Before and After: How an Old Garage Was Converted Into a Mini-Office with a Kitchen

Katy Hackworth worked from home for five years and got used to the conveniences like having a proper kitchen for lunch. But as her business grew, she had to host client meetings more often, so she decided to move into a separate office.

The floor—Katy's business partner and also her husband—helped her find a studio in Seattle and transform it into a bright and cozy office. Now Katy can easily prepare her lunch right at her workplace and meet with clients at a large table. The office also has a workspace and a small bathroom.

Originally, this small building was used as a garage, then as a flower shop, an antique store, and finally an office for a travel agency. When Katy and Paul first visited it, everything was in a deplorable state: exposed rotting beams on the ceiling, cracked concrete floor, and no windows. So they rented the office for a small fee and started the renovation.

The couple leveled the floor, built walls from gypsum board, and created a small bathroom. They also had to work with electrical and plumbing systems, but the result exceeded all expectations.

The office has a large window through which plenty of natural light enters. The couple decided to enhance the effect by painting the walls white. They immediately bought a white refrigerator for the kitchen.

On the kitchen, they decided to do without cabinets—Katy designed a table with sliding drawers and a sink area herself, then had it built by a local craftsman. The fronts were painted in an emerald shade and complemented with gold fittings.

They also had a marble slab that they adapted for the countertop.

Katy didn’t hesitate to invest in quality furniture: all pieces are easy to move if needed, so it’s not just a one-year solution. For example, for meals and meetings, she chose a large table with a black base and vintage legs.

In the corner between the wall and the refrigerator, there was a perfect spot for a small desk. To define zones, they used light curtains—they don’t take up space and add airiness to the room.

Another story of transformation, but now for a residential home. It's hard to believe the owners managed without a designer. True, it took them 10 years.