(NC) Garages store some of our most valuable possessions and are an important part of the home’s exterior, so you’ll want a design that complements the architectural style of your home and fits the needs of your family.

Sharon Grech, colour and design expert for Benjamin Moore offers tips on how to refresh the garage from the inside out.

Go beyond spring cleaning: Get rid of old items you don’t use and re-organize the tools and products you want to keep. “Using floor to ceiling shelving, labeled plastic bins and foldaway ladders helps keep things tidy,” shares Grech. Eliminate dust and mildew by washing down walls and floors with a mixture of one part household bleach and three parts water.

Start from the ground up: Concrete floors that have been painted using a premium, quick-drying floor enamel are easiest to clean and are resistant to grease and oils. Thoroughly wash floors in a bleach and water solution to prep the surface. Allow 12 hours in between coats and avoid contact with the floor to minimize scratching. For best results, use a high-pile roller to evenly spread the paint around the floor.

Make more living space: Consider converting the garage into an activity space, like an arts and crafts room or an at-home gym. Another approach is to create an indoor/outdoor dining space. “Adding an outdoor carpet, old dining room table refreshed with paint and a refurbished buffet is a simple way to transform the garage into a dining area that’s perfect for hosting guests on cool evenings.” Create maximum impact for this alternate space by removing traditional garage doors and installing large windows or wooden doors to fill the opening – choose something that fits with the overall aesthetic of your home’s exterior.

Enhance your exterior: Painting the exterior of the garage is the fastest way to alter its look. For best results and easy application, a quality exterior stain like Arborcoat from Benjamin Moore will enhance the appearance of siding and wood surfaces and is available in an array of captivating colours.

A rule of thumb for garage projects is to paint the garage door a few shades lighter or darker than the house to create depth. Grey is popular for garage doors and matches with many exterior finishes. Grech recommends a soft, natural hue like Ranchwood CC-500.