When you want to leave the troubles of modern life behind for a moment, there’s no simpler way than taking a relaxing retreat to your personal sanctuary. For many auto enthusiasts, that place is the garage. That is why outfitting that space properly very important.

Turning wrenches can whisk you away to mental peace. So can sitting in a lounge-like setting that has things you cherish all around you. Both of those scenarios will help with destressing. But, outfitting that space is done very differently and methodically to pull off a specific aesthetic. Wait; what?

Not just a place to turn wrenches

It’s true. The garage is often used as a place to get away from it all and refresh our minds. So, the decorative aspect is often something very carefully planned in detail, or not. But there are two schools of thought that seem to be apparent when outfitting the space. Some people use it as a working workspace. Others use it as a lounge or meeting place for friends and family. Below is a list of some things to consider when outfitting your garage for the active workshop or the lounge.

The working garage is going to have all the things necessary to work on the car or truck, or at least is in the process of attaining those things. Shiny new or used equipment does not really matter, as long as it is safe and can do the job. At a minimum, your list to consider when outfitting the space should include,

Working garage

• Compressor
• Airlines
• Lift
• Toolboxes
• Tools
• Rolling Trays
• Fluid Collection Drums
• Lots of rags

The garage that is used as the lounge, hangout, or cave is outfitted a bit differently. These garages will typically have social areas aimed at having buddies over to enjoy an activity. Consequently, while these garages may have space dedicated to a working area, most of the space, if not all of it, is set aside for comfort and entertainment. At a minimum, your list to consider when outfitting your working garage should include,

Hangout, lounge

• Table – Pool, foosball, or poker/card
• Pinball or Arcade machine
• Couch or theater seating
• Refreshment Bar

There are some things that should be included in the outfitting list of both types of garages. Those are listed below.

All garages

• TV(s)
• Sound system
• Fridge
• Collectibles, Memorabilia – Automotive, Sports, or Movie
• Stools
• A working bathroom

For many auto enthusiasts, the garage is designated as a place for restoring sanity and admiring a collection of interests. Just as a day’s stress can drain a person, a garage can equally restore and inspire a person to attack the next day or task. But, how that garage is outfitted is vital in providing that potential respite. That’s why using the lists above can be good starting points in achieving the garage’s proper decorative aesthetic or ambiance. Once the decorative theme is carried out, the garage becomes that oasis for the mind.