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One Room Challenge· Organizing

Organized Garage Makeover

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I have dreaded cleaning and organizing our garage for years now. And I honestly never thought I’d tackle it for the One Room Challenge because I couldn’t imagine how I could turn raw studs and concrete into a photo worthy space. But the garage had gotten so out of hand that I had no choice but to finally do something. Since I work best under a deadline, the ORC seemed to offer me the best hope of starting and finishing the project, and the motivation to do it as well as possible.
 
And you guuuuys… guess what?! It turns out that dirty, dingy garage had more potential than I gave it credit for! I’ve somehow managed to create a space that is clean, bright, and even photo worthy…
 
 

 
I entered this project with the goal of creating an organized and functional space, and I am extremely proud of how I achieved that goal. But along the way I was able to also make it a heck of a lot prettier…talk about a happy accident! Come on in and let me show you all the details…
 

 
Pretty Organized Garage Makeover
 
If you are new here, and wondering what the heck the One Room Challenge is all about, let me give you the quick overview. It is a twice annual blogging event hosted by Calling It Home in which hundred or more designers challenge themselves to completely makeover one room in their home in just five weeks time. We each post weekly updates throughout the process, starting with the the before photos and design plans, and leading up to the final reveal of our completed space. That’s TODAY!
 
This is my sixth time participating in the One Room Challenge, and you can find all of our prior ORC transformations here: little gentleman’s bedroom | modern graphic master bedroom | rock & roll under stair playroom | light & bright laundry closet | graphic glam master bathroom.
 
If you’d like to catch up on how we got here, you can catch up on each of the weekly garage makeover posts here: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5
 
Ok, back to the garage! YIPEE! Note that this post contains some affiliate links for your convenience {read more}.
 
This wall of storage makes me so happy! No seriously, you should have seen me dancing around the garage while taking these photos! And check out that shiny, pretty dance floor?! I partnered with Rust-Oleum to coat the floor in their gunmetal RockSolid Metallic floor finish, and it is ah-mazing! {You can read all about the floor product and the DIY process in this tutorial.}
 
Pretty Organized Garage
 
I know there’s a lot to take in in these photos, and I’ll walk you through the details. But first, let’s look back at the before photo so you can appreciate just how far the garage has come!
 
This was six short weeks ago…
 
 
And today…
 
 

Not only did we manage to organize all of our stuff, we added so much to the garage that we didn’t have before… like a fridge and freezer. Do you see them? It’s like Where’s Waldo… See all of those paint swatches. Yep, there they are!

 
Paint Swatch Wall on Fridge
 
Over the years, I have pinned tons of photos of rooms with walls covered in paint swatches. I’ve always loved the idea of it, but could never imagine a space in my home where it would fit. But when the fridge and freezer were delivered and I saw all that white space, I saw it as a blank palette just waiting to be turned into art.
 
I’ll share the full tutorial on my paint swatch fridge and freezer later, but here’s the secret… magnets!
 
 
The fridge and freezer certainly make a major statement now… but they are well balanced by the white walls and the white storage bins and drawers. Let’s get down to details and I’ll show you how we organized all. the. things.
 
Paint Swatch Wall Fridge in Organized Garage
 
In the old rendition of our garage, we had an rolling cart that held our shovel, rake, brooms, etc. But it took up too much room. By using both the wall space and the space on the side of the fridge, I was able to fit all of these necessities into much less real estate. Heavy duty magnet hooks are my new best friend!
 
Outdoor tool organization in garage

On the other side of the freezer, we installed an entire system of hanging shelves and drawers. This, hands down, was the key to solving all of our old storage woes. This entire wall used to be covered in stand alone shelving units, but the floor in front of the shelves was always filled with bikes, trikes, wagons, large tools, and more.

Pretty Garage Organization

By doing away with the old shelf units and replacing them with the hanging system that frees up the floor space below, we were able to tuck many of the bulky items underneath.

Hanging shelves and drawers in garage
 
And those drawers… I heart them so, so much! They provide us much easier access to many of the items that we use on a regular basis, and their lids keep everything inside clean and free from dust and bugs.
 
And if there is one thing I’m more excited about than the drawers, it’s the paint swatch labels! Details on these will be coming soon, too.
 
 
We are working our way around to the workshop corner of the garage, so how about another before and after?
 
 
We replaced the old plastic workbench and cabinet with a new metal workbench with a large open shelf perfect for our miter saw and tool boxes. The workbench came with a particle board top and bottom shelf. I replaced the particle board with birch plywood from Home Depot {$20 each}, which I stained with Rust-Oleum Summer Oak and added two coats of polyurethane for a higher end look.
 
Organized work bench
 
Organized garage workbench
 
Next to the stationary workbench, we added a rolling tool chest with tons of storage and an adjustable height work surface. Being able to roll this workbench out into the middle or the garage will make it so much easier when we are cutting long boards or working on other projects that require a little more elbow room.
 
Garage Workbench Organization
 
Now I have a space where I can truly “DIY with Style”! But this sign is not just for looks… it’s actually hiding one of the major eye sores in the garage. Right behind it there is a big mess of electrical wires running through the studs. Plus the sign also gave me an excuse to finally use my new Cricut, and I love the shiny and reflective foil vinyl!

 
I’ve always wanted a pegboard where we could keep our most frequently used tools within easy reach, and I love the way it came together. In addition to hanging my hammer and screwdrivers, I also added a hanging file holder for all of the instruction manuals for our tools.
 
 

The ETC box holds three mason jar with pens, pencils, rulers, and graph paper notebooks. I was so excited to find these wood pencils with the colorful tops!

I also have a major love of typography and signage, so I was thrilled for the excuse to buy this metal R!

 
Last week, when I stepped back and looked at the workbench space, it felt like something was missing. That wall space above was calling for something. A fancy frame of course. LOL! But seriously, I couldn’t be happier with how this last minute paint brush art came together! {Tutorial coming soon}
 
 
Framed Paint Brush Art

Even with that entire wall of storage, we still had a few more things that needed a home, including our bikes and our tall ladder. They found a home in the opposite corner of the garage.

 
Here comes another before and after…
 
 
I was initially concerned about hanging the bikes because I am not strong enough to lift a bike down from ceiling hooks. Then we discovered these amazing pulley systems!
 
Hang bikes from the garage ceiling hang ladder
 
We will be parking two cars in this three car garage, and we were thrilled when the measurements revealed that we had just enough depth to add a storage box in front of one of the parking spaces. This solves another of our big storage challenges – where to put our outdoor cushions, pillows, and accessories during the snowy winter months.
 
Deck storage box in garage for outdoor cushions
 
Thanks for sticking with me! Here’s one final look at the before and afters…
 
 
 
The garage source list is below. Over the coming weeks and months I’ll be sharing more details, including lots of organizational tips and some DIY tutorials. Until then, you’ll find me getting my DIY on in my stylish new space… and maybe even some more dancing!
 
 
SOURCE LIST:
Flat folding sawhorse / worktables
Stationary Workbench {we swapped out the top for nicer wood}
Birch Plywood for stationary workbench top/bottom shelf
Summer Oak Stain & Polyurethane
Rolling Workbench with Adjustable Top
Teal Storage Boxes for Nails/Screws
RockSolid Metallic Floor Finish
Shelf Hanging System & Shelves
Hanging Drawer Frames, Drawers & Lids
White Lidded Storage Totes
Broom/Rake Tool Hanger
Magnetic Hooks
Ladder Hook
Bike Pulley System
Deck Storage Box
Schlage Keyless Lock on garage door
“DIY with Style” Sign made with Cricut Explore Air and Foil Vinyl
 
Messy Garage Organization
 
 
Be sure to head over to Calling it Home to see all of the other amazing One Room Challenge reveal post.
 
 
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11.10.16 41 Comments

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Comments

  1. yuni min says

    November 10, 2016 at 6:07 am

    I don't know how you managed to make a garage look beautiful but you did! Great job, Angela. I love all of your storage ideas and how you implemented new organization that will work for your family. The floor and walls look so clean and fresh. The paint swatches are so cool all over the fridge! So glad we got to do this together!!

    Reply
  2. making it in the mountains says

    November 10, 2016 at 6:18 am

    OH my gosh! Who knew a garage could be SO dreamy!!! LOVE all that organization and the fridge and freezer are so fun!!!

    Reply
  3. Denise Greenwood says

    November 10, 2016 at 1:39 pm

    This is so awesome Angela!! Makes my organizing heart sing! The fridge and freezer are awesome – can't wait for that tutorial, magnets sounds like pure genius to me! Great job!

    Reply
  4. Jess McGurn says

    November 10, 2016 at 1:44 pm

    It looks wonderful! I love the pulley bike system. I need that in my garage!

    Reply
  5. Besa GM says

    November 10, 2016 at 2:10 pm

    This is the most organized and prettty looking garage I have ever seen in my life! Fantastic job!

    Reply
  6. Cassie Bustamante says

    November 10, 2016 at 2:36 pm

    angela, your garage is incredible!!! so beautifully organized and pretty, too! that floor is awesome!

    Reply
  7. Anonymous says

    November 10, 2016 at 2:48 pm

    It looks so fabulous!!! I love all of the organization and the paint brushes/swatches!! So awesome!

    Reply
  8. Breanna Bertolini says

    November 10, 2016 at 2:53 pm

    I have total garage envy right now! This is amazing!

    Reply
  9. Ariel Garneau says

    November 10, 2016 at 3:58 pm

    I don't even want to know how much all those storage bins cost! This looks flawless though, great work space!

    Reply
  10. Kyla @HouseOfHipsters says

    November 10, 2016 at 4:22 pm

    Wow this turned out soooooo good!

    Reply
  11. maggie @maggie overby studios says

    November 10, 2016 at 4:28 pm

    So well organized, I love the floor and all those paint sample DIYs.

    Reply
  12. Charlotte Smith says

    November 10, 2016 at 4:34 pm

    Our garage will NEVER be this bright and pretty but I can't wait to organize it this weekend… you've inspired me!! 🙂

    Reply
  13. heather says

    November 10, 2016 at 5:32 pm

    Confession: I kinda want to lick your garage floor 😉 It looks GREAT Angela!

    Reply
  14. Emy says

    November 10, 2016 at 6:41 pm

    You made a garage pretty! That's an accomplishment! I love the paint chips (both on the fridge and the labels.) You did such a great job, Angela!

    Reply
  15. ashley@biggerthanthethreeofus says

    November 10, 2016 at 7:58 pm

    I want one just like this!! It looks amazing girl!!

    Reply
  16. Melissa @ Polished Habitat says

    November 10, 2016 at 8:12 pm

    I'm in awe of how much bigger it looks with the white walls and glossy floor! And SO MUCH PRETTY ORGANIZATION! It all makes me so happy inside! I can't wait to see all the amazing projects you're inspired to take on now.

    Reply
  17. Oksana | FOXYOXIE.com says

    November 10, 2016 at 8:42 pm

    I seriously cannot get over how happy this transformation makes me – you'd think this was my own space! I reeeeeeeally need you to come over and organize our third bedroom. You may thinking, "Huh? Third bedroom?" You see, we have this room at the end of the hall where we've been storing EVERY TOOL AND PRODUCT that we've used during our 17-month renovation. To say that it needs some organization would be a major, major understatement. Ha!

    Also, I still can't get over your gorgeous floors. And the paint chips on the fridge?! Genius idea! Good job, friend! Don't know how you did it, but you made your garage look better than 95% of my entire house – which is why I need your help! 🙂

    Reply
  18. Krista thehappyhousie says

    November 10, 2016 at 10:21 pm

    Angela!! It's so amazing!! I absolutely love everything about it- our garage is an ABSOLUTE NIGHTMARE! Eek…. I so want it to look just like yours! That floor finish is gorgeous- I need to learn more about that!!

    Reply
  19. Brynne Delerson says

    November 11, 2016 at 3:31 am

    Woohoo!!!! Look at this space – amazing! You did such an incredible job on this, Angela!

    Reply
  20. ElevenGables says

    November 11, 2016 at 5:47 am

    Angela! This is enviable. I need this garage in my life… right now! You did an amazing job. The floors are spectacular and those appliances! Love that pop of color! Well done! What a race to the finish line. You did it! xox

    Reply
  21. Lemons, Lavender, & Laundry says

    November 11, 2016 at 4:04 pm

    Wow! Your garage is so organized. Jealous! You have added so many great elements in here. Love the idea for an instructions manual holder (pinned), and the paint swatches and paintbrush art are so fun… and can we talk about that floor? Amazing job!

    Reply
  22. Sarah says

    November 11, 2016 at 6:26 pm

    I am so so jealous of how organized everything is – all those labels!! It's like a dream garage. And that floor is amazing!

    Reply
  23. Jessica | Petal + Ply says

    November 11, 2016 at 7:30 pm

    Ahh! Your garage is amazing! We've been working on clearing out our outbuilding and I can not wait until we can get it even half this pretty, clean, and organized!

    Reply
  24. Lisa @ Shine Your Light says

    November 12, 2016 at 3:07 am

    Angela…..I'm just so….incredibly sad for myself that this isn't my garage! Seriously it is AAAMAZING. The floor is so awesome, I can't wait to read the details all about that paint. The fridge and freezer paint swatch art, so cool. All that delicious organization, wow!!! Great job!

    Reply
  25. Iris Watts says

    November 12, 2016 at 5:50 am

    Now that's a pretty and functional garage! Come over and help me with mine please? Congrats on all your hardball work paying off!

    Reply
  26. Katie Honeycutt says

    November 12, 2016 at 2:56 pm

    I love all the paint swatches and paint details!! The floors look beautiful! Great job!

    Reply
  27. Carissa says

    November 12, 2016 at 5:04 pm

    This is AMAZING! Love the paint swatches. What a cool idea! Can you please come do my garage now?!?! Pretty please! 🙂

    Reply
  28. Colette Wright says

    November 13, 2016 at 12:42 am

    What a garage!! That's a place id wanna hang out and do some work! Congrats!

    Reply
  29. Nicole Brzuchalski says

    November 13, 2016 at 2:10 pm

    Love it! Don't you just love when things can be both functional and pretty! This is motivating me to tackle our garage! Great work!

    Reply
  30. Katy {AShadeOfTeal} says

    November 14, 2016 at 7:08 am

    So much organization I love it! Can you come and organize my garage!!! I love the floor, my husband so badly wants to do this to ours.

    Reply
  31. Theresa Beauteeful Living says

    November 14, 2016 at 3:20 pm

    Incredible transformation, Angela! You've managed to make a garage look pretty! Love the idea of using color swatches (with magnets) on your refrigerators. I bet this space makes you smile each time you step into it. So much storage capability. Love it!

    Reply
  32. Andi says

    November 14, 2016 at 4:30 pm

    I love how your work station turned out! It's so cute!

    Reply
  33. Kelley Nan says

    November 15, 2016 at 12:08 am

    Angela, I don't know if I have ever been more jealous. You rocked it and what an incredible work space you have!! Your paint swatch tiled fridge? Brilliant. Incredible job, girl!!

    Reply
  34. Brittany Goldwyn says

    November 15, 2016 at 4:05 pm

    Angela, I'm just going to go home and cry in my garage now. I know this is a pretty garage staged for photos, but somehow I think your dirty garage would still be nicer than my clean garage!! The most I have been able to do it a can of paint. Maybe you'd inspired me to tackle mine for the spring ORC…I spend so much time in there, anyway! Definitely will follow up with you about how the floors are holding up!

    Reply
  35. Rachael Bliefnick says

    November 15, 2016 at 7:18 pm

    Those gorgeous, glossy floors are AH-mazing!! You added so many unique and thoughtful touches to your space to truly personalize it and I love every single one of them. I have MEGA garage envy and don't know that it will ever, EVER be photo-worthy, but you have inspired me to clean it out and organized some things on the walls and some labeling, too! Congratulations on another beautiful space!!

    Reply
  36. Sarah @ 702 Park Project says

    November 16, 2016 at 3:53 pm

    Wow! I am in organization heaven!! I've been wanting to give our garage a major overhaul for a while now, and this is definitely inspiration! Well done! 🙂

    Reply
  37. Tricia @ Suburban B's says

    November 22, 2016 at 12:46 pm

    Looks amazing Angela! So so so jealous of that nice clean, organized and shiny garage! Congrats!

    Reply
  38. Tash @ The Dreamhouse Project says

    January 10, 2017 at 12:20 am

    Wow, this garage is like something out of my dreams! You did an incredible job!!

    Reply
    • Angela, Blue i Style says

      January 10, 2017 at 12:32 am

      Awww! Thanks so much Tash! I feel so much calmer in the space now because I can actually find things and get work done out there!

  39. Derek Hines says

    May 24, 2018 at 5:26 pm

    Great garage storage ideas. And it's amazing how much brighter the garage looks when you paint it. And the floor is amazing. We painted our floor once. Do you think we could paint over it with this stuff?

    Reply
    • Angela, Blue i Style says

      May 24, 2018 at 8:39 pm

      You would definitely need to sand off the current paint before you could do the RockSolid metallic floor finish.

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Meet Angela

Angela, the founder of Blue i Style, strongly believes that decor should be functional, organizing can be beautiful, smart DIYs help stretch your budget, and an organized and stylish home can still be practical for life with kids.

Her work has been featured in print in Better Homes & Gardens and 5280 Home magazine, and online by HGTV, the Today Show, Good Housekeeping, and more. She was also named a 2018 Stylemaker by Better Homes & Gardens.

You can reach Angela at angela@blueistyle.com

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