Sometimes you just have to take a deep breath and take on the big, ugly projects.
That’s why I recently turned my attention to this large, ugly room. The garage/workshop/barn section of our barn. Which I don’t know that you’ve ever really seen on this blog. There may be a reason for that.
It ain’t pretty, folks.
But, we have some big plans to make it an extension of our (tiny) living space and a really useful area to work on projects, play, and store our “necessities.” Especially as the winter approaches when we won’t be able to enjoy the outdoors as much.
There is so much junk and so much insulation going on.
Not to mention so many tools and very little organization. So we always spend about 20 minutes looking for anything we need.
There are 14 screwdrivers in that pile and God knows we can’t find a single one to use when building IKEA furniture building.
These are the indoor stairs to the upstairs apartment, so we also need to make this a practical and safe area.
So, now you’ve seen the ugly. It’s pretty bad. Which means there’s nothing to do but get better. Ryan and I are determined to use the next few months to get this area whipped into shape – not only looking good but also functioning well. For very little dinero.
Space
- Mudroom – a place to remove and store shoes, coats, hats and bags. (Cause ain’t nobody got room for those things in the apartment. And I don’t want all the dirt and mud trekked in.)
- Storage, storage, storage – it’s most important for us to create a place for everything. Ev-ery-thing. Which include all of Ryan’s tools, paint, additional supplies like lumber, paint and hardware, outdoor/large toys, yard tools … the list goes on and on. Everything needs to find a home. With a label – because neither Ryan nor I are great about putting this away.
- Laundry – the laundry room is teeny tiny, but it will need to be functional.
- Workspace – we want to have dedicated areas for Ryan to work. Which means it needs to be clear of junk and not become a magnet for clutter. These spaces could also be used for potting/gardening and painting.
- Parking – the middle of the garage will need to function as … A GARAGE. 😉 We’ll park our cars and our Gator there, so it will be empty.
- Entertaining – long term, I have some pretty big ideas for this space. I want to make choices for this space that will also allow us to “hide away” parts of it and convert for entertaining. I love to host events and parties, and this could really become a lovely space for this, even after we build.
Maybe this is too much to do in one garage. But, I think it’s doable. It’s a large area, and anything is better than this, right?
Lighting
Climate controlled
Interesting features
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Trisha D. says
I haven’t come across many garage updates and simply cannot wait to see how your space turns out. I’m most excited to see how you organize all ‘dem tools! We struggle with tool storage like you wouldn’t believe!
Kelly @ Corner of Main says
Oh boy! You guys are going to be busy! I can’t wait to see how you organize it all…then you can come do it to our garage and basement 😉
Shavonda@AHomeFullOfColor says
OH now THIS is gonna be goooooood my fellow small space dweller. Im so excited for this makeover. Nothing better than a room that serves triple duty.
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
That’s a tall order but wow, will that be spectacular if you can pull it all off! I can’t wait to see where it all stands in 6 weeks!
Kim Woodward says
Well, you know what they say about aiming for the moon? Maybe I’ll end up in the stars? Or the tree line. Anything will be better than right now. I feel like it’s doable, but I’m also insane.
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
Look at you being all out of the box with working on your garage! I can’t wait to see what you guys do!
Kim Woodward says
Thanks, Ashley! This is something that we really need, so I’m hoping we can make the time and stay motivated.
Julia@Cuckoo4Design says
You are planning a truly multifunctional space. Can’t wait to see you pull it off.
Kim Woodward says
Thanks, Julia! Even if we just managed to get everything organized and put away, I feel like it willl be a success.
Anu says
You’re going to be busy Kim! Love that you chose to tackle this space and am really excited to see how you get all those must have functions into it. 🙂
Kim Woodward says
Thanks, Anu! I’ve already found so many great, simple ideas to organize. So, I’m hoping we can implement them. Honestly, if we could just spend a day going through everything, categorize, and organize, we’d be a good step ahead.
Amber @ Wills Casa says
You are going to have your hands full, but it’s going to be amazing once it’s done. Plus it will make living in the barn much less stressful when you have this huge space functioning! I’m so excited to see it come together (and evolve once the house is done). You’re always thinking big Kim! Love it!
Kim Woodward says
Sometimes, I think a little too big. I think I’m giving Ryan a bit of a panic attack.
Brynne@TheGatheredHome says
Wow – you and Gretchen are neck and neck for ambition with this fall in love series! I just love your ideas for this space and how multi-functional it’s going to be! I can’t wait to see the transformation!
Kim Woodward says
I feel like starting with no walls is a good way to ensure you’ll have a big difference in the after. I mean, just walls are an improvement, right?
Kristi says
Can’t wait to see what you do with the space. I am sure it will be adorable.
Kim Woodward says
Thanks, Kristi. I’d take organized.
Gretchen says
ooh, you’re being even more ambitious than we are! What a great space you have to work with!
Kim Woodward says
I think going ambitious is the way to go. Can’t wait to see if you and I end up with walls. That would be a win, right?
Megan says
I love it – it will make your tiny house seem so much bigger. One idea that I wish I could have cement floors for… I saw someone paint their cement basement floor with a curvey road, and grass, etc. And their kids could ride their cars, bikes around on the track….
Kim Woodward says
This is such a great idea! Fun for the kids!
Bethany @ Dwellings by DeVore says
Love your moldboard! Can’t wait to follow along!
cassie says
oh i know you can do it! and i love the staircase already! 🙂
Kim Woodward says
Me, too. And seeing the photos actually gave me a different idea than what I was planning originally. We’ll see if Ryan gets onboard.
michelle@decorandthedog says
I like how I took like the easiest room and you took the world’s hardest. Your plan sounds awesome!
Kim Woodward says
Hahaha…. this is the ONLY room I actually have. So, it’s more an act of necessity.
Sarah says
I am so interested to see how you MacGyver this area to serve your needs!
Kim Woodward says
I’m planning to use a hammer, a roll of tape and two paperclips to make it happen.
Katja | Shift Ctrl Art says
Oh my goodness Kim, You guys win hands down for most ambitious project. I LOVE the plans you have laid out. I am so excited about it!!
Kim Woodward says
Thanks, Katja. I’m excited to have it done. 😉