I guess some people actually park in their garages. We’ve been in our home for 15 years and have never used it for the intended function. Which explains why I dream of converting it to a family room one day shortly.
The very best thing about converting a garage into living space is that the construction already exists. Typically all you will need is a little creativity to change the interior into a comfortable, pretty, livable space. (An architect can be very handy when it comes to creating space in which you believed there was none).
These five examples — a studio, two living rooms, a mini home and guest quarters — have interpreted the humble garage in vastly different but both inspiring ways.
Urban Oasis
This is an exterior shot of a little studio that was a garage that is not-so-lovely.
Before Photo
Urban Oasis
This is in its original state: a dim and jumbled mess of space with some arbitrary storage thrown in.
Urban Oasis
AFTER: This is the same space reinvented as a bright studio apartment with a view to the pool. A crucial for a successful garage transformation is light, light, light. Because many garages begin small with relatively brief ceilings, natural light makes all the difference in the way in which the space feels.
Watch more of the garage transformation
Dark, windowless and arranged. To put it differently, your normal garage.
Smith & Vansant Architects PC
AFTER: This is one of my preferred renovations. It’s light and modern, with incredibly clever uses of distance. The architect managed to have a living room that was bright intriguing inside that garage.
Smith & Vansant Architects PC
Large windows and half walls increase the sense of space and openness, but also separate the entrance hall in the living area.
Watch more of the renovation
Michelle de la Vega
You may imagine what is in here: a broken lawn mower and a great deal of spiders.
Ira Lippke
AFTER: Artist, welder and designer Michelle de la Vega’s whole home is in this 250-square-foot former garage in Seattle. But for the addition of a bathroom, the footprint didn’t change.
Ira Lippke
A room of one’s very own, complete with sleeping kitty and loft.
Get the whole story here
Before Photo
It might be a dumpy garage in this shot, but those high ceilings are of what is to come a good omen.
Susan Jay Design
AFTER: Susan Jay Design transformed the garage of a ranch-style California home to a swinging midcentury living area. It’s still recognizable as the same structure since the architect maintained that open, magnificent ceiling.
Before Photo
Rossington Architecture
BEFORE and AFTER: Rossington Architecture in San Francisco transformed this shadowy, under-the-house garage common of the area to a bright playroom and guest quarters. Natural light comes from 1 wall only, however light colours and a great deal of pot lights help brighten the space.
See more photographs of the endeavor
Perhaps you have found extra living space in the garage?
Please show us an image and tell us about your project in the Comments!