extending small home living into the garage

Last week, I posted on ways to expand living space into the attic, if you are so lucky to have one. The same principle can also be applied to moving out to the garage. Even if your hubby isn't in the doghouse...

via

So many of us are tempted to dump our current homes for new ones like we dump electronics - as soon as we see version 2.0 we want it. My firm belief is that you can usually get creative about acquiring the space, functionality and style you want in your current home, without buying or building new. It's just plain good sense - it saves you money and it's much more sustainable for our already sprawling communities and our lovely planet.

Friends in Ottawa are thinking about doing just this, by creating a master suite in the garage of their bungalow, thereby not only creating more functional space for them (bigger closets, ensuite bath) but also allowing for a bigger bedroom for their growing little boy, who will soon need a bigger space for studying and hanging out with friends.

I also heard from a sweet friend in Calgary recently who has rented a room in the attached garage of a house near the university where she works, and she is so happy with the living space - which is private when she wants it, but also communal since she shares the kitchen with the owners. She gets an affordable and cozy home to rent, and the homeowners are making an income from their property and will be able to use the finished space as their own down the road. Win-win.

If you have an under-used garage (ie. a storage dump for things you never use!) think about cleaning it out, donating the "stuff" and making your home more spacious, organized and comfortable. Your life will never be the same! A couple of tips:

1. Maximize light so that it doesn't feel dark and cold, like a garage can. Open up new windows on the sides or back if possible, and perhaps keep the large front door space as a big opening or window. Also, add lots of good lighting, like pot lights and  floor lamps like those from Kichler Lighting.

2.  If you don't have a finished space above the garage, vault the ceilings to open up and make it feel more spacious.

3. You can probably get away with a mini split system for heating and cooling, since the garage probably isn't tied into the main system for the house. There are lots of options now available.

Houzz

via

via

via

Industrial Living Room

Contemporary Bedroom by San Bruno General Contractors BMF CONSTRUCTION

Traditional Home Office by Saratoga Springs Design-Build Firms Witt Construction

Traditional Garage And Shed by Salt Lake City Interior Designers & Decorators Suzanne Dingley Interiors

For more ideas, see these posts about converting your garage and converting a shed.

create more space by putting the attic to use

Anyone who's been reading here for a while knows that I'm a big proponent of sustainable design - my definition of that being leaving a small footprint but also having a home that's functional and stylish. There are various ways to achieve this, depending on what's right for you at the time. It could include building and decorating with eco-chic products, or reusing and repurposing materials, or simply living small.

Small spaces can be organized and designed so that you don't have to sacrifice lifestyle and convenience. If you're feeling too cramped, think about how to expand your space. One potential solution? Move up to the attic. 

Here are some great examples of using attic space to create new rooms without adding on or building a whole new home. 

Fresh Home

Fresh Home

Coastal Living

Homedit

Apartment Therapy

Homedit

Stadshem 

Kelly Deck Design

Lotta Agaton

Decor8

Yes, slope roof lines can create challenges, but as you can see from these examples, they also create interesting spaces.  If you are lucky enough to have convertible attic space, what are you waiting for? 

weekend vintage finds

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. We had a gloriously sunny and warm one in southern Ontario, and some of the design bloggers in the area were able to take in the Christie Antique Show, including me. I'm fortunate to live very close to this twice-a-year outdoor antique fair. There were wonderful vendors there, including some new ones this year. In addition to being able to meet in person with a couple of the design bloggers I admire, I was able to score a few decorative vintage pieces for my own home. Made for a wonderful day!

These pretty ironstone Alfred Meakin dessert bowls were $6, and the silver cake server and wooden butter paddle were $4 each. 

I spotted this other ironstone dish along with two small bottles to use as bud vases for $20 total (I snagged the apple blossoms and lilacs at the side of the road on the way home for free - don't tell!). The pearls are also vintage and picked up at the show for $3 each. 

I thought this was interesting - a shoe size stamp, in my shoe size no less. A neat little accessory and conversation starter for the coffee table. I found it at a very cool booth with lots of old tools, drawer pulls, knobs, door hinges and hooks. If you are looking for these kinds of things, this vendor is also at the Aberfoyle Antique Market near Guelph on Sundays. 

Anyone else hunt down some interesting bargains at the show? If you missed it, make sure to attend the next one on September 6th. Have a great week everyone!

Check out some other 'finds' over at this lovely blog...

find it: handmade items to create a healthy home

Etsy provides so many great handmade and vintage items that allow us to create a home that's not only stylish but also healthy. A healthy home is one that promotes well-being - physically, mentally and spiritually. That can mean decorating with organic and natural materials and fibres, using all-natural cleaning products, or simply creating a serene environment that allows you to relax and recharge. You can choose how far to go along the healthy home scale, and what's right for you and your family. Have fun with it - it feels great!

Take a look at my picks on Etsy to create a healthy and wholesome home.

Etsy

PS - I'm proud to be an Etsy affiliate, which means I promote the products being sold on the site and in return I get a small portion of the sales on any products that my readers click through to and purchase from my links. It's a great way to support both craftspeople and bloggers. Thanks for your support!