Guest haven A garage gets the ultimate transformation

FROM GARAGE TO GUEST HOUSE, THIS NEW STUDIO IS IDEAL FOR HOSTING FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Who knew a garage could look this good? Certainly not Queensland couple Sam and Samille, who once used this spot as a dumping ground for old furniture, baby goods and fishing gear. With three growing children, the couple wanted to pamper their many visitors with a private space – and a little luxury – of their own, in a studio now enlivened by a quirky collection of artwork, hanging planters and sumptuous bedding. The unexpected style stand-out is exposed rafters transformed with lashings of white paint. “We’re not huge fans of modern and sterile buildings,” says Samille. “We thought the beams give character and warmth.” Her mother, a regular visitor, has since christened the converted garage. “Mum loves foxes, so we call it ‘The Fox Hut’,” says Samille.

Original room: A brick double garage built in the 1970s.

Time frame: Four months.

Why the makeover? As the home is just a few hundred metres from the beach and extended family lives interstate, it’s no surprise that there are frequent overnight visitors here.

The works: The old garage doors were removed and an entry and new windows installed in their place. The insulation was replaced and plumbing installed for a kitchenette and ensuite, while timber flooring was fitted over the existing cement floor. Vertical-joint cladding from Easycraft was used to line the walls and ceiling.

major changes: The guest house was created using the existing floor plan of the garage to include a sitting area, kitchenette and small ensuite. Part of the garage was walled off to allow for storage.

Lessons learned: Allow for budget excesses. “Our budget blew out by 30 per cent, mainly due to labour costs,” says Sam. “The work was trickier than we and our builder first anticipated.”

DECOR

An occasional chair from Adairs adds contrast (left), while a cluster of curios and Suzy Platt’s original work ‘Best Friends’ adorns the wall. Jane Creenaune’s painting ‘Ma Belle Fille’ (above), an Olli Ella ‘Belly Basket’, a mannequin and a height chart from Raw Sunshine Coast add to the eclectic collection.

BATHROOM

Compact but functional, the bathroom (right) features Suzy Platt’s whimsical canvases (from top) ‘The New Kitten’ and ‘Girl With Peonies’. The slim-line Everhard ‘Virtue’ vanity came from Samios Bathroom & Kitchen.