Transforming your garage into the perfect rumpus room

Converting your garage into a designated play area for the kids can keep their bedrooms (and the rest of the house) from becoming cluttered and messy.

The winter months are an ideal time to transform your garage when it’s often too cold for the kids to play outside, or you want a cosy indoor oasis for you and the family.
We’ve compiled some tips on how to transform your garage into an all out kid zone.
Clean and safe
Firstly, it’s important to put all dangerous equipment and chemicals out of reach. This may mean installing shelves or locking all sharp or hazardous materials in a separate room or cupboard.
Giving the floor a good clean is also recommended as well. If the kids are planning on eating around, or playing on the floor, it’s a good idea to get rid of any chemicals or built up car exhaust residue that may have been left over when the garage was in use with a quick power wash.
Arts and crafts corner
As a parent, arts and crafts scream one thing – mess. Why not contain the mess to the garage by setting up a creativity corner to let their imaginations run wild? Start with a desk, chair or an easel and some simple storage for their pens, glitter, paint and glue!
Chalkboard wall
Create an instant chalkboard on the garage wall – the go to place for fun, colourful drawings, learning or chore lists. Chalkboards don’t need to be plain old black anymore either, choose from a range of fun colours – from pink to yellow and everything in between.
For the book worm
With plenty of room for wall storage and a comfy seat, the garage could be the perfect place to set up a reading nook for your book loving child.
Study
If your kids are at high school and need a quiet space to get stuck into their homework, the garage provides an ideal option. Secluded from the rest of the house and the distractions of their bedroom, a sturdy desk, good lighting and an internet connection is all they need.
In the middle of the winter months, it’s the perfect place to create a cosy, warm space they can brighten up themselves – let them choose how to style and organise the area to make it more their own.
Cinema
For all the movie buffs out there, why not set up an entry level flat screen or projector and an old couch for the ideal home movie night experience? After the kids have enjoyed their movie and go to bed, the space will already be set up for you to put on a movie and put your feet up.
The great thing about this easy DIY idea is that it isn’t permanent. Keep the space transformable and for multi use with some beanbags for movie night, then use the space for arts and crafts the next day.
Board games galore
A tonne of storage cabinets for family favourites and a gaming coffee table will grow with your kids into their teens and beyond.

When it comes to transforming your garage, the best tip is to get creative making a space that caters to your kids’ specific needs and hobbies. From a decked out kitchenette to a sound proofed room for practicing their favourite instrument – the best transformation will be one that allows your kids to explore what they love.