I’m back with the second installment of my garage makeover! We left off with the garage flooding again, after a few weeks my contractor fixed everything (we hope), we licked our financial wounds, and after a lot of drying things out (luckily the furniture and even the rug survived) we set everything up again and NOW for the final reveal…
Sara wins the award for shooting the most cramped space of all time. Remember, that rug is 7’ wide. My husband is a character, quite literally and figuratively, so some of this content might not be exactly what design nerds are used to seeing. Like, for example, the creepy doll on the right. It’s from a short he made and he loves it. I wouldn’t exactly choose to style with it, but here we are. My job is to make it all as chic as possible and I think we hit a really nice balance.
Desk | Magnetic Hooks | Filing Cabinets | Desk Chair (unavailable + other option) | Table Lamp (vintage) | Desk Pad | Pen Holder
Although Andrew is truly a creature of the night, we knew that we wanted to keep the desk near the front because on temperate days he likes to open the doors to get fresh air. It’s also nice for natural light while on Zoom. We went with the largest version of Article’s Madera Oak Desk because the editing setup takes up a lot of space. As mentioned, our storage is limited, so we used 2 matching Madera Filing Cabinets to help with all the paperwork you inevitably have when you are your own administrative assistant. If you click on the link for the desk you can see more easily how it has this really great cord organization cabinet. Instead of 234983 cords hanging down the back of the desk, we have a power strip inside of the cabinet and one singular cord coming down to plug in (which you can see if you look closely) HACK: I bought super hardcore magnetic hooks to use along the metal side of the desk to hold his keys that he still manages to lose 🙂
We wanted a comfortable desk chair but it needed to swivel (easy to walk by) and not roll (on multiple rugs? No thanks). This desk chair is no longer available, but this one would work just as nicely.
The art is an original sketch on butcher paper, drawn by Andrew’s favorite animator, Richard Williams. We can’t financially justify framing it at the moment, so we used some scrap wood with paint splashes to mimic the idea of an artist’s desk it sat on at one point.
If it aint broke…
The shelving behind the desk worked well before, so we did it again, but better. The reason I wanted these shelves specifically is because they had some hidden storage at the bottom for the not-so-pretty things, like a printer or the VHS player that is connected to his vintage television (lower right). They add a ton of warmth.
We are firmly a “no big light” family so vibey lighting is a must. I found quite a few good vintage lights on Etsy. The “slime green” (or brat) lamp is his personal favorite. Andrew is a collector and an avid biographical reader, so the shelves are great for showing off a miniature from his movie, vintage toys, and, you know, his tarantula.
Yep. Meet Audrey:
I’m a mom 4 times over now.
Media Unit | Leather Ottoman | Sofa Bed
Welcome to the living room/guest bedroom! Again, storage is needed, so this ottoman is a perfect place to put up your feet, use as a coffee table (add a tray), use as extra seating (as you will see in another photo), and store all the bedding for when the couch doubles as a bed.
Sconce (vintage) | Rattan Wall Shelf (vintage) | Side Table | Sofa Bed | Alf (vintage:)) | Round Pillow (similar) | Mushroom Stool | Black Sconce
There are the doors to access under the house above the couch. It was tough trying to figure out what annoying situation we wanted to make for ourselves as far as what piece of furniture would inevitably partially block the doors. If the desk was there we would have to move the computers every time and then climb over the desk and if the TV was there we couldn’t hang the TV and then would have to move the TV to crawl over the console. Under the house is unfinished, meaning dirt floors, so crawling in and out over a light couch seemed wild as well. The best thing we came up with was buying a smaller canvas and keeping it folded up in this little footstool/mushroom I had from a shoot. We simply put down the canvas and walk over the couch. It works out pretty well actually. I can’t move on without calling out the adorable mushroom vintage lamp I scooped on Etsy that sits over the Barlo side table and the vintage Ikea wall-mounted rattan magazine rack. It’s Karl Malmvall for Ikea and you can find them here and there online, it is so dope – good luck! The blue pillow is made from scraps from the sink curtain and the round pillow is old Pottery Barn, they no longer make it round but they do make a standard pillow with the same fabric. Alf is vintage 🙂
Leather Ottoman | Media Unit | Tray | Lamp | Mushroom Stool
In this angle you can see what it’s like when we put the ottoman between the shelving and credenza to create more seating, we mostly live with it this way, the round mushroom is easy to walk around.
iPhone photo incoming…
Frame TV | Tray | Leather Shaker | Green Decanter | Amber Decanter | Glasses (vintage) | Bar Tools | Cup with Tools (vintage) | Pillow on Storage Bench | Bolster (custom)
This whole art wall is based off of the ghost from Betty Boop’s 1933 Snow White that I found at a NicSon Mercantile, a staple in my neighborhood. Do yourself a favor and watch the video. It’s beautiful and at 4:20-6:00 Koko the clown is turned into a ghost where legendary Cab Calloway was rotoscoped while singing and dancing to St. James Infirmary Blues. I found that piece and knew it was the best Christmas gift of all time and knew exactly how it would frame the TV. It was hung months before we got anything else (see in unfinished shots with rugs above). We hung it up right away and taped off where everything was going to go based on it. I based the size of the TV off of it and filled the rest of the space with art that was meaningful to Andrew accented with a vintage Kit Cat clock and a vintage light in the top right corner. The credenza is filled with office stuff you don’t want to look at, and let’s be honest, probably an overflow of Andrew’s VHS collection. A tray with decanted bourbons lives on top with an Oslo table lamp. I have the charcoal, but do yourself a favor and grab it in oxblood. I totally would have if it was available back then.
Lamp (unavailable) | Cabinet | Pitcher | Bowls | Green Wine Glasses | Tray | Green Moroccan Glasses | Electric Kettle | Soap Dispenser | Runner | Mirror | Custom Curtain Rods and Rings
I bought a wood toilet seat to go on the vintage toilet because, of course, and added a found wood shelf. I needed a little storage for tampons, matches, a candle, and an extra roll of TP (did you catch the cheeky TP holder?).
I love how both of the curtains turned out. The workbench is pretty deep and on top of the minifridge and microwave we can actually fit a lot of storage under the sink, we even added under-bed storage drawers under the shelf because it’s so deep. The curtains make the clutter disappear while keeping the appliances easily accessible. I looked and looked for a vintage kitchen cabinet for this space but I kept striking out, I think because the ceiling is low so it couldn’t be too tall. I found this cabinet on Etsy, made to order. The runner is another custom Etsy find.
Custom Curtain Rods and Rings | Bowls | Green Wine Glasses | Tray | Green Moroccan Glasses | Soap Dispenser | Mirror
We put a mirror on this wall for 2 reasons, 1. we don’t have a proper bathroom but I still wanted people to be able to wash their hands and check their face, 2. Andrew is often in makeup and needs a mirror which brings me to what you see in the reflection here…
It’s very 80s suburban basement and it is also very Andrew. This is his set. If you are confused as to what my husband does, same. I literally just googled him and it’s only slightly more clear. It’s easier to think of what he doesn’t do but just know for some reason he needs a set. YouTube? TikTok? Probably. We installed black velvet curtains on an Ikea ceiling track when he needs a basic background. Also, when the AC or heat is on the curtains need to be pulled to the side to let air move through, which brings me to trying to explain my space…
Speaking of ceiling tracks, we also used them, along with the rest of the fabric that matches the kitchen, near the front of the garage. Here’s an iPhone photo that shows it from Andrew’s side:
And a better, Sara photo from my side of the garage…
Notice I made a cute valence to go on Andrew’s side. Also – notice the cute baby on his side! That’s Elio! Sara’s babe and he did so good while we worked, but it may be why we will have to depend on some iPhone photos for my side 🙂After the next photo it’s all iPhone until the last photo.
See the line on the ceiling? That’s where the patio is right above, if you wanted to have an idea in your head of the space added.
Now, this is either going to be the most interesting content or…exactly the opposite. Totally fine. I understand both reactions. Welcome to the mouth of madness aka a stylists’ hoard:
Such an upgrade.
In the back where the green Ikea shelving is, directly behind that is Andrew’s set. We’ve found that as long as the curtains are pulled to the side behind that shelving unit as well as the curtain I just showed you to the right, the air circulates just fine. Side note: for ceiling height reference, that shelving in the back is 74” tall. Andrew and I are below that so it’s not a problem for us but, it is why the space isn’t permitted as a living area.
Imagine: Me sitting at my workbench, alone in the garage one evening, you get that feeling like…is somebody watching me?
ANYWAY.
Does this look crazy? I can’t tell because to me it’s so organized. Being able to have a lot of things just sitting out on shelves where they are easy to find and pack up as needed, is so much better than everything wrapped and packed in plastic bins. Weird thing to be stoked on, but I really like these industrial shelves. The ones we had before, the shelf itself had that particle board type material and over time, especially with the heavy ceramics I have and moisture in the air, they started to bow and break. These are 100% metal and very tough.
On the opposite wall is my workbench with a small pegboard of things I need often, under are all the packing materials I keep and a trash can. Then to the left is my kit, cart, folding tables, ironing board, and garment rack. I like to keep all that by the door for easy load and unloading. I bought that particular workbench because it is on locking wheels, has a powerstrip attached, and is adjustable. If I ever need to use a table saw I roll that baby outside with an extension cord attached and do the work in the driveway for more space and to keep the dust out of the garage. There’s a saved story on what I keep in my kit on my Instagram from a while ago, if you happen to still be reading this and for some reason wish this wildness for your own life. Or you are a Virgo.
New and improved towel and throw storage is a game-changer. Heaven forbid if I ever just want to use that ladder anymore though 🙂
Wood Wall-Mounted Curtain Rods | Storage Rack | Display Book | Industrial Laundry Cart
I keep my art on a storage rack (loose prints in a display book on the rack) and soft goods like pillows or duvet fillers in an industrial laundry cart. I needed both on wheels so it was easy to move them out of the way to access all the throws and the glassware that I keep in the lower cabinets. I also can move them so that I have space when I need to workout from home (shoutout Pvolve)
We’ve made it! Gremmy (in the window) and I thank you. It’s been a journey. Article is the best and they still have those amazingly comfortable patio chairs (also photographed here) and if you are curious those are Veradek planters, in white and corten steel. Stop by Instagram for behind-the-scenes stuff, and some good video content.
*Design and Styling by Emily Bowser
**After Photos by Sara Ligorria-Tramp
I had to pause reading long enough to ask – is that tarantula real?! And I did not know cheeky TP holders were a thing. Where could I get one please?
Your posts are always so fun to read, thank you!
lol. Yes, very real, he’s raised it from being a “sling” (spider-ling). It has molted 6 times so far and will get much larger.
The TP holder is from etsy 🙂
WOW. These should probably go into one of the ED gift guides… they’re definitely going to be on my list haha! Thanks Emily, your work is always so full of personality! Good luck with everything and keep coming back on here please 😀
Yes to cheeky TP holder!
This is beyond fabulous – who knew that a garage (!) could be so clever and charming and witty and functional and original and interesting and seemingly achievable (if only we had access to such incredible vintage in the country I live in) and I am just blown away by your talent! Brava!! I am really sorry that your journey here was so challenging but I do hope that you take some comfort in this truly wonderful space. You really are extremely talented and I feel very inspired by this.
This is fascinating, beautiful and so creative! I love how worked around the challenges and made it work for your unique jobs! 👏
I have been looking forward to today’s continuation post!
I might have missed it, but would like to know more about the fabrics used under the sink and as dividers- where they were sourced how the curtains were made!
I looked for the info on this as well – would love to know more.
Me three.
I talked about it in the first installment yesterday. It’s just vintage fabric I found on Etsy. I’ve had some luck finding vintage fabric at flea markets as well. The fabric itself was piecemealed together, which I wanted so that I could cut and patchwork it to the size I wanted without it being noticeable. I didn’t want to have to be perfect because honestly my sewing skills aren’t there but also, I like the look. I had done a lot of work like this for a big project I had worked on the year before so I was comfortable with it. I have been inspired by Gee’s Bend quilts, Japanese Boro Fabric, Kawandi and Kantha quilts for years. The perfect imperfection and resourcefulness meeting beauty of them is just *chefs kiss*. So to answer the question, they were very organically put together based on the opening of each space and then all of them were simply clipped to either drapery rings (in the case of the sink and bathroom) or clipped to the Ikea ceiling track in the case of the opening between the 2 spaces. The valence for the opening was made by attaching the fabric and ceiling… Read more »
So amazing what you fit into this space!
It is a fantastic, well thought out space! After reading the first part, I worried all day how you survived the flooding. Now I’m worried how you will survive the upcoming weather storm. Fingers crossed everything is truly waterproof!!
you and me Brenda, you and me.
Javier came over a couple weeks ago, because I actually wrote this blog post at the end of October. We discovered a leak in the window above the garage that cause the ceiling to drip last year, so we ripped that up and replaced all the rot etc. It never really ends. I don’t think we will fully know if everything is fixed until we have a big rain, which we have not had yet.
You might consider a geologist and civil engineering consult. This seems like it may be beyond general contractor scope. Good luck!
This ia amazing, and I love content like this. I wonder if you thought about putting windows in the garage doors? Maybe my own claustrophophia is talking here.
We did. I forget exactly what made us decide against it because we made the garage doors in 2021. Cost is most likely the biggest reason. Plain wood doors are cheaper than doors with windows. Especially if you want them to look nice. I think it may also have been visually busy to me when I imagined it. Sometimes, like when editing, it’s super helpful to have complete darkness. Maybe also security? Living in LA it’s temperate 80% of the year, so often the doors are just open during the day anyway as well.
Love the personality and authenticity that shine through these photos!
What made you confident that the space won’t flood again? Did you get a geologist or engineer out? So scary!
Yes! I want to know how the flooding issue was fixed and how you’re confident it is.
Well, It was coming from multiple spots. A big culprit was the left side of the house. I found an old email with a list of what they did, and to be honest it’s just kind of confusing in how to explain it because it has to do with underneath my house, but here’s the list of what they did after the last flood for those interested: Digging a hole in order to catch the water and redirecting it to the sub-pump (includes new waterproofing) Pouring of concrete to create new footing Filling up hole with gravel and sealing when completed Moving the existing 4×6 beam support in order to seal the footing Repairing the wall next to the outdoor tub and installation of new stucco Waterproofing the wall closest to the outdoor tub from the roof all the way to the floor and the wall to the right from the outdoor tub to the front of the garage (wall where the mini-split is located) Applying the elastomeric paint on both walls Replacing defective sub-pump with new Waterproofing and sealing wall next to Powder Room Adding new footing to two walls (wall where electrical panel is located and wall where… Read more »
Yay! The spaces look amazing and I truly love your posts. Thanks for sharing everything so openly!
BRAVA! So happy for you and your family. These detailed, real and inspirational posts (all MOTOs) are what keeps me here, has kept me here daily for more than a decade. That you add the financial reality is the cherry on top.
Strong plus one to everything Beth said. I filled out Emily’s survey about the type of content I want to see here but this is really it — the detailed, real and inspirational MOTOs with reasonable (transparent!) budgets. BRAVA!
WOW!!! Thank you for sharing a real reno..I was so sad for you after yesterday’s post, it just kept getting worse and worse, like a depressing movie with an even disastrous ending…the flooding at the end was just too much. I could feel the pain reading the blog, can’t imagine actually going through it! But today is another day!! Thrilled for you and your husband, hope you enjoy the beautiful and practical space for years to come! Praying to the all the spirits and gods for NO MORE FLOODING!! 🙂 Much Love..
1) This is amazing. I can’t believe you got so much function in!
2) I love weird, personal decor – much more interesting to have constraints and collaboration than when the designer / stylist has carte Blanche
This lookie-loo very much enjoyed the eye candy of your open shelf styling organization. Oh, and, SO nice to catch up with you, Bowser (uh, no. I don’t know you personally, but ‘know’ you from here!). Everyone else realizing just how tricky it would be for any non-super stylist to make all those unique pieces, editing equipment, a kitchenette, and open concept water closet in a garage look so chic?! Amazing! Thanks for the posts… needed this inspo as I soley mastermind a plan for a gutted, but cluttered with life stuff, 100 year old basement. And Sara, that baby is just adorable!
So glad you got there in the end; such a good way to use the space you have. Also, your storage space looks incredibly organized. Sincerely hoping it stays dry for you.
You are a truly resilient person and kudos to you for perseverance!! I’m glad this ended well, and I hope for the sake of your lovely things that the flooding is definitely a thing of the past. Love the glimpses into your house and your life and very much enjoyed the cameo from Elio!!!
Oh thank goodness! Sending you all the good vibes that this space stays dry. Looks incredible! I bought that scalloped tray so fast – and bonus it’s on sale right now!
I am dying on your knowledge of what your husband does! I work with my husband, but my college friends and I joke all the time that we have absolutely no idea what each other’s jobs entail. I would love to know how well Andrew can articulate what you do!
Apparently its a thing to host all your friends and each person does a PowerPoint/presentation on what their job is. Sounds super fun!
We just talked about this on our girls trip 2 weeks ago! It’s our assignment for our next group get together. Very much looking forward to learning about how they all spend their days!
lol, I may have to ask him. I think we both know enough about production to know it’s hard to put frames around what either of us do. We’re “creatives” that’s the easiest definition.
Oh, your garage full of props brings back such memories. I was a stylist in the 90s, so long ago it was before and during the transition from film to digital cameras! My garage was organized with all my props in clear bins to protect everything from water. One time, I sent a crew over to pick up everything I had pulled for a shoot. What I didn’t know was that the crew had recently worked on an Astrolube shoot, and Astrolube had given them cases of single-use samples. They tucked them into every single bin in my garage, and for YEARS afterward, I’d go to a shoot, open a bin, and pull out Astrolube!
lol, that’s great.
Honestly was probably a better in some ways and worse in some ways to be a stylist then. What hasn’t changed? Hoarding.
Wow wow wow. I never knew a garage could be this cool. The avocado toilet! Obsessed. Every project Emily Bowser does is so chic and cozy. Absolutely love her style.
That Chucky is terrifying!
And great work 🙂
I commend you on making such a cozy space with limited square footage! It really looks so good and I’m inspired by the way you incorporate Andrew’s items and his personality in the space. It’s hard to design with a partner who has a… different aesthetic, and you really make it work!
Question – why didn’t you put the stylist storage moment on the right side, and the work/hang space on the left, since the mini-split A/C is on the left? I know you said the air should be able to circulate well enough with the room pass-throughs, but it still seems like the left side would be the more comfortable side being right next to that unit.
mostly because the bathroom/sink had to be on the right side (sewage meeting up with the house sewage and water lines) and Andrew and whatever company he keeps need that space more than I do. Also I still trust the left side less flooding wise, and would rather than be on my side if it happens. There was also the issue of his set needing a corner which would have been harder (maybe impossible?) I don’t know, it’s making my brain break trying to figure it out.
This is wonderful!
Big fan of your work, Bowser! It’s so great to get a peak behind the scenes at all the ingenious ways you and Andrew make your small space work for you. I’m so sorry to hear what a harrowing journey it’s been but it looks so cool and useful now, I hope y’all are enjoying it! Thanks so much for coming back and giving us all the details and resulting eye candy.
I am here to humbly bring up accordion doors. As you see, they are quirky, they are sound effective, and they are easy to install (I hear). And endorsed by Architectural Digest! https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/this-accordion-door-is-the-alternative-your-home-needs
oooo yeah that’s cute and honestly those faux wood ones that were in every church and school in the 80s and 90s would have worked great in here too.
Oh good, it’s not just me. I was thinking the very same thing. More privacy for the potty!
I was also picturing those veneered accordion doors from my childhood.
It turned out BEAUTIFUL. What a cool and thoughtfully designed space for Andrew. I love to see his special pieces incorporated. It gives the room so much personality. Congrats to you guys! I’m wishing you all the luck that you don’t have any more flooding issues.
WOW! This is full of so much small space/organization inspiration! Great job! I feel optimistic that some day we will be able to make our garage (currently 1/4 of which is a chicken coop put there by the previous owners!) into a useable space.
I just love your style of writing! This short series was really interesting. I love how you’re keeping it real. And I love that your husbands personality shines through on his side – it feels so authentic and in a way more interesting than a lot of design content imo!
We are about to do a similar conversion, so your post is very helpful.
I am curious about the doors, tho I see that you kept the original ones and that they don’t have any windows to bring in natural light. Is it because you want to keep the space as a potential garage?
mike drop! I could easily hang out in Andrew’s space. What a great upgrade for both of you!
This is so nice and so LA with all the production souvenirs. I’m sending you dry thoughts for the upcoming rain storm. Maybe you can insert an addendum to tell us how it held up.
Emily, Your house plus (I imagine) your work escapades would provide ample content for a book and I’d be first in line to buy it. Love your charming, relatable, and informative posts, thanks!
Very niche question but how did you light the vintage plug in sconce? On Etsy it says it’s an E27 fitting for the bulb!
You can buy adapters or have them rewired. I believe this one just has an adapter.
UH-MAZE-ING! Love both your styles. I want everything in this space – both of them 😉
Ok this is beautiful!!!! You guys are so cool. Like, really!!!! I am even more scared for all of this incredible stuff you’ve put in this space to get damaged now, especially the stuff on the lower shelves on your side and your art rack. EEEEEK!!!! Fingers crossed!!!
Well done! My heart broke for you at the end of part 1 when you flooded again. Ugh. But your execution of everything was fantastic especially making your hubby’s side feel comfortable and approachable. BTW did keep reading and now must go to Instagram to see your kit. 🙂 Your cats are adorable and that’s coming from a dog lady. Fingers crossed that water is now your friend!
Fascinating space, so much to explore, there is a lot going on yet the space does not feel too busy.