How to turn your garage into a hobby room

Step 1: Take control & plan – the garage is your domain now, so day dream a little bit. The type of hobby you have will impact whether you’ll require both parking spaces, which means you’ll have to park both cars outside while practicing your hobby, or perhaps just one side. Plan your hobby room and don’t forget to envisage the practical side of it too. Surf the internet, and get some ideas together.

Step 2: Insulate – there is a good reason why the garage is icy cold in winter and an oven in the summer…it has zero insulation. You’ll be spending a lot of time here in the coming days, months and years, so make it a cosy hub by insulating your garage doors properly.

Step 3: Lighting – is your current lighting efficient enough? Irrespective of what your hobby is, you’ll need perfect lighting. Add ceiling and task lights, and consider adding a window or a skylight. Lighting is essential in creating the right mood for your hobby, so be sure to get it right.

Step 4: Organize – make the most of the space available against your garage walls and higher up in your garage to store the usual garage items. Then, set aside an easy-accessable area where you will be able to neatly stow away all your hobby related tools and elements. If your hobby requires a workbench, install one that can be folded away or consider adding a thinner but longer bench that fits perfectly against the side of your garage. A corner unit is also a great space-saver.

Step 5: Make it safe – there is absolutely no point in investing in a hobby room if you cannot keep everything in there safe. Make sure both your garage doors are in good working order and that they are able to lock properly from inside and outside. Contact Rightfit to repair your garage doors or install new doors that fit with your new stylish hobby room.

Step 6 : Decorate – this is the fun part! Make your hobby room look and feel like a place you’ll want to lose yourself in. Paint the walls and cabinets; add paintings, posters or photos of your choice. You know that old TV or stereo no one uses anymore? Why not put it up against the wall so you can listen to your favourite music or watch your favourite programmes while you work.

Step 7: Maintain it – like any other room in the house, your hobby room needs to be maintained. Clean and tidy it weekly, re-organize it every other week, and make sure you are getting the most from your space. If you aren’t using it anymore, ask yourself why, try and solve the issue or take on a new hobby if you’re bored.

HOBBIES THAT COULD BE IDEAL FOR YOUR GARAGE-HOBBY ROOM:

• Fitness (weight lifting, boxing, aerobics, dancing, yoga etc.)
• Wood, leather and metalwork
• Repairs
• Beer brewing
• Listening to music or playing musical instruments
• Collecting (coins, stamps etc.)
• Miniature model building
• Pottery
• Photography
• Painting
• Gaming
• Etc.

According to Carol Kauffman, an assistant clinical professor at Harvard Medical School, hobbies boost creativity and enhance your focus, which is great for body and mind. “When you’re really engaged in a hobby you love, you lose your sense of time and enter what’s called a flow state, and that restores your mind and energy,” she told the New York Times.

So, what will you use your garage-hobby room for?

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