Hobby enthusiasts will often come up against one particular problem concerning their indulgence. It is a lack of space. More so when you have a family and limited housing to work. Whether it is action figures, yoga, gardening, playing the guitar, or model trains, every physical hobby requires a sizable area in which you can store and display your items and have a comfortable workspace.
If you have a garage, this could make for a great hobby space that is controlled, stylish and functional. Here are some ideas you can use to make this a workable area for your hobby activity while still being able to use the space for storage and parking your car.
Declutter
The first step to converting some space in your garage will require you to get rid of what you do not need. Start with bringing out what you have stored there and being brutal about what must go. If you have not used it in a year, you can likely do without it. You can hold a garage sale for your stuff to help fund the conversion and make some profit from past purchases.
Incorporate New Storage Space
Now that there is more free space to work with set aside the area your car will fit in and start considering what storage you can set up on the furthest end. Ideally, your car should be parked in the area closest to the garage door, so there are no obstructions when you need to get in and out. Be sure to make use of as much vertical room as you can.
Think about adding floor-to-ceiling cabinets and pegboards you can use to hang items off the wall. You can even install shelves that hang from the ceiling, allowing you to use otherwise wasted overhead space. Even if you have a window, you may still be able to fit a high shelf over it for items you use the least amount of time. While open shelves can be functional, you can likely make the space look neater and more attractive with beautiful cabinetry in woodsy tones.
Insulation
Insulating your garage is an excellent way to keep it comfortable for your use, even in colder months. Since it is just one room, you can likely make do with an overhead heating system in the hobby area. Remember that your garage door and ceiling will also need some insulation. Exposed insulation can be a fire risk, dangerous to your health, and ugly. Look into what materials you can use for covering insulation, like drywall and paneling. Choose something that will fit the aesthetic you are trying to achieve.
Redo the Floors
If you have a concrete floor in the garage, you will want to make an upgrade now. PVC interlocking tiles, epoxy, vinyl, and rubber tiles can be good solutions that will not break the bank. A polished concrete floor can come with nice finishing and is highly durable. Avoid stone flooring that is very expensive and makes rooms colder.
