Garage To Man Cave Transformations Made Easy in Detroit
These days, living in Detroit where the economy has taken quite a beating, adults have to work harder to make ends meet. For men, gone are the days of socializing in tree houses and bedroom forts, with the corresponding "no girls allowed" signs scrawled on cardboard. Yet studies recommend establishing a relaxation den of sorts in the home to wind down and get away from the stresses of life. Here we list some ways to create a man cave, the grownup equivalent to a tree house, by utilizing the space in the garage. The key is proper organization.
Light Fixtures
Adequate lighting is vital for a man cave. The usual dinky bulb that dangles from most garage ceilings won't be enough to illuminate the entire room. For this reason, installing one to two additional light fixtures is a necessary step for transforming the space. Try installing a steel (read: manly) lamp shade or two to be hung vertically, suspended on a rod. The long rod can provide far reach into every and any crevice and cranny.
Michael's Lamp Shop
17621 West 12 Mile Road
Lathrup Village, MI 48076
(248) 557-8828
www.michaelslampshop.com
Hours: Tues to Fri - 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat - 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Choose from hundreds of metal, vintage and sexy light fixtures at Michael's Lamp Shop.
Large Standing Cupboard
Finding a place to put the normal, expected garage junk will be one of the most challenging tasks in establishing the space. An enormous office cabinet can help clear the area to make room for a television or sports paraphernalia, for instance. Office cupboards come in more neutral colors and styles than furniture store cabinets, and can easily be spray painted or drilled into if needed.
AVE Office Supplies
333 Fort St., Suite 1920-A
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 347-8592
www.aveofficesupplies.com
Hours: Mon to Fri - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat to Sun - Closed
A good place for large cabinets is AVE Office Supply. An added bonus: The store delivers to the home, so there's no added stress in transporting large pieces.
Hidden Storage Bench
A place to sit is necessary for any work or relaxation spot. The right office bench provides a seat and more storage space for garage odds and ends. Again, an office bench is a less dainty version of typical house furniture, and can easily be painted black or green to fit the overall man cave theme.
AVE Office Supplies
333 Fort St., Suite 1920-A
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 347-8592
www.aveofficesupplies.com
Hours: Mon to Fri - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat to Sun - Closed
At least two spacious cupboards underneath the seat are ideal for a useful storage bench. AVE offers free delivery for the metro Detroit area.
Cedar Hooked Rack
This item will take some assembly and tools, but is well worth the effort. If fashioned sturdily, a rack running along the wall with attached hooks can hold large and heavy objects without a problem. Nailing a long, thin block of wood on the garage wall, and placing five to 10 hooks on said block should do the trick.
Public Lumber Company
1001 East Seven Mile Road
Detroit, MI 48203
(313) 891-7125
www.publiclumber.com
Hours: Mon to Fri - 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sat - 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sun - Closed
A great Spanish Cedar can be purchased at Detroit's Public Lumber Co. Hang golf clubs and golf club bags, fishing rods, keys or whatever else is taking up space on it.
Related: Best Hardware Stores In Detroit
Mobile Beverage Rack
It wouldn't be a man cave without access to drinks and sustenance. A rack on wheels is the small, but vital item that is the finishing touch for any man cave. Plates, bottles and cans will have a home on the mobile beverage rack.
People's Restaurant Equipment
2209 Gratiot Ave.
Detroit, MI 48207
(877) 490-6327
www.peoplesrestaurantequipco.com
Hours: Mon to Fri - 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sat - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sun - Closed
A sturdy beverage rack with at least three levels is ideal. The People's Restaurant offers a practical metal rack with four levels, leaving extra room for beer and snacks.
Related: Best Beer And Wine Merchants In Detroit
Sakina Al-Amin writes regularly for an accumulating number of online publications, but has dreams of one day being a spokesperson. She resides in the metro Detroit area with her husband. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
