Let's be honest, garages can quickly turn into a cluttered abyss. For years, our garage was a prime example. Overstuffed with boxes, tools, and random items, it was a space we dreaded entering. After years of accumulating everything from old paint cans to dusty boxes, it was time to take drastic measures. The goal? To transform our chaotic garage into a functional, organized space.

Table Of Contents

• Garage Before

• The Plan

• Mudroom design

• Getting Started - Prep the space, Prime and Paint

• Install Flooring

• Mudroom Essentials

• Garage Mudroom After

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.

• A Home Gym: For those days when we needed a quick workout.

• Ample Storage: To store paint cans, seasonal decor, and other items.

• A Workspace: For DIY projects and crafts.

Today, we're focusing on the first phase: the mudroom.

Three main goals for the mudroom were -

1. Shoe Storage: A place to keep footwear tidy and accessible.

2. Coat and Bag Hangers: Hooks for jackets, purses, and backpacks.

3. Seating Area: A comfortable bench for putting on shoes.

During the initial planning phase below are a few design options we considered -

The first step was to declutter. We removed everything we didn't need, donated items, and sold what we could. With a clean slate, we began prepping the space.

We cleaned the walls with a Swiffer, filled nail holes, taped drywall, and primed the walls. For the primer, we researched options and chose Kilz Interior & Exterior Primer.

Once the primer was dry, we painted the walls in a combination of off-white - Timeless and muddy brown - Dirty Chai by Clare Paint.

For the flooring, we chose black and white tile to create a checkered pattern instead of the traditional epoxy flooring. Read more about the pros and cons for each of them.

• Storage: We ordered an IKEA BESTA bench and shoe cabinets and assembled them. Painting IKEA furniture can be tricky, but with the right techniques, you can achieve a professional-looking finish. Once the furniture was painted, we installed it into the studs. So we went with a combination of option 1 & option 3 from the design options above.

• Coat and Bag hangers: We also DIYed a simple peg rail for hanging coats and bags.

• Styling the mudroom: To complete the mudroom, we added custom-made cushions from Zip Cushions, artwork, and flowers. These elements added personality and warmth to the space.

Our garage mudroom makeover was a huge success. We now have a functional and stylish space to store our shoes, coats, and bags. In the next post, we'll share how we transformed the rest of the garage into a home gym, storage area, and DIY workspace.