If you are not currently using your garage on a regular basis for any reason, the extra space would make convenient and comfortable guest quarters with plenty of space available for a small family. The space is sure to provide some privacy for your guests as well as your household and allow visitors to come and go as they please without having to tromp through personal spaces inside your home. Luckily, you don't have to invest thousands of dollars on renovations in orders to create a safe and cozy guest space for visitors to enjoy. The truth is that you can do most of the legwork yourself – the following tips and tricks should help you to effectively get the job done:

Get a New Garage Door

It's a good idea to replace your garage door with one that has a large window to let natural light into the space. The new garage door should also feature an inset walkthrough door so the quarters can be accessed from the driveway without having to open the garage door completely. It is also important to have a professional inspect the tracts, springs, installation accessories, and various hardware pieces as well as weatherproof the entire system right after the new garage door has been installed. Making sure the garage door opener works properly, especially its sensors, is also important to minimize the chance of injuries occurring when guests use it.

Look for a new garage door that has insulation already incorporated into its interior and that features a small weather flap along its bottom. Once the door is installed you can paint it to match the rest of your home so it looks more like an extension instead of a garage.

Incorporate Plenty of Color

An awesome way to create a cozy and inviting space for your guests is to paint the walls and floors. Color happens to have an emotional effect on most people, so it can be used to help your guests get rid of some stress and unwind during their stay with you. Start with a neutral tone, such as beige or tan, as a base and add bolder colors to the floors and walls in the form of trim or abstract designs. Some effective color options to consider include:

• Red encourage enthusiasm and excitement.  
• Blue helps to naturally reduce stress as well as keep blood pressure levels low.
• Yellow invokes feelings of happiness and joy, and also tends to provide some extra peace of mind.

Once the space is painted, you can add even more color and some texture with the help of area rugs, wall art, tapestries, and throw pillows.

Create an Apartment Feel

Set up your new guest quarters like a studio apartment so visitors can enjoy the space as an extension of their own home, with the ability to make snacks, watch television, as well as enter and leave as they see fit and without infringing on your own personal space. This will also give your guests complete privacy whenever they prefer it, which can come in handy if you have a lot of people living in your household.

Set up a studio apartment setting by installing floating shelves along the corner section of a wall at about waist height. This area can be turned into a kitchenette by putting a microwave and coffee pot on the shelving and placing a mini fridge underneath. If possible, install a utility sink next to the shelving so real dishes can be used – otherwise you can simply provide paper and plastic ware to use.

On another wall, place an entertainment center that features bookshelves and a built-in desk. Incorporate a hide-a-bed or futon couch for seating and sleeping alongside a couple of comfortable chairs and a small table that can be used for snacking and lounging.

With the help of these tips and tricks, your guests should remain happy and comfortable throughout their entire visit at your household. You may even find that your upgraded space helps to increase your overall property value when all is said and done.

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