Living in a garage, inspiration and tips

Having a wish is lovely. You look forward to making it come true, whatever it may be. But reality is often different. Take choosing your house, for example. Everyone advises you to go for a timber-frame house. Others like modern log cabins, but how about trying to live in a garage? You may be surprised, but this option can be not only financially attractive but also cosy. Who would have thought it!

The ideal home, but for whom?

In a book by the famous writer Gerard Durrell, I read this: “A house is not a home without a dog.” I would agree, especially if that home is a garage. Not everyone will like living in a garage, so getting a pet can liven things up, but there are other advantages too:

• Creating a home to your own taste

• Lack of money

• Young couples

• Students

• Single people

• Temporary housing while you renovate, for example, your house from the 1970s

• For older people

Before you move in

So you have decided to live in a garage. Good. Now the fun part begins, and it is essential to reaching your goal. First, tidy up and clear everything out thoroughly. It is definitely a good idea to get rid of dirt, dust and oil grease (this will probably take you the most work). Simply put, it is best to clear away all the clutter that has built up over the years.

Things that are unsuitable or that you no longer need are definitely worth selling, for example on Etsy. At least you will have more money for your renovation.

Damp affects everyone, as it tends to be the biggest problem. Go through the whole room and check all the walls, floors and ceilings. Damp is a real nuisance and likes to hide in places where you would not expect it. It can also harm your health.

Once you have cleaned up, be sure to focus on the windows and doors. Are you sure they seal properly? And would it not be better to replace the garage door with a proper working door? Ask yourself questions like these during the renovation.

Dividing into zones

Remember that your garage will resemble a studio flat. Dividing it into different zones with a living room will probably be the simplest approach. There are many options. Also, be sure not to forget to install efficient storage systems. They will save you a lot of space.

As for furniture, you can use what you already have (if you have any) or buy completely new pieces. It depends on your budget. We definitely recommend furnishing your garage home in a comfortable and efficient way. This means getting a made-to-measure kitchen unit so that everything really fits as it should. Believe us, every metre counts.

As for the living room, keep only the essential furniture: a small sofa with a coffee table will be more than enough. The glass cabinet full of grandma’s porcelain will have to stay in its box for now. It cannot be helped.

If your garage allows it even slightly, set up a workspace.

Installing water and electricity

Once you have cleaned up and moved the furniture in, get started on your new bathroom. The good news is that nowadays you can get a shower enclosure very cheaply, which saves you not only money but also space, which is really limited in a garage. You cannot avoid installing water pipes. On the other hand, you will appreciate them when using a washing machine or dishwasher.

We definitely recommend hiring professionals for this, for both the electricity and the water. Even the most experienced DIYer can make mistakes.

A small room and colours

This also applies if you decide to paint a studio flat: the colour scheme is key for your garage. At the very least, it will make it look bigger. And which colours are best? White, ivory, beige, pale blue, pale pink and apricot are shades that will definitely pay off, and you will also feel better in such surroundings.

Your new living room definitely needs wallpaper. Choose either a smaller pattern (flowers, geometric patterns) or a plain colour. Walls like these simply have to match.

You simply have to try living in a garage. At least abroad, it is very popular and easily accessible.

Zdroje: Bydlíme útulně, IDNES