Are you looking to add to your current living space? Before you invest in a costly home addition or renovation, there may be a more budget-friendly option available. If you have an unused garage, either partially or in full, it’s time to put that space to work for you and your family!

An open garage space, whether it’s an attached or detached garage, is like a blank canvas. It’s a large space full of possibilities.

In this guide, we are going to dive deep into the world of garage conversions, a growing trend across the country. This includes everything from creating a basic living space to more elaborate hobby-focused rooms, rentable spaces, home businesses, and more. With a little imagination and ingenuity, you can convert your garage to an outdoor living space that suits all your needs.

Here’s some inspiration to get you started…

Extend Your Living Space

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With the rising cost of housing, many homeowners are looking for new ways to extend the living space in their current homes to avoid house hunting. If you find that your current home is feeling a little small, converting your garage into a usable living space is a great solution. The amount of work required for this conversion will depend on the type of living space you are looking to create. A simple living space can be created with nothing more than finished walls, comfortable flooring, a source of garage heating, adequate lighting, and some comfortable living room furniture. However, you can spice up the area with feature walls, french doors, green plants, built-in surround sound systems, fireplaces, and more.

Epic Man Cave

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Guys, this one’s for you! Are you dreaming of a space where you and the guys can retreat to share a beer, watch the game, and just ‘be guys’? If so, you’re not alone. The idea of creating a man cave space for this exact purpose is nothing new. However, you may not have considered the possibilities when it comes to using your garage for this purpose. Depending on your garage and its construction, you can finish off the interior walls or embrace the brick design, find the perfect lighting, purchase a bar fridge to keep your beer cold, or add luxuries like a big-screen television or in-floor heating. Don’t forget the comfortable, casual seating so that everyone can relax.

Backyard Office Space

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Working from home is gaining in popularity, with more companies than ever embracing the benefits of remote working. However, many remote works struggle with creating a healthy balance between work and home when the two are combined in a single living space. Instead of using your garage to create extra living space, why not take the opportunity to make an office separate from your existing home. By creating the illusion of going to the office (even if it’s on the same property), you will make it easier to mentally separate work from home, lowering your stress levels and improving your overall health and well-being. For those who may be joining in on Zoom calls or inviting clients into their office, this is also a great way to avoid bringing people into your home in any form.

She-Shed Style Retreat

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Alright, ladies, we already discussed creating a man cave, but what about a space for the girls? You may have heard the term ‘She-Shed’ but who says that it must be restricted to just a shed? If you have an unused garage available, why not turn it into your dream hangout space strictly for your and your girlfriends? There are many ways you can transform this space including adding a pop of color for personality, building in a wine fridge or storage area, and, of course, don’t forget the plush, comfortable seating that will encourage you to kick back and relax. Follow your heart and make this space our own!

Cozy Guesthouse for Visiting Friends and Family

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If you live a distance from your friends and family and enjoy having them come visit, then you understand the importance of having somewhere for your loved ones to stay. However, not every house has an extra bedroom available to use as a guest room. If this sounds familiar, here’s a solution! Turn your garage into a cozy space that you can use as a guesthouse. By including a bedroom, sitting area, and bathroom, you can make this a fully functional space for your loved ones to enjoy while enjoying quality time together in the shared spaces like the dining room and kitchen. The larger the garage, the more you can add to the space to make it the perfect ‘home away from home’ for anyone visiting.

Home Theatre

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This option is a complete luxury, but one that many homeowners dream of incorporating into their homes. If you are a movie buff, why not turn your garage into a private home movie theatre for you and your loved ones? When addressing any windows or doorways, be sure to incorporate blackout curtains or other light-blocking solutions to create the perfect atmosphere. Add a big-screen television or projector, surround sound system, and comfortable seating, and you’re fully prepared to enjoy your favorite movies in style. If you are really interested in taking your home theatre to the next level, you can also include a popcorn maker and soda fountain.

Stylish Backyard Bar

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If you enjoy entertaining in your backyard, then you understand how a backyard bar can elevate any outdoor space. Like your outdoor entertaining space, your bar should reflect your style and personality. Whether you love the tropical feel of a tiki bar or the more polished and professional appearance of a sleek, modern bar, using your garage as a starting point will provide you with structure, space, and protection from the elements. Consider constructing an indoor/outdoor bar with the ability to open the space up fully to your yard or close it off during less-than-ideal weather. Entertaining during the cold of winter will never be the same! Accessorize your backyard bar with comfortable seating, string lights, a television to watch the game, and, of course, a stereo system.

Art or Music Studio

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If you’re a creative individual, you may be on the search for the perfect place to tap into your artistry whether it be painting, sculpting, or creating music. This is a great option for making the most of your available garage space, whether it’s a corner of the garage or the entire structure. Install glass doors and ceiling windows to optimize the amount of natural light flooding into your new art studio. For those musicians looking for a place to practice or compose, soundproof insulation will provide you with a space where you can embrace your love of music without worrying about bothering the neighbors.

Home Gym

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One of the more classic garage conversion ideas, a home gym is sometimes difficult to build at home due to the square footage that it requires. Embrace your concrete floors and brick walls to create an industrial-style gymnasium for weightlifting or CrossFit training. On the other hand, if you are setting up a space for Zumba or a spin studio, you may be more interested in adding a pop of color by painting some or all your walls with bold colors. The larger garage doors make it easy to move any big equipment into the space as well as providing plenty of airflow when left open.

Garage Yoga Studio

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Yoga has gained a significant following in recent years, with as many as 1 in 3 Americans trying the practice at least once. Yoga offers several great benefits including reducing stress, improving flexibility, and even strengthening your overall physical health. While yoga doesn’t require too much room, a well-crafted yoga studio will provide you with a dedicated space to not only practice yoga but also to get into the calming mindset associated with many of the emotional and mental benefits. Hang motivational posters or artwork from the walls to motivate and inspire your journey or install a relaxing indoor fountain.

Classic Conversation Pit

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A popular feature in homes across the country in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, a conversation pit featured a sunken portion of the living room with plenty of built-in seating to accommodate several people comfortably. The seats all faced one another, encouraging conversation and connection. While the concept may seem outdated to many, why not use your garage space to create your own modern take? Set up your furniture in a circular or square fashion, with a low central table to hold snacks or drinks. Leave out any distractions that could take away from the main purpose of this space – to enjoy connecting with one another.

Fun Game Room or Home Arcade

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Another option for this unused space that focuses on entertaining your friends and family would be to convert your garage to an epic game room. There are many different approaches that you can take with this fun and unique conversion project. Create a traditional game room by adding a foosball table, pool table, or poker table to your space. But beware, each of these items will take up significant floor space, so if you’re trying to include other features like extra seating, you will need to account for it. If you and your friends are gamers, why not add a big-screen television with your favorite gaming system. For those with children, a kid’s corner will make the space enjoyable for the whole family.

Dream Laundry Room

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While it may not be the most exciting use of your garage (or at least, not for everyone), this unused space could be used to make a large laundry room with everything you need to stay on top of your housework. This works especially well if your garage is attached or built-in, with a door leading directly into your home. Utility spaces like laundry rooms are often full of neutral colors and practical features, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t add a little flare to make your space more enjoyable. With all the extra room that your garage provides, you can also include extra storage, keeping everything that you may need close at hand. You may even be able to convince the kids to pitch in on laundry day!

Kid's Playroom

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Speaking of children, this next suggestion is specifically for all the growing families. If you don’t already have a designated playroom or play space for your children, this is your chance. Not only will this provide a great place for your children to call their own, but it also helps to keep the mess and clutter contained in one designated area. Decorate up your playroom with bright colors, comfortable flooring, plenty of toy storage, and additional seating for the adults during a play date. Another fun feature to include is a projector and screen for a kid-friendly movie night. With the space being in the garage, away from the main living area, you may even want to let your kids decorate. After all, the only people that are going to see it are those that know they are walking into a playroom. Right?

Ultimate Walk-In Closet

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If your garage space is situated right by your master bedroom, this is the perfect opportunity to create the walk-in closet that you have already dreamed of. Build one large walk-in closet, separate closet space for you and your husband, or even include an ensuite bathroom with the space that you have available. You can even add a space for your dog’s clothing and accessories if you’re ‘that dog owner’. Stick with a basic closet design featuring shelves, drawers, and space to hang your clothing, or bring your new closet to life with remotely controlled moving elements. Don’t forget to include a full-length mirror and good lighting.

Teen Hang Out Space

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Are you looking for a safe place for your young teen and their friends to hang out? Rather than hoping that they can find somewhere outside the home, why not turn your garage into a dream hang out space. It’s far enough away from the home to give your children a sense of independence and freedom while still close enough that you can keep everyone safe. Putting this space together doesn’t have to break the bank, it’s more about making it a functional place that they can call their own. Some ideas to make this space memorable include a big-screen television with their favorite gaming system, casual seating made from wooden pallets (or you can repurpose the older living room couch that you have been planning on upgrading), string lights, and a bar fridge full of drinks and snacks.

Craft/DIY Room

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Anyone that is invested in the world of arts and crafts, or home DIY projects understands that these hobbies can take up a lot of room in the house. We often start with the best intentions, setting up our hobby in a quiet corner and promising that we won’t let it get out of hand only to find that we are struggling with lack of space before long. If you’ve been there, you’re not alone! Converting your garage into your dream crafting or DIY space will provide you with all the space necessary for your latest projects and those that you have been planning on starting. Decorate using natural colors to create a relaxing environment or tie in a cheery color to inspire your creativity. You can also include extra storage for all your supplies, helping you to keep the space looking somewhat clean and organized while still fully functioning for your needs.

Dog Palace

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Dog people, this one’s for you! If you’re like me, your dogs are a HUGE part of your life and that often carries over into what we prioritize in our homes. It may seem crazy to some people, but why not convert your garage into a dog palace for your pooch. Not only will this space spoil your pup a little in their daily life, with everything they love in one spot, but it’s also a safe and comfortable place for your dog to stay when you’re not home. Try incorporating indoor-outdoor spaces to make it easy for your dog to do his business outdoors while also providing easy access to a covered and sheltered area to protect him from the elements. You can deck the space out with all the latest dog gear including filtered pet fountains, memory foam dog beds, and a pet monitor to keep an eye on him when you’re at work.

Garage Kitchen for Outdoor Entertaining

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While most of the projects on here are focused primarily on creating an indoor space, why not try a garage renovation project that ties your indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces together to create a backyard that will have everyone talking. Elaborate backyard kitchens are every foodie’s dream, but the weather can easily interfere with your dining plans. You don’t have to work around Mother Nature’s schedule! Convert your garage into a beautiful outdoor kitchen space with garage doors that open to a patio area with outdoor seating. The indoor portion of your setup will continue to function through the cold winter months or during heavy rain. However, when the weather is favorable, you can enjoy an alfresco dining experience in your own backyard. It’s the best of both worlds!

Indoor Pool and Hot Tub Space

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A fun way to leverage your unused space would be to convert your garage to an indoor pool or hot tub. This is particularly tempting for those that live further north where the usual pool season is cut short by colder temperatures. In addition to adding the pool or hot tub, you can also incorporate hooks and shelves to store your belongings, a change room, storage for your pool chemicals and accessories, or even a small bar for entertaining. When word gets out, your neighbors, friends, and family are all going to want to come to hang out at every possible opportunity. Be prepared to be the most popular house on the street.

Rental Home for Extra Income

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With the rise of interest in Tiny Homes, many people are looking for creative ways to downsize their lives and save money in the process. If you have a detached garage sitting on your property unused, this may present the perfect opportunity. This is a larger conversion than most of the ideas highlighted on this list, but it also has a sizable reward with the ongoing income that it can generate. You will need to consider the different areas needed for this tiny home to be a complete living space including a kitchen, bathroom, bed, and main living space. With a project this large, you should always take the time to investigate the building code requirements and any rules or restrictions in your area that may prevent you from moving forward with the project before getting started.

Short Term Rental Space

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If you aren’t ready to commit to a long-term rental agreement, another trend that has been seeing significant growth is the rise of short-term vacation rentals. This idea will be especially profitable if you live in an area with attractions that draw tourists to visit. Your garage conversion range anywhere from a basic hotel room style set-up with a sleeping space, a desk to work at, a bar fridge, and a television, or you can take it a step further with a tiny house design with all the additional features that a full house would provide. Check the rental listings in your area to get an idea of which rental styles are most popular as well as the average rental rate.

Spacious Sunroom

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Did you purchase your home after falling in love with your yard and the view that extends beyond it? If so, why not have a space where you can enjoy that view regardless of the weather? Install large glass windows all around your garage to create a beautiful sunroom. A versatile space, your sunroom can be a go-to space for relaxing, doing crafts, reading, dining, and more. The windows will allow for plenty of natural light. It’s the perfect location to kick back and safely enjoy a thunderstorm if that’s something that you’re interested in. During the winter months, you will need to either spend more money heating the space or cover the windows with insulated curtains to keep the cold air at bay.

Library and Reading Nook

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Book lovers unite! If you grew up dreaming of someday owning your own library with book-covered shelves as far as the eye can see, this is your opportunity. The work involved in converting your garage into a home library is relatively simple compared to many of the ideas on this list. After finishing the walls and flooring, install shelves around the room. Finally, create a comfortable place to sit and read for hours on end. You’ll be able to escape to the creative and exciting worlds described in each of your books in style. Parents, add a ‘kids corner’ to your space to help foster a love of reading from a young age with all of your favorite children’s books.

Photo or Video Studio

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As any photographer can tell you, having a proper studio setup can be a game-changer! Whether you’re a hobby photographer just learning how to frame your subject in the most flattering way or a professional looking to take your photography business to the next level, your unused garage space may be the perfect solution! Not only would this conversion project allow you to create a beautiful space for taking pictures, but you can also factor in strategic storage options for backdrops, props, and more. If you are looking for an ‘all-in’ solution, add a small office space with a desk and computer for editing photos right on site.

Home Business Space

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Speaking of professionals, what about all you hard-working small business owners? One of the biggest struggles faced by small business owners is finding the balance between work and home, especially when your work is all over the house. Using your garage conversion to create a home business space allows you to separate the two, a move that makes it easier to relax and enjoy your time off. For those that are running a clothing-based business, you can add change rooms to your space making it easier than ever for your customers to shop. You may even wish to add a small washroom so that you can separate the two spaces completely with no reason for customers to ever enter your home.

Mud Room

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Rather than viewing your garage conversion as a separate space from your home, you may be interested in designing the space to create the ideal entryway. A mudroom will help you to keep the dirt, mud, and grime from your kids, the family pets, and more. The overall design and layout of your mudroom will depend on your needs. If you have children, consider creating individual locker spaces for each child to hold their coats, boots, mittens, school bags, and more. Dog owners, a built-in doggy shower space will make it easier than ever to clean the mud from your pup’s paws before he goes running through your house. You can also include built-in storage for your winter coats and accessories during the off-season.

Outdoor Washroom

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Homeowners that enjoy spending as much time as possible outdoors are often looking for solutions to avoid running in and out of the house constantly, tracking in dirt and grime. The biggest reason that people need access to your home is to use the bathroom, so the obvious solution is to move the bathroom outside. You can always rent a portable outhouse for your next event OR you can build an outdoor washroom using the available space in your garage. Place the toilet in an enclosed room while setting up the sink outdoors for easy access for washing your hands. Incorporate an outdoor shower for easy outdoor cleaning of the kids, the family pet, or yourself, if necessary.

Winter Retreat

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There are few sights as beautiful and peaceful as freshly fallen snow, however, the cold temperatures keep many of us indoors. If you live in a location with a significant stretch of winter to survive, why not create a beautiful winter retreat? To truly appreciate the beauty of the season, you will need to include some strategically placed windows, showcasing the best view from your space. However, if you limit the number of windows to one area it will be easier to keep your retreat feeling warm and cozy. Of course, what’s winter without a fireplace? You can install a traditional wood stove or, if you’re not interested in the work involved with bringing in wood for the fire, a gas fireplace insert will provide the right ambiance.

Study/Homework Room

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This space may not be the biggest hit with your children, but parents everywhere will love the idea of having a designated study and homework room for the kids. The idea is simple – Include everything that your children need to stay on top of their school projects and assignments while removing unnecessary distractions. As your children get older, the space can mature with them by adjusting its contents to meet their needs at each stage. If you have multiple children, the space can be set up as a single open room where they can all work together or use room dividers to create individual study areas for each child.

Luxury Catio

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We’ve already talked about how to spoil the dogs in your life, but what about our feline friends? Catios are fully enclosed outdoor patios designed for your cats. They are sometimes built as indoor-outdoor spaces incorporating both an outdoor area for your cat to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air as well as a sheltered area for bad weather or simply when they don’t want to be bothered. After all, cats are known for being divas! Give your cat the palace that he deserves complete with outdoor hammocks, scratch posts, cushioned perches, comfortable indoor beds, a litter box, and a dining space.

Indoor Garden Area

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Bring your backyard garden space indoors so that you can enjoy it year-round by creating your own indoor green space. There are many ways that you can convert your garage into an indoor garden area including adding a lot of windows for a greenhouse-style aesthetic, building large planter boxes indoors, or embracing the fun and quirky appearance of bringing together potted plants of all different sizes, colors, and styles. If you’re a gardener that longs all winter for the opportunity to work in the garden once again, this is designed with you in mind!

Outdoor Diningroom

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Why host all your dinner parties indoors when you can create a beautiful dining space that opens up to your backyard? This relatively simple garage conversion idea can be accomplished with minimal work required. Embrace the brick design of your garage space by either leaving it natural or whitewashing it to give your walls character. For furniture, you will want to include a large table with seating around it and additional seating options for larger gatherings. Finally, don’t forget the lighting! An illuminated ceiling fan will light up the area while helping to introduce airflow on the warmer days, or choose a decorative light fixture to make your space one of a kind.

Relaxing Meditation Space

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With researchers investing time and finances into better understanding the benefits of mindfulness for our overall health and well-being, it’s no surprise that many people are working to incorporate meditation into their daily schedules. If you live in a busy home, the biggest challenge is finding a quiet place where you can focus on clearing your mind and creating that calming environment. This conversion project doesn’t require too much space, meaning that it could be incorporated as part of a larger garage conversion. Decorate with relaxing natural colors, include some potted plants, and add a yoga mat or cushion as needed for your meditation time.

Additional Bedroom

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As your family grows and expands, it’s not at all uncommon to find yourself searching for opportunities to incorporate an additional bedroom or two in your home. Most homeowners look to the basement for this extra living space, but that’s not your only option. Transform your garage into a beautiful bedroom space for your family or to use as a bedroom for guests. If you have a large garage available, you could divide the space to allow for multiple bedrooms. Your garage is a blank canvas just waiting for you and your family to infuse the space with your style and personality. Just be careful to fully insulate and heat the space if your garage wasn’t already winterized.

Add a Loft Sleeping Area

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While this option isn’t a complete conversion all on its own, it’s a great way to incorporate a bedroom without giving up your entire garage space. If you have a tall enough garage available, a loft bedroom can be incorporated over almost any other room or living space such as a dining room, entertainment room, library, study, or even above a functional heated garage. Your loft can include open railings with a clear view of the space below or, if you’re looking for a little more privacy, choose a more structured railing to function as a partial wall. This is a great option for those trying to incorporate a bedroom for guests without completely sacrificing living space.

Indoor/Outdoor Patio Space

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An indoor/outdoor patio space is a great opportunity to create a blended living space with your garage conversion. Use the available space to lay out a seating area, bar, and dining space for a fully functional entertainment space for your next get-together. Using large glass doors, this indoor space can then open to a concrete patio with your grill or outdoor kitchen. Use stylish outdoor furniture choices both indoors and on the patio to tie the two together such as dark wicker furniture or a more rustic wood design. You may also want to add a simple 3-piece bathroom, allowing you to host a party without giving your guests access to the main house. The end goal is to create an indoor-outdoor space that flows and functions as one.

Woodcarving Studio

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One hobby that deserves its own specific mention is woodworking and carpentry. A highly creative form of artistic expression, those who love creating elaborate creations out of wood need a wide variety of different tools and the space to store them safely. At the same time, it’s an activity that creates a significant mess. This renovation project needs plenty of space for your tools, built-in storage, and proper ventilation for working with stains and other chemicals. Take a moment to consider the atmosphere that you enjoy most when working on your projects such as the ideal lighting, whether you listen to the radio, and any seating that you may require. This is your space and can be easily customized to your preferences.

Wine Cellar

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A wine cellar may look like a simple project; however, wine lovers know just how much careful planning goes into creating the perfect space to store your wine safely. This conversion project is going to require a highly sensitive cooling system that can keep your wine cellar at the ideal temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit as well as maintain the optimal level of humidity. Many wine cellars incorporate elaborate monitoring systems to catch any changes early. If the temperature isn’t maintained properly, it will have an impact on how quickly the wine ages making it difficult to assess when it should be opened to enjoy it at the perfect time. While there is a lot of work involved, anyone that truly appreciates good wine will recognize the value of a well-constructed wine cellar.

Gaming Room

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Take your garage conversion high-tech by creating an elaborate gaming room. If you enjoy playing video games and streaming with other gamers, this is the garage conversion that you have been dreaming of! The first thing that you will need to consider is the electrical needs of the space, strategically placing electrical outlets during the renovations. Next, you will need to ensure that you have strong internet available in the room. Finally, you can move your gaming setup into your new gaming room complete with all your favorite computer and gaming accessories, a comfortable gaming chair, and fun lighting.

Fish/Reptile Aquarium Room

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Do you have a love for fish and reptiles, but lack the space in your home for their large, elaborate aquariums? You can use your available garage space to create a dedicated space. Not only will this provide you with plenty of room to set up the aquariums and reptile habitats that your pets deserve, but you can also incorporate plenty of storage for everything that you need for their care. Install a large utility sink to make cleaning easier. You can also add a refrigerator or freezer to your space, if necessary, to store pet food properly. Pay careful attention to the heating/cooling system as well as the lighting in your space to create the ideal living conditions.

Dance Studio

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Encourage your children to embrace their love of dance or create the perfect space to express themselves through movement by converting your garage into a beautiful dance studio. With the large, open design of most garages, you have plenty of room to create a studio that can be used alone, with friends, or even to teach dance lessons from home. Install mirrors, a sturdy ballet barre, and a sound system to play your music throughout the space. With both heating and air-conditioning incorporated into the space, you can enjoy your dance studio all year, regardless of what the weather may be doing outside.

Cold Cellar Storage

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Gardeners and preppers will enjoy this next suggestion! Rather than finishing your garage for use as a living space, you can complete a simple conversion turning your unused space into a functional cold cellar for the storage of root vegetables, canned goods, and more. This is one of the easiest conversions on this list since it isn’t focused on the appearance of the space or any elaborate decorations. Instead, your focus will be creating easy-to-access shelving and storage opportunities while also keeping the space cool enough to preserve your food properly. This space would be even more convenient if your garage space happens to be directly off your kitchen.

Home Brewing Space

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Have you ever considered taking up brewing as a hobby? Craft beer is gaining popularity as brewmasters across the country experiment with new ingredients and flavors. Homebrewing is a fun hobby, but it requires a lot of equipment (which can be expensive) and a large enough space for the full process. Your newly converted home brewing space will give you the opportunity to enjoy homebrewing without allowing it to take over your kitchen entirely. You can also incorporate plenty of storage to keep everything that you will need close at hand. Cheers!

Recording Studio

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Embrace your love of music by creating your own home recording studio. Whether you are a singer/songwriter, channeling your emotions through your own original songs, or planning on recording your own spin on a classic, this will quickly become your favorite place to pass the time. The renovations for this space are relatively basic and low-cost, with a focus on soundproofing the place appropriately. This frees up your budget for the high-end recording equipment that you will need to purchase. When you’re finished, it will be the perfect space to gather your friends for a jam session or work on recording your next album.

Backyard Spa

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There is something truly relaxing about going to the spa, leaving all your worries and stress behind. Unfortunately, leaving the house to head out to your local day spa isn’t always an option, whether it’s due to time or a tight budget. The perfect solution is to renovate your unused garage space to create a beautiful backyard spa. Install a whirlpool tub with all the relaxing jets or a more traditional clawfoot tub for a relaxing place to soak. Set the mood with a sound system for relaxing music, soft lighting, and potted plants to bring the calming touch of nature into your space. Built-in storage cabinets will provide you with plenty of space to stash your candles, bath bombs, towels, essential oils, and any other supplies that you need for the dream spa getaway from the comfort of home.

Indoor Skating Rink

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Celebrate the joy of winter in style by building your own indoor skating rink. This is a conversion option that is better suited for a large, detached garage, providing you with enough space for the rink itself as well as any equipment that you need to set it up and maintain your rink throughout the colder months. If space allows, you may also want to incorporate storage lockers, change rooms, and a bathroom. During the summer months, you can use the space as storage or repurpose it for another use such as a home gym or hobby space. Invite all the neighborhood children over for a game of hockey and you will quickly earn the title of the coolest neighbor year after year.

Extended Pantry/Storage Space

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One of the biggest complaints that I have heard from homeowners regarding their current kitchen is the lack of storage space available. If you don’t have the space in your home to add a large pantry, don’t despair. You may be able to enjoy the pantry of your dreams through a garage conversion! Turning your garage into an extended pantry or storage space is relatively easy. You want to incorporate as many shelves and cupboards as possible with the space that you have available. If you really want to take it to the next level, consider adding a sink and a dishwasher to address any cleaning needs without having to go far.

Sewing Room

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Another hobby that can quickly take over your house if you allow it to is sewing. From setting up your sewing machine to storing large bolts of fabric, the designated sewing corner doesn’t often stay tucked away neatly in the corner for long. Rather than becoming frustrated while trying to fit everything that you need into a small area, why not create the large sewing room of your dreams. Use the storage areas in your conversion to organize your supplies, making it easy to find what you’re looking for at any given time. At the same time, the large room will provide plenty of space for bigger equipment and supplies like dress forms and fabric steamers.

Coffee Bar

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We’ve already looked at the option of using your garage space to create a bar for entertaining, but what if your idea of an entertaining space doesn’t involve alcohol? While the word ‘bar’ generally brings that image to mind, it’s not the only bar that you can enjoy from home. Another great way to make use of this unused space is to make an elaborate coffee bar to be enjoyed by you and your loved ones. Invest in a high-end coffee maker, grinder, and espresso machine to make all your favorite hot drinks. A small bar fridge will provide plenty of space for milk and various creamers. As for furniture, comfortable seating and small tables will create the perfect atmosphere to relax and enjoy your coffee at any point throughout your day.

Homeschooling Learning Space

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Parents that are homeschooling their children understand the struggle that can come from finding the ideal space in the home for lessons. This can be difficult due to space constraints, the activities of other family members, and other distractions that can take your child’s focus away. If you’re committed to the homeschooling process, why not create a space specifically designed for your child’s education? Your new homeschool learning space can be customized to fit your child’s learning style while also providing you with the tools that you need to help guide their educational journey close at hand. Some fun and creative ideas for the room include a reading corner, a science station, and an arts and crafts area.

Poker Room

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You’ll be hosting poker night for the foreseeable future after investing in your dream poker room. This garage conversion isn’t for everyone. However, if you are a poker lover, why not embrace it? When creating this space, you’ll obviously want to include a nice poker table complete with comfortable chairs for everyone playing. Add a fridge stocked with cold drinks to fuel the night and storage space to keep your go-to snacks close at hand. When selecting your lighting, look for something that can be adjusted as needed, dimming it when you are settling in for a game while also offering enough bright light for cleaning or set up, if needed.

Writer's Sanctuary

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Writers, are you looking for a little inspiration or a creative boost? Many of us have heard of writer’s retreats where you unplug from the outside world to focus entirely on your latest project. Unfortunately, getting away isn’t always feasible. With a carefully planned garage conversion, you can create your own ‘retreat’ at home by building a writer’s sanctuary. For this to work, you will need to share your plans with any family members or roommates in your home. This will help you prevent unnecessary distractions. When decorating the space, don’t get too elaborate. The more that you include, the less likely you are to focus on your writing. Instead, keep the space simple with just the basics.

Children's Indoor Playground

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We already discussed the idea of creating a fun children’s playroom, but why not take it to the next level? Rather than just creating a space for your kids to hang out and enjoy their toys, an indoor playground includes large climbing equipment, ball pits, and more. This is specifically designed to get your kids up and moving, encouraging them to be more physically active. Pay careful attention to the safety features required for each item that you choose to include, setting the space up to prevent any accidents or injuries. This includes safety netting, cushioned mats or flooring, and padded surfaces. Add comfortable additional seating on the edge for parents and supervisors to relax while watching the kids at play.

Multi-Purpose Flex Space

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After reading through the options, do you find yourself torn between multiple ideas? Who said that you had to choose just one? Many of the garage conversions included on this list can easily be adapted to include a single blended living space. Take a moment to make a list of your ‘wants’ and ‘needs’ for the space and consider how you can best use it to accomplish as much as possible. You may be able to combine multiple ideas in one set space seamlessly. Another option is to create separate defined spaces for each of the options that you are including. There are no rules! The end goal is simple – create a space that works for you and your family.

Make the Most of Your Garage Conversion

Don’t leave your garage space just sitting unused. There are so many fun, functional and creative ways that you can use this space to suit your family. Whether you’re in need of more living space to accommodate a growing family, an entertainment space for friends and family, or you simply want to fully embrace a hobby, the options are endless. Now that you’re inspired, it’s time to get started. Convert your garage to an outdoor living space or entertaining space and make the most of your home!