If you don’t park your car in your garage, you can transform the space to fit your lifestyle needs! Many homeowners use their garages as extra rooms to create at-home gyms, offices, gaming rooms, and more. Turn your garage into a living space by painting the walls, installing equipment, and decorating it.

Clean and Declutter

Start by clearing out all the clutter in your garage. To make this process easy, organize your belongings into “keep,” “donate,” and “discard” piles. Once the space is free of unnecessary items, you’ll have a better idea of the area you’re working with and how to utilize it.

Insulate the Walls and Doors

Garages are commonly colder and less insulated than other parts of the house, especially during those brisk winter months. To keep your space comfortable year-round, add proper insulation to the walls, doors, and even the garage floor before decorating with personal effects.

Refresh the Walls and Floors

A fresh coat of paint on the walls can turn a dull garage into the room of your dreams. Choose a color that matches your interior design, and get creative with patterns or accent colors. Also, consider coating the floor with durable epoxy to create an appealing, easy-to-clean surface.

Upgrade the Lighting

Most garages have outdated or simple lighting fixtures that aren’t suitable for living spaces. Don’t settle for a dim light—swap out your lamps for new, brighter fixtures to make the space feel more inviting. To add some color and a modern touch, use LED lights.

Install Climate Control

Adding heating and cooling solutions will keep you comfortable in your new room, so install equipment to make it more pleasing to relax, work, or exercise in. As you decorate, remember to place items far enough away from infrared heaters to prevent accidents.

Furnish With Purpose

Once you’re ready to start filling in the space, pick out furniture to turn your garage into a living area. Place plenty of seating options, and set up desks or workout equipment, depending on your goals. Adding shelving is another great way to rehab your garage if you still need extra storage space.

Personalize and Decorate

Finish the transformation by adding decor that reflects your style. Rugs, curtains, artwork, and throw pillows can make the space feel cozy and complete. Whether you’re creating a retreat or a functional workspace, these details will make this room part of your home.

Before you renovate your garage, consider what existing fixtures you may need to work around in the process. Moving these structures can be costly and even dangerous if you don’t have the right tools for removal and installation. For guidance, always partner with a trusted professional.