Everyone needs a hobby or two to help make their leisure time as enriching as possible. After all, all work and no play make you a dull person. Enjoying your downtime makes the long hours at work all the more worthwhile, as you genuinely feel as though you’ve earned it.
There are as many hobbies as there are types of people in the world who enjoy them. Some people enjoy card and board games, while others love video games. Some people love to go fishing, hunting, or camping, while others still like needlework, cross stitch, or embroidery. Painting, writing, or making music tickles others’ fancy, or perhaps being in a carpenter’s workshop is where your mind feels most at ease.
Whatever your hobby, if you’re into creating things, you really need a dedicated space to engage your creativity. And your garage can be the perfect space to convert into your dream hobby studio. Today, we’ll be sharing some top tips for those looking to convert their garage into a hobbyist’s haven. Read on to discover more.
Shop Online for Hobby Supplies
First, you’ll want to jump online to get all the supplies you’ll need. We recommend shopping on eBay Australia via Qantas Shopping to help you earn Qantas Points as you shop, as these can be used for flights and other perks. eBay is also an excellent source to find a wide range of hobby materials, including decor and equipment that you may need to help deck out your studio space.
For instance, you can buy paint, brushes, easels, and other painting supplies online. You may even be able to find a myriad of Cricut or laser cutting supplies like vinyl or other materials. You can also buy string, needles, fabric, and more in bulk quantities on eBay if you are into sewing or clothing alterations. It’s all about shopping smart to keep your costs and pending deliveries to a minimum!
Light Sources are Important
When working in a hobby studio, it’s imperative that you secure yourself a good light source to protect your eyes, especially if you’re planning on working on particularly intricate projects. Unfortunately, garages are not typically the most well-lit rooms. They often have an overhead, dim light that doesn’t quite do the trick when it comes to creative pursuits. So how can you ensure that you have enough light to work with in your studio space?
You have a couple of options here. The first cheap and straightforward option is to install some extra downlights if access to the roof is easy for a licensed electrician. If you have a double-story home, it’s not that easy, and in this case, you’ll need to buy some lamps to provide a better light source.
The other, more expensive option is installing a garage window for bringing in natural light. This can be done yourself if you are confident at DIY and have the appropriate tools and knowledge. Otherwise, it’s something a builder or handyperson can do for you for a fee. Working on your hobby with natural light is always preferable to artificial light.
A Dedicated Desk and Chair
You’ll, of course, want a dedicated workspace for your garage hobby haven. Depending on your needs, a decent-sized desk or trestle table is a great way to go.
For instance, if you make electronic music beats as your hobby, you’ll need a desk to fit your synthesizers and drum machines on, as well as your computer and monitor. If you sew or work with fabric, you’ll need space for a sewing machine and other bits and pieces. Hobby miniature painters need a decent desk too.
In addition to your desk or table, you’ll want a comfortable seat for most hobbyists. Some people do prefer to paint standing up though, so this might be optional if this is your vibe.
Climate Control
Garages can get boiling hot in the summer and freezing cold in the winter months, as they are typically not as well-insulated as other rooms in the home. This can mean you’ll suffer from the temperature unless you rectify the situation.
Luckily you can. Depending on where you live, a fan might do the trick for summer and a portable electric heater for the winter. Still, suppose your area is prone to extremes. In that case, you might want to see if installing a split system in your garage is practical and affordable. This will cost a bit to start with, but a split system is an efficient way to heat or cool a single room like a garage and isn’t that expensive to run and maintain once installed.
Flooring
Garages tend to have poured concrete floors. This is fine if all you’re doing is storing a car or two there. Still, suppose you want to use your garage for your hobby.
In that case, you might have to consider installing some alternate flooring, which will help to make the space feel more homely as well as insulate it. Carpet is a good idea, but maybe not if you’re a painter, in which case hardwood might be the better option, provided you clean up spills before they dry.
Convert your garage into a hobby studio with these tips
This article has shared some top tips for turning your garage into a hobby studio creative haven. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it should get you heading in the right direction. You can always add your own little touches as you go, and you can do it bit by bit if time or budget is an issue. Good luck with your creative endeavors!
