A plain garage can become one of the best rooms in the house. One homeowner is partway through a stylish makeover of hers, and she shared a quick checklist of everything she has finished so far, along with what she still plans to do.
The progress update is on @roxy_home_living, told with on screen labels and check marks and no spoken commentary.
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Gold garage door frames
The first check mark goes to the gold garage door frames. She spray paints the door hardware gold using a Rust-Oleum can, and an overview of the garage shows the painted gold framing running along the doors. It is a small detail that sets the tone for the whole space.
Black walls and an air conditioner
Next come black walls. She stirs a can of black paint and paints above the garage door from a ladder. Near the ceiling, a painted message on the wall reads “It’s so HOT in here,” pointing to the air conditioning unit she has added to keep the room comfortable.
Insulation panels
She unboxes foam insulation panels and slots them one by one into the recesses of the garage door, standing on a step stool. The white panels stand out against the gold frames. Insulating the door helps hold in cool or warm air, which makes an air conditioner work better.
Track organization and storage
The organization work starts with a black tool track installed on the wall. It ends in a full wall of hanging tools and brooms. She also stacks black heavy duty storage totes into vertical shelving, so loose items are off the floor and out of sight.
Slatwall and workbench
Last on the finished list is a wooden slatwall accent wall beside Craftsman tool cabinets, with the air conditioner above. A quick cut shows the workbench corner finished and uncluttered, lit by warm overhead lighting that gives the whole space the look of a polished workshop.
What comes next
Two items remain. A mock up image shows a scenic tree wallpaper mural across the garage door panels, and a close up shows the electrical panel cover that still needs to be completed. The final result is not shown yet.
Garage makeover tips
- Use paint to unify mismatched hardware. Metallic spray paint is a quick way to update door frames and brackets.
- Insulate before you cool. Door insulation panels and a window unit or mini split can make a garage usable in summer.
- Take advantage of wall space with tracks and slatwall so tools stay organized and visible.
- Stack lidded totes on shelving to protect seasonal items from dust and moisture.
- Keep an electrical panel accessible. Local code usually requires clear space in front of it, so check before building around it.
Why garages get so hot
A garage door is a large, thin surface, and most garages have little insulation in the walls or ceiling. Heat flows in through the door, the roof and any gaps around the edges. Insulating the door, sealing air leaks with weatherstripping and caulk, and adding a properly sized cooling unit all work together. Cooling a leaky garage tends to waste energy, which is why insulation and sealing come first.
Safety in a finished garage
- Never run a vehicle or a gas powered engine in a closed garage. Exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which cannot be seen or smelled.
- Install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms, especially if the garage is attached to the house.
- Store paints, solvents and fuel in their original, labeled containers away from heat and ignition sources.
- Use a dedicated circuit for a large air conditioner or heavy tools, and have a licensed electrician add or change circuits.
- Keep a fire extinguisher near the exit.
Common questions
Do I need studs to hang heavy tools? For most wall storage, yes. Mount tracks and slatwall into studs rather than into drywall alone, and follow the weight ratings on the hardware. A stud finder makes it easy to mark the spots.
How much space does an electrical panel need? Codes typically require a clear working area in front of the panel, often around three feet deep, with nothing stored in it. Rules vary, so confirm the details with your local building department or an electrician.
Can I put a mural on a garage door? Many people use removable, peel and stick coverings that can come off without damage. If you live in a community with an owners association, check its rules about exterior appearance first.
Try this at home: plan a garage reset
- Empty the garage onto the driveway and sort everything into keep, donate and discard.
- Sweep, wash and let the surfaces dry before painting.
- Fix leaks and gaps, then add insulation.
- Mount storage into studs, with the heaviest items lowest.
- Put everyday tools at arm’s reach and seasonal items up high or in lidded totes.
Credit for the original post goes to @roxy_home_living on Instagram.
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