growing up and eventually flying the nest, tends to loiter in corners and slowly accumulate through the years.
Many family homes reach bursting point without anyone being able to remember how they got there. It’s just suddenly noticed one year, after venturing into the garage for a bicycle on the first dry weekend of summer. You’ve been oblivious for years, but something makes you realise that every nook, cupboard and shelf in your home is inexplicably full.
Luckily, you’ve already found the solution – it’s that garage. If, like most other garage-owning households in the UK, yours is generally used as a storage container, it’s time to reclaim that precious square footage. Clear out the junk (sell it, bin it, donate it – it doesn’t matter), and spend a weekend hanging some drywall, sealing the floor, and giving the whole thing a lick of paint. Without any of the upheaval (and expense) of a full-blown garage conversion, you’ve got a whole new room for activities! Here are our suggestions about how to tailor it to your family.
The Dedicated Petrolhead
A garage is the natural home of the car enthusiast, and tidying up the space for car maintenance can only be a good thing. For starters, unlike your spouse or resident teenager, the car is not going to feel outcast for being moved into the garage. On top of that, it can reduce your insurance cost, ultimately saving you money.
Spare parts, oils and wax should be labelled and moved onto shelves, while tools can be hung on a customised pegboard for a satisfyingly ordered storage system. Before moving your motor inside, make sure your garage door is working properly – if it’s started to get stiff or heavy it might be a sign that it needs replacing. Up and over style doors are considered the most secure, and will keep your pride and joy safe while you sleep.
The Keen Crafter
If you’re living with a scrapbooker, cross-stitcher or avid Pinterester, you’re probably fed up with finding shreds of paper, sewing needles and glitter in every room of the house. Banish their craft to the garage, where they can cut and stick to their hearts content, without making everything indoors sticky and sparkly. Open shelving is a must for housing craft supplies, and decent lighting should be installed to help your crafter produce their best work.
The Entrepreneur
Office conversions are becoming increasingly common in the UK, as more people ditch the commute and work from home. A full renovation will make this a professional space long-term, but in the meantime, you’ll need a couple of things. Firstly, ensure your garage internet connection is (literally) up to speed – it’s no good setting up a distraction-free den if you have to come back into the kitchen to get anything done. Secondly, make sure that workplace necessities are easily accessible. That includes a supportive desk chair, stationery supplies and snack box.
The Budding Rockstar
Musicians of all ages will appreciate getting their own rehearsal venue, and creating a dedicated space in the garage will be one less headache for their unwilling audience in the main house. The vital additions are soundproofing, somewhere to store accessories and music sheets and a couple of comfy chairs to accommodate the occasional visit from their fans.
The Big Kid
Wish you had more space for fun in your life? Don’t we all. Luckily, an unused garage is the perfect space to set up a games room, whether you’re a foosball fan or a console connoisseur. Any kit that you want to keep clear of little ones (we’re looking at you, darts fans) are ideal candidates for getting relocated outdoors. More space for you, less chaos in your living room. Two problems solved.
The Aspiring Brewer
Fresh hops don’t give off the most pleasant aroma, and funnily enough, neither do fermenting ones. Resist the urge to empty that home-brew kit into the sink, and clear out some clutter to welcome your very own micro-brewery. All booze-making paraphernalia can be relegated to the garage, and installing an adults-only bar area allows your previously unused space to double up as an entertainment area for thirsty guests.
The Whole Family
If your house is just generally bursting at the seams, why not use a neglected garage as a second living room? Invest in a comfortable sofa, TV and sound system and a Wi-Fi extender if you need one, and enjoy having the flexible space to share as a family, or to complement your current lounge and prevent arguments over who’s watching what.
