Turning Chaos Into Calm : Garage Makeover Part 2 - Storage & Organization
Tired of a cluttered garage? We were too! After transforming one wall of our garage into a functional mudroom, we tackled the next step: storage.
As an interior designer and DIY enthusiast, I have a collection of tools, paint, and decor items that were taking up too much space in our home. It was time to declutter and organize.
To maximize space, we installed four cabinets along one wall. These cabinets provide ample storage for tools, equipment, and other items. We opted for pre-built cabinets to save time and have a quick storage solution.
Table Of Contents
Garage Before
The Plan
The first step was to envision our dream garage. We wanted a space that was not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. Our plan included:
A Small Mudroom: To keep shoes, bags, and jackets organized and easily accessible. Read More.
Ample Storage: To store paint cans, seasonal decor, and other items.
A Home Gym: For those days when we needed a quick workout.
A Workspace: For DIY projects and crafts.
Today, we're focusing on the second phase : Ample Storage.
Storage Design
The initial design was straightforward: a single wall designated for storage, and four cabinets are attached to it. Two of these cabinets are taller, while the other two are wall-mounted on top of the taller cabinets. While the basic concept is simple, there are several factors that influenced the overall design and functionality of the storage solution:
Cabinet Type and Size:
Cabinet Material: Wood, metal, or a combination. Since these cabinets were to be installed in a garage, exposed to cold and hot weather conditions the best one was to use MDF (medium density fiberboard) cabinets. Few reasons that influenced this decision :
Durability
MDF is strong and durable, and can withstand daily use and wear and tear. It's also less likely to warp or crack than solid wood, even with changes in temperature and humidity.
Cost-effective
MDF is cheaper than solid wood, but offers similar strength and durability.
Smooth finish
MDF doesn't have a noticeable grain, so it has a smooth finish, especially when painted which is what we wanted for a seamless look.
Water resistant
Some MDF boards are specially made to be water resistant, making them a good choice for high-moisture areas like bathrooms, garages. However, MDF's dense core can absorb moisture and swell if not properly sealed.
Customizable
MDF is easy to customize and can be cut and drilled in many different ways. It comes in a wide variety of styles, including shaker-style, flat paneled, inset, and raised doors. Although, we didn’t want any customization at this point but a good factor to consider.
Available in large quantities
MDF is an engineered wood that can be manufactured in large quantities. This makes it a good choice for large pieces of wood with no joints. This was a good factor to consider with our initial plan of building the cabinet ourselves.
Cabinet Style: Traditional, modern, or contemporary styles can be chosen to match the overall home decor.
Cabinet Size: The exact dimensions of the cabinets should be determined based on the specific storage needs and the available wall space. For us, it was a small wall space about 96” wide, but we could use the 10’ wall height - stacking cabinets on top of each other.
Interior Configuration:
Shelves: The number and spacing of shelves that can be adjusted to accommodate different items - paint cans, tools, decor items like Vase, Frames etc.
Drawers: Having drawers can provide convenient storage for smaller items - although this was not a must for us.
Baskets and Bins: These can be used to organize and store items within the cabinets. Best way to club all similar things together for easy access.
Make It Custom With Paint
To create a seamless look, we painted the cabinets the same color as the walls. We also spray-painted the cabinet hardware Matte Black and installed it.
Garage After
The Result
Our garage is now a functional and stylish space that we actually enjoy spending time in. By adding these storage cabinets, we've decluttered our home and created a more organized environment.
If you're looking to declutter and organize your garage, here are a few tips:
Start by decluttering: Remove any items you no longer need or use.
Create zones: Divide your garage into different zones for specific activities, such as gardening, DIY projects, or storage.
Utilize vertical space: Install shelves or cabinets to maximize storage space.
Add lighting: Good lighting can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your garage. We still need to work that :)
We hope this blog post inspires you to tackle your own garage makeover. Stay tuned for Part 3, where we'll share more tips and tricks for creating a beautiful and functional garage home gym.
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