One woman turned her garage into the best room in her home with wallpaper and a repurposed IKEA closet and now she cannot wait to park her car

A US homeowner recently completed a stunning garage makeover, replacing traditional industrial aesthetics with stunning Japanese-inspired bird wallpaper and an IKEA closet.

This project involved a complete renovation of the once-ordinary residential parking bay using materials that most people would never consider for a vehicle bay.

The design converted a utilitarian structure into a high-end room while maintaining its primary function as a daily parking space.

And the results will make you want to get decorating for yourself.

The clever IKEA closet hack

René Daniella, the creator behind @ownbyfemme, made the bold choice to lead this renovation with vinyl wallpaper featuring a repeating pattern of cranes.

Drawing heavily from traditional East Asian artistic origins, the crane motif is said to provide a sense of grace and movement – just what you need before heading out or returning home after a long day.

The owner selected a heavy vinyl for the project because this material is ideal for withstanding the temperature fluctuations and moisture levels found in a garage.

“I remembered I have free will, and there are no laws preventing me from turning this into a whimsical, feminine place to come home to,” the creator noted while unboxing the Luxe Traditional paper.

This high-quality wallpaper effectively masks minor surface imperfections on the original walls.

If a panel drifted during installation, the wet paste allowed the owner to slide the paper into the correct position to align the intricate bird wings.

The IKEA closet serves as a secondary but vital structural element for this entire room transformation.

While these systems typically belong in a bedroom, this application places the unit in a high-traffic automotive zone.

The owner repurposed the Pax system to house tools and accessories, painting the IKEA closet in a deep red shade called Rumours to mimic premium cabinetry.

This approach provides significant storage volume without the cost associated with bespoke garage fit-outs.

An IKEA closet is capable of managing heavy equipment while keeping the interior organized and out of sight.

Large doors hide clutter, ensuring the garage makeover maintains a clean look even when the shelves are full.

This setup creates a space that feels like a legitimate extension of the home interior.

Bold wallpaper and future plans

This shift toward professional-grade presentation is a sentiment shared by experts who handle the world’s most exclusive cars daily.

“In the showroom world, we treat the floor as the canvas for the car, because the right finish completely changes how light and shadow interact with a vehicle’s lines,” says Ryenne Brewer, Chief Archivist at Girardo & Co.

“Most homeowners overlook the garage as a utilitarian box, but it is actually the most undervalued square footage in a property.”

By applying showroom-standard finishes, such as moving away from raw concrete and integrating some pretty wallpaper and an IKEA closet for structured storage, you turn a storage locker into a genuine sanctuary.

The next phase of this garage makeover includes the integration of a home gym located adjacent to the parking area.

Daniella is currently planning the layout to ensure equipment does not obstruct the visual impact of the wallpaper.

This renovation serves as a reminder that any space can be elevated with a clear plan and the right materials.

Introducing the crane wallpaper brings a distinct personality to an area that is usually strictly functional.

Feeling inspired, yet?

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