Many houses with either attached or detached garages, can be turned to very nice living areas. In fact, there are 1940s and 1950s-era houses with single-car garages that beckon to be transformed into something livable. Whether you'd like an extra bedroom, home office, music room, craft room, playroom or some other living space, these garages can be ideal candidates. 

As with any such project, you'll want to make sure that the converted garage will have enough lightand space, comply with local ordinances and building codes as well as be warm in winter andcool in summer.  Keep in mind that some city ordinances require a new garage to be build when the existing garage is being converted to living area.

As always, consult with a qualified professional before undertaking such a project. 

1. The floor. A converted garage is opened to the kitchen resulting in a bright and spacious great room for family activity. The change in floor heights between the original garage to the main house is converted into a step down from the kitchen in the main house level to the new sitting area, increasing the overall spaciousness of the new room 

More often than not, the existing garage floor concrete slab is sloped, cracked and quite a bit lower than the house floor. So converting a garage to living space usually requires installing a new floor structure. There are several options for doing this. One is to build up a wood framed floor that aligns with the floor in the main house. Another is to install a wood framed or concrete floor that is a step or two down from the main house (as in the sketch above). An advantage to installing a concrete "topping slab" over the existing floor is that a radiant heating system can be installed within the concrete. 

2. The opening. When converting a garage to livable space, there's always the issue of what to do with the garage door opening. Because this opening and the garage doors have such a large impact on the overall look of the house, it makes sense to fill the opening with a large-scale element. For example, a good solution is to keep a garage door in the opening while making sure the door is weather tight. This is the approach taken in the next photo. 

Standard insulated carriage-style garage doors are also good options, as they can be a featured element on the interior while maintaining the original garage look on the exterior. 

Another approach is to have large windows or doors fill the opening. Something like these large folding glass doors can be a good option provided there's a fit with the overall aesthetics of the exterior. 

3. Windows. Additional windows will more than likely have to be installed, as garages typically have few, if any, windows. It's important to check and comply with any local building codes and ordinances when sizing and locating these new windows. 

Some reworking of the exterior walls with full-height glass windows and doors leaves no trace of the original garage space in this conversion. 

4. Additional plumbing. Adding a kitchen or bathroom to a garage conversion can be difficult because tying into the existing plumbing lines is problematic. That's not to say it shouldn't be done as, say, an additional bathroom is always a nice amenity to have. So investigating ways (such as building up the floor to provide a space for plumbing pipes) to overcome the technical difficulties is well worth doing. 

This master suite with a new bathroom occupies what was once a large garage. The addition of a the gas fireplace certainly makes the room special. And having the bathroom adjacent to the bedroom makes for a nice master or guest suite. 

5. Ceiling height. Though the type of framing used at the garage roof will dictate what can be done economically, increasing the height of the ceiling is a possibility if the garage is free standing or has no second floor above it. A vaulted ceiling, as in the next photo, will certainly add to the room's overall spaciousness. 

A converted garage keeps the vaulted ceiling for spaciousness while various architectural elements such as the ridge beam increase the room's character. 

6. Temperature control. And don't forget that the new living area will need to be heated and cooled. Depending on the size of the area and its location, you may not be able to use the existing "central" heating and cooling system. Mini split systems can be good options if this is the case. 

Our bedrooms are sanctuaries: a place of escape, relaxation and rest. So shouldn’t its décor reflect exactly what you wish? Start 2012 off right by giving your bedroom a good hard look to see if it’s the perfect space for you. Maybe your bed would benefit from a dramatic headboard. Or perhaps you could redo the entire space in calming neutrals. See if any of these ideas would make your bedroom feel more comfortable. Here's to a cozy, comfy bedroom this year. 

Create a gallery wall.
Remember that every wall in your home is worthy of great artwork, not just the living room. Group a collection of your favorite framed prints or photographs on the wall. You’ll love waking up to your favorite pieces every day. 

Invest in a headboard. 
You won’t believe the difference it makes for your bed. Go dramatic with an oversized contemporary choice like this one, or choose something more traditional. 

Swap out your linens. If you want to change your look without spending a lot, consider new linens. It’s easy to find great options on a budget at places like T.J. Maxx or Marshalls, and new linens can make a dramatic difference. 

Create a seating area. If you have the space, consider adding a seating area to your bedroom. This is particularly beneficial if you have a large family and need a place for solitude. You’ll love having a spot to curl up with a good book. 

Add a bed bench. You may not think you need one, but once you have it, you’ll wonder what you did without it. Functionally, these handy benches give you a spot to tie your shoes and can even provide extra storage depending on the style. Aesthetically, they help to ground the bed. 

Go for the oversized full-length mirror. We’re all familiar with the need for a full-length mirror to catch a glimpse of ourselves before we start the day. But instead of tacking one on the back of the door, choose one that will make a statement. You'll have a mirror that’s perfect for checking outfits while doubling as a stunning piece aesthetically. 

Incorporate a vanity. 
Adding a dressing table to your bedroom clears up space in the bathroom by giving you an alternative place to get ready for the day. 

Swap out the dresser for an armoire. Do you have a mid-level dresser topped with a television set that you want desperately to hide? An armoire may be just your answer, as it will hide your TV without compromising storage. 

Light up with a chandelier. 
Who says the dining room is the only place for a beautiful chandelier?  Bring a hint of glamour to your bedroom by replacing your light fixture with this beautiful option.