Convert Your Garage to Add More Living Space to Your Home

Shannon Quinn - February 14, 2022
Share
Convert Your Garage to Add More Living Space to Your Home
Photo: Credit: Undeclared Penache

If you have a garage, you may be considering giving it a makeover because it would make your life more comfortable, or to even create a space to rent to paying guests. These garage conversion ideas will give you all the inspiration you need. You’ll be shocked to see just how much can be done with a 300 to 400 square foot space.

This former garage was turned into a boho beach shack, because the owner wanted a place for a brother to stay. Credit: Apartment Therapy

40. Detached Garage Converted Into a 400 Square Foot Apartment

Looking at this apartment in Santa Monica, California, you would never know that it was once a dilapidated, detached garage. The garage was originally built in 1930, and it stood in the backyard covered in vines. The main living area is 300 square feet, and it also comes with a 100 square foot loft. Outside of the garage, the home owners have a beautiful garden, which is rare in that area of Santa Monica. The house feels much larger than it actually is because of its double French doors bringing in lots of sunlight.

NEXT >>

This former garage was turned into an AirBnB suite because the owners wanted extra income. Credit: The Handmade Home

39. This Nashville AirBnB was Once a Garage

Designers at The Handmade Home helped out a family living in Franklin, Tennessee, which is a popular town outside of Nashville. They wanted to convert their garage into a living space that they could rent on AirBnB. When the project was done, the owner was so delighted, she wanted to use it as her own master suite. Still, they’re able to convert that space into a profitable rental business. If you want to learn more about this project, you can read all about it on The Handmade Home.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

This massive garage was converted into a library and office space because he needed to work from home. Credit: Noma Architecture

38. A Dream Library

Some of you out there may remember the library in Beauty and the Beast. Little book nerds everywhere swooned over the thought of having a library like that in their house. Well, this just might be the next best thing. Noma Arkiteckter transformed a garage into an amazing library. This contemporary space was made using wood, stone, and concrete. It also has plenty of room for a desk, couch, and even a small kitchen. There are also small windows built into the bookshelves to allow the daylight to pour through the shelving. It’s absolutely spectacular.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

This home gym is a dream for people who love to work out, because it’s just steps away from home. Credit: M8 Group

37. Workout From Home In This Gym Conversion

When it comes to garage conversions, a popular choice is to turn it into a home gym. This was especially true in 2020 when people no longer wanted to leave their houses to get their workout. This home gym by the M8 Group is amazing. They took a double garage and transformed it into a highly functional gym. Half of the room is dedicated to cardio and floor work, while the other half is used for strength, resistance, and free weights. They also added wood flooring with black rubber mats and LED lighting throughout the space.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

These parents gave their kids a beautiful play room because they needed a homeschooling space. Credit: Mr. Kate

36. This Garage Was Transformed Into a Colorful Playroom

When the Appleford family needed a playroom and homeschooling space for their two kids, they decided it was time to turn their garage into a classroom. The back wall features a shelving unit that keeps all of the kid’s toys and supplies, but they also kept a section with some essential tools that are normally kept in the garage. There are also multiple seating areas appropriate for both kids and parents to enjoy the space. Interior design team called Mr. Kate featured this transformation on YouTube. If you’d like to see the video, click here.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

This detached garage was transformed into a tiny house office space. Credit: Dove and Lolly on Instagram

35. Dove and Lolly House

Talk about a cute tiny house! This garage conversion is featured on the Dove and Lolly Instagram page. It was originally built in the 1930’s, and it has become an adorable home office in their backyard. They say, “Our gorgeous home office garage renovation is complete and we are so happy with it”. Aside from a little peek through the window, we sadly don’t get to see inside of this tiny home office space. But we can see the beautiful sunroof windows and the French doors which bring in plenty of natural sunlight. They also added a wooden siding and made sure it fit in with their amazing landscaping throughout the backyard.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Paint and trim completely transforms the vibe of this space, because it looks like a real house. Credit: Allprace on Instagram

34. The Allprace Garage Conversion

This next two-card garage conversion was done by Shanty Wijaya, who is the founder of a Los Angeles based design firm called Allprace. This conversion has everything you could need to live comfortably, including plumbing, HVAC, and electricity. It also has a kitchenette, bedroom, and bathroom, which makes it possible to use as a fully functional 400 square foot guest house.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

This woman transformed her garage into a functional work space for her crafting. Credit: Undeclared Penache

33. A Garage Studio Transformation in Just Six Weeks

This garage studio conversion was a part of House Beautiful’s One Room Challenge. Bloggers were challenged to transform one room in their house over the course of six weeks. The blog Undeclared Panache set out to turn the garage into a functioning studio space. Before, the garage was messy, like most people. But she added wall units to hold all of their essential tools. In the middle of the room, she added a carpet and seating area, which is a perfect place for her to do any crafting projects she wants.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

This couple turned their extra space garage space into a new kitchen. Credit: Hector’s House

32. From Attached Garage to Dream Kitchen

So far on this list, we’ve shown some examples of how garages can become a brand new and separate space from the rest of the house. But garage space can potentially be a great way to add onto the existing square footage of the home and make a room bigger. That’s what Hector’s House on Instagram did. This garage was made into a brand new kitchen that overlooks the back garden. If you want to see more of this space, click here.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

A garage can be a great place to store a pool table, because it becomes a games room. Credit: The Drummond

31. Garage Games Room

A couple named Helen and Marc from Glasgow, Scotland created an Instagram page for their house, which they named “The Drummond”. One of the renovations they did was to transform their garage into a games room, complete with a pool table. They received a lot of attention for their renovations. On Instagram, they say, “5000 followers. Honestly, I can’t believe that many people are interested in seeing our house, so to celebrate we had a night out last night… to the garage!” To see more of their home, check out TheDrummon@No7 on Instagram.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

This woman added extra built-in-storage for her newly renovated workshop. Credit: Homemade by Carmona

30. A Fabulous Workshop Conversion

Our next project comes from a blogger named Ursula at Homemade by Carmona. She partnered with Home Depot to turn her garage into a classy workshop. Ursula decided on this project because she needed a space to do all of her DIY projects. Once the project was done, the space had a new air conditioning and air ventilation unit, a built-in shelving unit, a stainless steel work table, and a peg wall so that all of the tools and supplies can stay neat and tidy.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

This makeover was featured on Fixer Upper, because it was designed by Joanna Gaines. Credit: Apartment Therapy

29. Fixer Upper Garage Apartment

A lot of you out there will be excited to see this next one, because it was designed by Joanna Gaines on an episode of Fixer Upper. A couple named Jeff and Sarah Jones had to get creative with their finances, because Sarah was going back to school. So they decided to renovate their 400-square foot two car garage into a tiny apartment. The plan was to live in the garage and rent out the main house as a source of income. With the help of Chip and Joanna, the garage was made into a space that anyone would love to live in. To see more, check out this article on Apartment Therapy.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Would you believe that this apartment was once a garage? Credit: Apartment Therapy

28. Annette and Gustavo’s Garage Conversion

A couple named Annette and Gustavo owned a home in Beachwood Canyon, California that was over 100 years old. Over the course of three and a half months, the couple renovated their garage into a poolside getaway for guests. The end result was a 420 square foot micro apartment that came complete with a kitchen, bedroom, and living space. If you’d like to read more about this renovation project, click here.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

This tiny house is in the middle of a garden oasis. Credit: Beth Dana

27. Beth Dana Coastal Retreat

This absolutely gorgeous tiny beach house was designed by Beth Dana. It’s just 400 square feet, but it includes a living room, kitchenette bathroom, and loft area. During the day, the double doors can swing open to let the sunlight in on the patio area so that guests can enjoy themselves on a warm spring or summer day. To see more photos of this garage conversion, click here.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

This micro apartment has very modern, sleek design. Credit: Habiterre

26. The Habiterre Garage Eco Studio

This next renovation comes from an Instagram account called The Habiterre. Here is what they had to say about their renovation project. “At last a perfect low warm sunny day nervously shot the home office , small space cabin. This time last year it was a garage, now it’s a perfect calm quiet sanctuary especially on a day like this. Still tweaks to do outside to finish , other versions of a layout that could improve it . But I’m still proud of what I achieved with less than $30k . Excited to start another one , open for opportunities !”

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Even celebrities want to convert their unused space into something more useful. Credit: Love Property

25. Brad Pitt’s Garage Transformed Into a Guest House

This next project proves that even celebrities want to transform their garage into more space for their home. Brad Pitt partnered with the Property Brothers because he wanted to turn his garage into a beautiful guest suite. Before the transformation, Brad had a neat and tidy garage, but it was mostly used for storage. The renovation was worth it in the end, because now his guests have a living area, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom to stay whenever they like. To see more on this project, check out Love Property‘s best celebrity home transformations.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

This homeowner kept the garage door and replaced the panels with glass. Credit: Apartment Therapy

24. Juan’s Garage Turned Into a Guest House

In this next project, a man named Juan Vasquez decided it was time to convert his 400-square foot garage into a guest house. The home in Denver, Colorado was built in 1920, and he decided to start this project because he needed space for friends and family to stay. And, of course, he decided to put it on AirBnB too. This could be a good idea for almost anyone who has the means to do a project like this, because it can help bring in extra income. If you would like to see more on this 8-month-long project, click here.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

This bachelorette transformed her garage into a cute little apartment. Credit: Bachelorette Pad

23. Bachelorette Pad Flip

A blogger called Bachelorette Pad Flip partnered up with The Home Depot to give her garage a total makeover. The garage doors were replaced with black patio doors, and the siding was replaced. She also added a black and white awning that helps bring a tiny bit of shade to the outdoor seating area. The end result is a black and white monochrome vibe that matches her overall aesthetic.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

This garage is now a fully functional bohemian surf shack. Credit: New Generation Improvements

22. Los Angeles Garage Conversion

This project by New Generation Home Improvements features a garage in Los Angeles that was transformed into a gorgeous tiny house. The living room and kitchen area has a bohemian flare, complete with a white shiplap ceiling. And the bedroom has an ensuite bathroom with a standing shower. It has everything you could possibly need to have a comfortable weekend stay. To see more photos of this project, click here.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

A carport was transformed into a stunning indoor-outdoor space. Credit: Grove Restorations

21. Grove Restoration’s Indoor-Outdoor Space

So far on this list, we have featured a lot of additional indoor spaces. But this next one is an example of how you can turn your unused space into a fabulous outdoor paradise. Grove Restorations on Instagram says, “Carport conversion to an outdoor oasis! We took this boring cement carport to a beloved place to gather with friends or read quietly.” I would love a space like this, because it gives your plants a place to thrive. It’s also amazing because you can enjoy the weather when it’s nice outside without being exposed to the harsh sunlight.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

This conversion is located in Studio City, California. Credit: New Generation Home Imrpovements

20. Studio City Garage Conversion

This is what New Generation Home Improvement had to say about this stunning carport conversion: “In this garage conversion, the homeowner wanted a high ceiling so we made sure it was structurally sound and added 8″ shiplap horizontally for a cool geometric detail, which was then painted white. A skylight, windows, and French doors were also added. White subway tile was put in the bathroom with a pretty yellow Mexican tile highlighting the niche and borders. The cement floor was simply painted custom cabinets built along one wall for plenty of storage space. And beautiful vintage wood carved Mexican doors were installed for the bathroom door.”

<< Previous

NEXT >>

This tiny home looks like a cottagecore getaway because of its rustic furniture and design. Credit: ProjectNo10

19. The Gorgeous Rustic Projectno10 Conversion Serves as an Office Space

After eight months of work, this beautiful garage conversion was completed by Projectno10. They added a miniature kitchen, a wood burning stove, and a dining space. It mostly functions as an office space, rather than a full-on apartment. But this space is giving me Cottagecore vibes, because of its rustic French country charm. It’s absolutely beautiful. On their Instagram, they say, “Lockdown has allowed us to fully appreciate converting our garage! Sanding all of those scaffolding boards was no mean feat but I love having this extra space which was once filled with lots of useless rubbish!”

<< Previous

NEXT >>

This colorful bungalow was once a small garage. Credit: New Generation Home Improvements

18. The Colorful Casita Jungalow

New Generation Home Improvement gave this carport an incredible makeover. They said, “This garage conversion was done so the homeowners could have extra space for entertaining and living in. The design was done by the homeowner, who wanted the new space to feel like she was on vacation permanently. Pretty blue tile made by the homeowner warms up the space and the trifold window adds plenty of natural light into the room. The trifold window makes it easy to connect to the patio outside and pass out drinks and food to guests. The washer and dryer are cleverly hidden behind plantation doors.” The end result is gorgeous, but it was more than you might expect, because it totaled an estimated cost of $75,000 to $100,000 for this project.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

An outdoor shed was turned into a tiny house cabin. Credit: AirBnB

17. The Rustic Modern Tiny House

This next conversion by Michael and Jenna in Portland, Oregon was featured on the TV show “Tiny House Nation.” On the AirBnB listing, this is what they have to say about the home: “For years we’ve been daydreaming about building a little house one day. Then we finally made it happen – using our own two hands. Downstairs is the kitchen, living room with convertible couch, and bathroom with tiny clawfoot tub. Access the upstairs via STAIRS (not a ladder), where you’ll find our loft bedroom with a comfortable queen sized bed. Sustainable design is important to us, and the house is constructed and furnished from an eclectic array of reclaimed materials – squirreled away over the years, and now creatively reused and repurposed.”

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Check out this transformation into a home office because the owners needed somewhere to work. Credit: Architect Your Home

16. Architect Your Home Garage Conversion

This project features a carport that was transformed into a beautiful home office. It might not be a huge space, but it’s enough to get the job done. According to Architect Your Home, a garage conversion can be a great investment, because it can add an additional 15 to 20% value to your home. Their website has a few more examples of the conversion projects that they have done in the past, if you’d like to check them out.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

They used reclaimed wood to make a rustic LA getaway. Credit: New Generation Home Improvements

15. West Los Angeles Garage Conversion

New Generation Home Improvements had this to say. “This garage conversion was designed by the homeowner and used cool materials that you would never think to use when converting your garage. First, a kitchenette was added to the space as the law for ADUs/garage conversion requires a working kitchen to be added. A couple of windows were added to let in plenty of natural light as well as two doors with horizontal glass panels for additional light to enter the room. In one part of the garage walls were added to make a designated home office for the owners. Wood shingles were applied to 2/3 of the walls and the bottom 1/3 a stone tile in earthy colors.”

<< Previous

NEXT >>

This converted mud room features laundry and so much more. Credit: Beachlets

14. Beachlets Mud Room Conversion

A beach house rental in Cornwall, UK called Beachlets is a huge beach house that fits up to 14 guests at a time. When you’re accommodating so many people, it only makes sense that they would want to convert their garage into extra space. This mudroom features the laundry, as well as space for guests to take anything that might be wet and messy from the beach, which is just a few meters away from the house itself. Adding a feature like this to a shore house is a great idea, because it will help preserve the quality of the floors throughout the rest of the house.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

A garage transforms into an apartment with a huge bathroom suite. Credit: Petit Suite

13. The Petite Suite’s Bathroom Is Huge

An interior designer called Anne Renshaw created her “Petite Suite”, which is yet another renovation that’s absolutely stunning. The homeowners were retirees who were looking for more space to accommodate guests. The end result is a two story 518 square foot apartment that included a beautiful garden seating area. Most of the time, you would assume that garage apartment conversions have tiny bathrooms with a standing shower. This project proves the stigma wrong, because it has a full bath and looks like it becomes in a mansion! For more photos of the project, click here.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Guests can gather in this huge lounge area. Credit: Kerrie Kelly

12. Large Lounge

An interior designer named Kerrie Kelly did this next conversion in for HGTV. Located in Sacramento, California, the outbuilding transformed into a beautiful living room space that is great for hosting meetings with guests. There is even wood cladding and a small electric fireplace to give a cozy atmosphere. A space like this is great because you don’t necessarily have to make all of the additions to make it livable, like you would with a new apartment. But it still gives you an amazing amount of extra space for entertaining.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

This gorgeous space is an addition to a home. Credit: Handcrafted Homes

11. The Handcrafted Homes Woodcarving Studio Space

This next project by Handcrafted Homes features a conversion in an 85-year old house in Atlanta, Georgia. The homeowner wanted to do this project because they wanted a place to work on woodcarving. The double doors open to allow in lots of light and airflow whenever the homeowner carves. It also makes it easy to carry in tools and wood to the space.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

DeVol Kitchen is known for making amazing kitchens in the UK. Credit: DeVol Kitchens

10. DeVol Kitchen Conversion

This next conversion is so beautiful, it’s hard to believe that it was once just a carport. The homeowners wanted a larger kitchen, because they didn’t have enough space in the original design of the home. So the garage was used as an extension, and it’s full of European charm. It has a gabled roof and mini clock tower, which makes it incredibly sophisticated. All of this was designed by the famous deVOL Kitchens who are known for their incredible design work in the UK. If you’re looking for more kitchen inspiration, check them out on Instagram.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

This is the ultimate man cave because it includes a bar and ping pong table. Credit: Masterpiece Design Group

9. An Epic Man Cave Games Room

A lot of people out there are considering transforming their garage into a “man cave”, because it gives men a place to relax with their friends after a long hard day. Masterpiece Design Group transformed a two car garage into a gaming room and bar. An entire wall of sliding doors open up to a patio where guests can enjoy eating outdoors, too. It’s like having a bar and restaurant in your own home.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

This artist gets an amazing art studio out of her conversion. Credit: Sol Haus Design

8. Sol Haus Design’s Art Studio

Here is what Sol Haus Design had to say about their 400 square foot art studio project: “Juana, the owner of the property, needed a separate studio because she wanted to paint and pursue other creative passions. The existing garage was a dark space that needed a lot of love and care. With a passion for collecting reclaimed building materials, Juana’s goal was to use only upcycled materials to construct the studio. The builder Ian and Juana scoured Craigslist and dumpsters to find one-of-a-kind treasures. As a result, everything in the new studio was reclaimed. We couldn’t be more proud of this project!” To see more photos of this art studio, click here.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Working out and watching TV is easy in this conversion. Credit: Pearl Remodeling

7. Modern Home Gym

This next project from Pearl Modeling took the detached garage of a Los Angeles home and transformed it into a home gym. It has folding glass doors which allow you to open up the entire side of the house to let in the breeze on a cool day. But considering that it’s in LA, they probably need to rely on air conditioning! Aside from having space for their cardio machines, there is also a couch, TV, and a half bath.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

A comfortable living space because of hard work. Credit: SHED Architecture

6. SHED Architecture Tiny Studio Apartment

In Seattle, Washington, there was a dilapidated garage that was transformed into this stylish studio apartment. SHED Architecture and Design, which is a firm that specializes in using sustainable materials. This means that they used salvaged wood, fixtures, and more. The apartment includes a bathroom, kitchen, living area, and a loft where guests can sleep. The wooden double doors help to bring in sunlight as well as fresh air, and it makes carrying furniture in and out a lot easier.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

This room was added on to this person’s home because they needed the extra space. Credit: Parker Home

5. Parker Home Utility Room

Homeowners in Suffolk, UK wanted to transform their garage because they needed a new utility and wet room. (Or “boot room” as they call it in the UK.) Designers at Parker Home got involved, and they added electricity, installed plumbing, and built new walls. The end result is fabulous, because it gives the family everything they need out of a wet room and more. There is even a little kitchenette area for additional cooking space in case anyone needs it.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Most people would be shocked, because this home movie theater was once a garage. Credit: B+G Design

4. B+G Design Home Theater

Almost everyone imagines having a home theater, because it’s the ultimate entertainment area. Most people think it’s out of their league because you usually see them featured in mega mansions. Very few people actually have their dream come true, but B+G Design helped one family make that happen. This movie theater was once a garage. Now, it can sleep up to 6 guests at a time (and the dog, too.)

<< Previous

NEXT >>

An adorable New Jersey themed apartment. Credit: Mimi and Hall

3. A Jersey Shore Themed Teen Hangout Room

This All American teen hangout room at the Jersey Shore was designed by Mimi & Hill . It features a kitchenette, loft, and living area. The family who owns this mostly use it as a place for their kids to have fun. You can tell that it’s down the Jersey Shore, because of the pillows and artwork on the wall paying homage to the beach area. Even though it’s mostly for the kids, it could also be a great place to accommodate guests, because it seems to have plenty of space for sleepovers.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

A conversion that creates a modern bachelor pad. Credit: Home Blings

2. A French Photographer’s Bachelor Pad

Our next story is actually sort of inspiring, because it feels like a rags-to-riches story. A French freelance photographer was struggling to find somewhere he could afford to live, because everything was out of his price range. He had to resort to living in a dilapidated garage in Bordeaux. With the help of architect Fabre de Marien, he was able to transform the garage into a stylish bachelor pad with a dining room, living area, bathroom, loft, and a fully chrome kitchen. The design is so beautiful, it was featured on the YouTube channel Home Blings.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

A gorgeous apartment, because of the wood cladding and expert design. Credit: Hearth Studio

1. Hearth Studio Wooden Studio Apartments

Originally a 1970’s garage, this apartment in Melbourne, Australia is completely stunning. It was a project completed by Hearth Studio over the course of a few months. The vast majority of this space was sustainably sourced with salvaged materials, like their doors, windows, and bathroom fittings. Even though the space is open concept, there are still some glass walls and things like the bathroom vanity that act like room dividers. A project like this is inspirational, because it shows you how the right layout can make so much fit into a tiny space. If you want more ideas on how to make a small bedroom feel bigger, click here.

<< Previous

Advertisement