If there’s one thing I’ve learned about homeownership, it’s that the projects never really stop. Just as we wrap up one renovation, another idea starts to take shape—and before we know it, we’re knee-deep in sawdust again. Our latest adventure? Converting the garage into a new bedroom and bathroom.
We did something similar with our Rhode Island house a few years ago, so the idea isn’t entirely new to us. This time around, the space will become our own bed-and-bath suite, while our current bedroom and bathroom will transition into a guest room. Down the road, I imagine it may eventually become Marin’s room when she’s older. It feels good to know that every change we’re making has a purpose for both the present and the future.
The Question Everyone Asks: What About the Garage?
Whenever I mention this project, the first question I get is some version of: “But what will you do without a garage?”
It’s a fair concern, especially for anyone who’s used to parking cars indoors or having a big storage catch-all. But for us, the garage was always less about cars and more about clutter. We’ve found smarter solutions to make up for the lost space:
- Backyard Shed: This already holds essentials like the lawnmower and snowblower.
- Basement Mudroom: Earlier this year, we transformed an unfinished section of the basement into a mudroom with gear storage. It’s become the perfect spot for everything from boots to outdoor equipment.
- Future Shed Plans: Eventually, we’ll add another shed dedicated to garbage barrels and wood storage. For now, we’re making do without it, but it’s on our radar.
In short, the garage was valuable square footage, but we knew it could serve us better as living space rather than a storage zone.
Where We’re At Now
Craig has already dived into the heavy lifting, and the progress feels both exciting and a little surreal. He’s started by framing the subfloor—an essential step since garages sit lower than the main house. He’s also installed new windows, which completely change the feel of the space, letting in light where there was once only darkness. The exterior siding has been replaced too, giving the outside of the house a refresh while the inside transformation gets underway.
It’s amazing how quickly the garage is shedding its utilitarian identity and starting to resemble a future bedroom.
Plans for the New Bedroom
For the bedroom itself, we want it to feel calm, cozy, and connected to the rest of the house. Our goal is a retreat-like space that still feels practical for everyday living. I’m envisioning soft, neutral tones that highlight the natural light from the new windows. We’re aiming for a design that’s simple but layered—think cozy textiles, warm wood tones, and thoughtful details that make the room feel inviting without being fussy.
Since this will be our main bedroom, storage is key. We’re exploring built-ins to maximize function without overwhelming the space. The hope is to create a room that feels open and uncluttered, while still being deeply functional.
Plans for the Bathroom
The bathroom will be an extension of that same philosophy: simple, timeless, and functional. We’re leaning toward clean finishes—perhaps a mix of white and soft grey tiles, paired with natural textures for warmth. A walk-in shower feels like the right choice for us, though we’re still finalizing details on fixtures and layout.
One thing I’ve learned from past projects is that bathrooms can either make or break how a space feels. Get it right, and it becomes a sanctuary. Rush the details, and you’ll notice the compromises every day. So even though the construction is moving quickly, we’re trying to be intentional about the choices we’re making.
Inspiration Moving Forward
Whenever we take on a renovation, I like to balance inspiration with practicality. I’ve been pulling together images and mood boards that lean into a modern-meets-classic aesthetic. Clean lines, neutral palettes, and timeless fixtures are our north star. But at the same time, I want the space to reflect our family’s rhythm and personality—comfortable enough for everyday living, but polished enough that it feels special.
Why This Project Matters
More than anything, this garage-to-bedroom conversion is about adapting our home to the way we actually live. Homes evolve just like the people in them, and what we needed when we first moved in isn’t necessarily what we need now.
By repurposing the garage, we’re gaining a suite that works better for us today, while freeing up our existing bedroom for guests—and eventually, for Marin. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best use of space isn’t the obvious one, but the one that makes your daily life a little smoother, a little cozier, and a little more joyful.
This project is still in its early days, and I can already tell it’s going to be one of my favorites. I’ll be sharing updates as we go—both the big milestones and the little details that make the space feel like ours.
Because at the end of the day, home isn’t about square footage or storage. It’s about shaping spaces that work for your family, your lifestyle, and your future. And for us, right now, that future looks a lot like a bedroom where a garage used to be.
