Monday, March 3, 2014

When is a Garage Not Just a Garage?

Your garage is, ostensibly, there to house your car and protect it from the elements. Mother nature can be unkind in all seasons, after all, and if you want to preserve the paint job – not to mention the general health of your vehicle – it helps to give it some shelter. Plus, by housing it in the garage, you help it to stay warm in colder seasons, meaning that you spend less time warming the vehicle up before driving off into the snowy roads.

Beyond driving, you probably use your garage to store things that you will never see again. Junk is the most common occupant of a garage, to the point that some garages never even have vehicles in them – just stuff, and then more stuff. As common as this is, garage owners are denying themselves the many different uses of a garage. In fact, your garage can be transformed into a private space that can be used for just about any hobby or activity you can think of – if only you can see your way to clearing it out and adding the furniture and other details needed to turn your garage into your own private paradise.



















Here We Are Now, Entertain Us 

First, it’s important to consider just how private your garage is. If you’re living in a full household with your family, it can be hard to find a space that is just for you, but like everyone else on the planet, you need a little privacy. Having some space to relax and forget your troubles, not to mention pursue hobbies and interests that you could easily be distracted from by your family, is a great idea for the modern man. Thus, the birth of the “man cave” – a space you make your own.

A man cave is a “guy’s area,” the tree fort for the discerning adult. Comfortable armchairs, a leather couch, a big screen television, surround sound multimedia, a refrigerator for beer and completely unhealthy but criminally delicious food, and more are all a part of the man cave. These tend to be customized to suit your particular interests; if you’re a car guy, some equipment for working on automobiles – or even just automobile paraphernalia – may be around. If you’re more of a music guy, instruments and records may be meticulously cared for and organized, ready for play.

History Of The Man Cave
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A game room is another option for the more entertainment-minded man. The den of the last few generations was all about machines and workshops, but today’s modern man grew up with video games as a primary source of entertainment, and just because you grew up doesn’t mean you grew out of gaming! Massive monitors, powerful consoles and computer rigs, seating that is ideal for gaming alone and with friends, and lighting that complements your gaming experience is all a great idea for the game room garage.

Self-Improvement 

Of course, your newly outfitted garage doesn’t have to be all about sitting on your butt, swilling beers (or whatever your beverage of choice may be!), and generally being fat and happy. You could also convert your garage into a home gym; in fact, this is a great way to save space in your garage so that it can be used for parking cars and other general garage-type activities while still making it your own space, as workout equipment is easy to pack up and store when not in use. A home gym is affordable and can be quite safe so long as you make sure to build and equip it correctly, and always work out with a friend or a family member. When your gym is just ten steps away, you won’t have an excuse not to exercise!

A home office is another great use for your garage. With adequate insulation and the right furniture, you can create a business-like atmosphere that makes working from home or being self-employed all the more affordable and comfortable, while giving you the peace, quiet, and privacy you need to get the job done.

Ultimately, the only limit on what your garage can be is your imagination – and your needs! Whether you’re looking for a space in which to have a good time or a space where you can focus on improving yourself and your life, your garage is a surprisingly great place to get it done!

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