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Garages are often overlooked as dumping grounds for motoring equipment, bikes, tools and gardening gear. However, even though our garages are handy places for storage, this certainly doesn’t have to mean that they are cluttered, dull and boring spaces. In fact, quite the contrary. 

With just a good, thorough de-clutter and a few interior design updates, you could transform your garage into a lovely space that is both useful and cosy.

HOW CAN I UPDATE MY GARAGE?

There are many ways to update the interior of your garage, depending on its main use for your household and also its size and layout. No matter how your garage is used, implementing some relatively simple interior updates can significantly improve its functionality, appearance, and overall value.

Here are some ideas to help you update your garage interior:

20 WAYS TO REFRESH YOUR GARAGE INTERIOR

1. START WITH A GOOD DECLUTTER

The best way to start the redesign of your garage is by decluttering and getting rid of items you no longer need. You will probably find items that you haven’t used for years, empty tins of paint from years ago and old tools that no longer even work!

Sort items out into charity, recycle or keep piles and try to be as brutal as possible, keeping only the items that you truly need and like to enhance your life.

Top tip! Remember that if you have been storing tins of paint that the containers must be tightly sealed and stored in a cool, dry place so that the colour isn’t harmed.

2. Upgrade your flooring

Garage floors are generally made from concrete, which although fit for purpose as a car garage, makes the space appear cold and uninviting.

If you are trying to improve the cosiness of your garage into a more flexible space, then consider upgrading your garage floor with epoxy coating or rubber tiles. Not only will this improve the appearance, but it also makes it easier to clean and maintain too.

2. Upgrade your flooring

3. INTRODUCE SOME COLOUR

Garage interiors don’t have to be grey and dull. Giving the walls and ceilings a fresh coat of paint is sure to brighten up the space.

Choosing light colours will make the garage feel more inviting and open, while earthy tones and soft pastels can work well for creating a comforting atmosphere to spend time in. Otherwise, opt for brights to add energy and character - which would work well if you plan to have a gym space in your garage.

4. CONSIDER THE LIGHTING

Garage interiors don’t have to be grey and dull. Giving the walls and ceilings a fresh coat of paint is sure to brighten up the space.

Choosing light colours will make the garage feel more inviting and open, while earthy tones and soft pastels can work well for creating a comforting atmosphere to spend time in. Otherwise, opt for brights to add energy and character - which would work well if you plan to have a gym space in your garage.

5. Try zoning

Zoning your garage will help to create different areas for the different tasks you wish to carry out in there. If you enjoy DIY projects or have hobbies that require workspace, set up a dedicated workshop area with a sturdy workbench and tool storage to keep everything tidy and away. Now want a sports zone too? Organise and hang sports equipment such as bicycles, skis, and balls to keep them off the floor and ensure they are easily accessible. If home workouts are important, then utilise a portion of the garage to set up a home gym with exercise equipment and gym flooring. This will save you a fortune in expensive gym membership fees.

5. Try zoning

6. CREATE SOME WARMTH

Garages can be inherently cold, damp spaces, but can easily be warmed up with a little help. Consider using a heater to warm up the garage and make it cosier. There are various types suitable and available for a garage space, but an electric heater can offer a practical and affordable option: they come in different sizes and styles, including wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, or portable units depending on the size and use of your garage.

Top tip! Whenever the garage is not in use, keep the doors and windows closed to retain the warmth generated inside.

7. SORT YOUR STORAGE

Smart storage solutions are key for improving the decor of your garage. Wall-mounted shelving and panels will maximise your vertical space and keep everything within reach while minimising floor clutter. Adjustable hooks and attachments can be fitted to organise tools, gardening equipment, and other items, making them easily accessible when you need them.

Enclosed wall cabinets can provide adequate storage space for various items like seasonal decor, sports equipment, and household supplies that you don’t need access to regularly.

8. Pimp your garage door

If your garage door is outdated or in poor condition, you don’t always have to consider upgrading it with a new, expensive model.

A fresh coat of paint will give your garage door a fresh look and improve the kerb appeal of your overall home. Just ensure you prep it well first and follow our handy guide for painting a metal garage door. Consider adding decorative handles, hinges, and straps to give your garage door a charming and customised look.

8. Pimp your garage door

9. INCORPORATE MULTI-PURPOSE FURNITURE

If your aim is for your garage to double up as an added recreational space for your home, consider adding multi-purpose furniture that is both functional and visually attractive.

Foldable tables or wall-mounted benches can be moved around easily into different locations as you need them and then stored away again when unused.

10. UPCYCLE YOUR GARAGE FURNITURE

If you already have furniture pieces in your garage and don’t want to buy new, then consider upcycling them to give them a fresh lease of life. Adding a fresh lick of paint or varnish could totally transform the look of a rusty storage bench or stained tool cabinet.

11. Create an entertainment area

If you have plenty of space in your garage, you could create a small entertainment zone with a TV, musical instrument, gaming console and soft seating in the form of bean bags or deckchairs. This could offer an additional private and fun area for children and teenagers to spend time in when they (or you) need some space away from the main family home.

11. Create an entertainment area

12. BRING SOME LIFE IN WITH PLANTS

Bring some life into your garage by placing potted plants on shelves and in empty corners for a nice touch of colour and ambiance.  Plants can also help by improving the air quality in your garage, which can be especially beneficial if you have no opening windows in the space.

13. INCREASE THE COMFORT FACTOR WITH SOFT FURNISHINGS

Add soft furnishings such as rugs, throw pillows, and blankets in your garage to create a cosy and warm atmosphere in dedicated seating areas. Opt for waterproof and durable fabrics to ensure they will endure the garage environment.

14. Use the ceiling space

If horizontal space comes at a premium in your garage, then look up for alternative vertical options!

From bicycle ceiling mounts to hanging tool rails, there are many ways to use your garage ceiling for practical storage uses so that your floor and lower levels can be kept tidy and clutter-free.

14. Use the ceiling space

15. ADD WARMTH WITH RUGS

If your garage is a multi-functional space, then lay down area rugs to define different zones within it. Not only will you be able to better separate your DIY bench from your workout area, but this will also add a layer of warmth and comfort to your garage space too.

16. PLAY A LITTLE MUSIC

Arouse your senses further by installing a music system or portable speakers to play music, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Music will make your DIY projects pass a lot quicker and will also be motivational for your home gym workouts too!

17. Bring the walls to life

There's no reason why your garage shouldn’t be an extension of your home’s personality and character. Therefore, hang artwork, photographs, and decorative pieces on the walls to personalise the space and create a personal and intimate ambience.

17. Bring the walls to life

18. ADD SOME SWEET SCENTS

Garages often come with a distinct smell - a hearty combination of rusty metal, old paint and petrol! You can counteract this with room spray and diffusers in air-neutralising scents. Opt for something fresh and natural so that it’s not overbearing against the other smells - something like soft cotton or cedarwood would be ideal. Remember lit candles are not an option in a garage which contains flammable liquids or gases.

19. KEEP THINGS WELL MAINTAINED

Once you have put in the effort to create a lovely garage interior, the key to extending its beauty is to keep it well maintained, just like you would the interior of your home. Regular sweeping, cleaning and decluttering will ensure it remains smart and organised for years to come.

20. COLOUR MATCH THE PERFECT SHADE

Found a colour that would look great on your garage door? Simply bring in a sample of the colour to your nearest B&Q store or upload a photo of it on our website and we can create the perfect colour match for your project.

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Colour match your dream shade with Valspar

Our Colour Match tool offers the ultimate way to discover your perfect colour palette.

Whether you’ve found a beautiful object in a shade you love, or want to replicate a colour from the wall in your favourite hotel suite, simply upload a photo of the colour to our website and we will create a paint in an exact match for your home interior.

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