Ready to take know EXACTLY what you were created to do? Click here!

life{in}grace

live with more presence, passion, & purpose

Room Makeover: from Garage to Schoolroom

by 286 Comments

When I decided to homeschool, I knew right away where the homeschool room would be;  the GARAGE!  I had already,  four years earlier, painted the floor and the walls and converted it into a playroom, so the transition to ‘schoolroom’ was inevitable.   I bought bookshelves and the most darling sofa EVER from IKEA and bought an old antique desk from my neighbor Leigh Ann for $5.  My mother and I did all the painting, even the somewhat tedious job of painting the garage floor.  And I conveniently positioned the bookshelves over the GINORMOUS holes in the sheetrock that my Excursion made when I apparently tried to park in the dining room.  Turns out, Stevie didn’t mind so much losing a garage;  it probably seemed better to him than losing the whole front of the house to my perilous parking habits.  That car is big, people.  Like you need a special class in parking big. 
We supposedly had some help from these two, but everytime I looked into the garage, they were decked out in bedazzled cowgirl hats and jammin’ on the Hannah Montana guitars. 
 I guess your success with The Verity may very well have started here, boys.
This room has been a place of wonderful memories , has changed a lot over the last year and at this point needs to be ruthlessly de-cluttered.  But one of my favorite additions was the large letters that I decoupaged onto the walls.
And my very favorite addition:  the vintage Swingline stapler.  It’s very teacherly.  Who needs a cardigan with the A-B-C’s on it when you have this stapler?
The most commonly asked question about my choice to homeschool in the garage:  How do you keep the temperature regulated?   First off, in the fall and spring, I keep the garage door up and it’s kinda like indoor-outdoor school.  I LOVE having the outdoors inside and fresh air ‘does a body good’.  In the winter, we use a space heater and in the heat of the summer, we’re usually not having school.   Or we do school somewhere else.  Like by the pool.   I LOVE this schoolroom.  It greatly extends our living space and keeps our books and schoolwork from taking over the house. 
Join me in a new series I started this week on Creating an Environment of Learning,
as I talk about inspiring and showing love to our families by the environment we create at home.   
I’m linking with Kimba in her DIY party and with Kelly 
for another episode of “Show Us Where You Live”.  Check out other fun ideas here
and here.
The Verity is now in Bushnell (near Chicago) at the Cornerstone Festival and are reported to be safe and happy.  They played at the new band showcase today and possibly may even have showered!!  I can’t wait to see my Taylor on Monday.  Keep praying for their safety!  

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Brian and Ashley says

    I'm a teacher and I have to say- you're garage is amazing! I would love to have a wall dedicated to the alphabet! It's great!

    Reply

  4. Reese says

    I love it. I want to spruce up my garage. I can't imagine that it will look like your though.
    P.S. I grew up in those East Tn mountains. Fell in love and moved to Music City

    Reply

  5. Melissa Stover says

    i love it! i wish i had a special space just for homeschooling, but alas, my dining room will have to continue double duty for now.

    Reply

  6. loripadillaphotography says

    You did such an outstanding job. You and your mom should be proud of yourself for all that hard work !! Your kids are very lucky to have such a dedicated mother who cares about their education.

    Reply

  7. K_L_C says

    I love your school space. It's absolutely darling! I'm a teacher and I got some ideas for my classroom! Thanks.

    Reply

  8. Sheri says

    Looks great! I have big plans for our school room/dining room. But they'll have to remain plans for a bit (But I AM painting the cabinets! At least the ones in the school room)

    Reply

  9. Frugal Fine Living says

    Fantastic job! Your children are very blessed to have such a great space for homeschooling! We use our breakfast room.

    Have a happy and safe 4th!

    Jane

    Reply

  10. Brenda is SO Blessed says

    love yor space… i live in ET as well and love being in the "country" and mountains in East Tennessee

    Reply

  12. Trica (Tree' - ka) says

    What a nice place for homeschool!! Back when I homeschooled my kids, the dining room did double duty and it was a battle to keep the "school" from taking over the house!

    Reply

  13. Susan says

    FAB-U-LOUS!! Amazing space. I love your design/decor style. Thanks for your post "creating an environment for learning". I agree with you wholeheartedly and it was a good refresher/reminder for me. LOVE YOUR BLOG!!
    xo
    Susan

    Reply

  14. Sarah says

    Hey Edie…I have just stumbled across your awesome blog this morning. To introduce myself, I am a homeschooling Mother of two, Joshua (8) who is full of adventure and has a gift of Mercy, and my darling Grace (4) who is funny and caring. We live on the beautiful East Coast of Victoria, Australia where my husband and I have a Luxury self contained Bed & Breakfast apartments and fully love it. I woke up this morning just a little bit cranky and your blog has lifted me and inspired me. You look amazing too by the way! I look forward reading more of your posts.
    Cheers,
    Sarah xxx

    Reply

  16. Beachbrights says

    OMG! What style you have! I love your kitchen, so bold 😉 I will be back to check your blog regularly.

    Can you give me a list of some of your favorite shopping spots for Decor/Inspiration? I live in Oak Ridge and have been on the look out for some good East TN shopping. XOXO

    Reply

  18. Nikowa@KHA says

    I'm in the process of doing the same thing… what about the computer? I've been plugging up my laptop but I want to use the kids' desktop. Do I dare? Will it ruin it?

    Reply

  19. Michelle says

    That is fantastic!! Absolutely wonderful and all that space is great!! I would love to have that space!!
    Have a blessed school year!

    Reply

  22. Ann Voskamp @Holy Experience says

    I have always admired your school room, Edie… INSPIRING!

    We're working on a new learning space — a room (outbuilding) — all of its own…

    Yours sparks some ideas…

    Indebted… as always…
    Ann

    Reply

  23. Judy says

    I love what you did to that garage! I homeschooled my kids for 21 years (they were slow learners?) 😉 and so it’s fun for me to see what the younger generation is doing. I’m also just enjoying your writing. Thanks. Judy

    Reply

  24. jenny says

    I love that room and…..that couch! i have eyed that couch in my IKEA catalog for quite some time! 😉 IKEA and I are buddies.

    I am just beginning the journey of homeschooling. My kiddos are still little and my oldest will soon be turning 5 so we are very much just beginning!
    My friend passed along your blog to me today and i can tell that I will enjoy reading it! 🙂

    Reply

  25. Karin Katherine says

    What great photos! Are you going to put them on stretch canvas and hang some on your walls? I think you should! Just gorgeous.

    Congrats again on the house, surviving the move and having that to die for view!

    Reply

  30. Garage Door Springs says

    This post is very informative and very useful.This post provide a lot of information about the ways that how we can convert the garage in to a well furnished schoolroom. These information are quite interesting & really very desirable according to the situation and demand of customer. Thanks for usable news. 

    Reply

  32. Nan Tedesco says

    Hi Edie…I keep coming here for inspiration and the “knowing” of all it takes to do this. I look, read and receive great great
    Encouragement to keep on keepin on with my two. I desparately need a room and am SOOOO praying for that. This is
    Perfection!
    I let me boys hear your two recite their memorization!! WOW! I am challenging therm with those clips.
    QUESTION: Do you have an “official” list that you go by that tells you what is next to commit to memory? Or do you just
    Kinda pick those things yourself? (We are beginning to move in the Classical direction shortly)…. I am reading, reading,
    AND…reading. All is well.

    God bless your every endeavor as you impart yo your angels..
    Nan(B’ham)

    Reply

  33. Lindsay says

    Hi Edie! I just recently found your blog (through the Nester) and I am so happy I did. I love how you’re sharing your faith and family’s journey. I love this homeschool room and I can’t wait to hear more about your journey in this…I’m currently a public school teacher with no children (I’m a planner 🙂 ) and we’ve recently seen the idea of homeschool just laid out in front of us and I’ve become so intrigued. So excited to learn more from y’all!

    Reply

  34. Elizabeth says

    Hello! I just found you on Pinterest… We are getting ready to convert our garage into a homeschool classroom, and I was so happy to see how well yours turned out! You did a great job! It gives me much hope. 🙂

    Reply

  36. jailbreak 7.1.1 says

    The most up-to-date smartphone from Apple has numerous intriguing hardware features.
    Unlike changing the default theme of your i – Phone, replacing the default wallpaper
    is easier to do and does not require you to jailbreak your device.
    It identifies and removes apps that have risky adware ingrained.

    Reply

  37. ad creator says

    s blog at or learn more about her writing and marketing services at.
    For Liebeskind, it’s not really about the sleek patterns and designs that count, or even the name printed on each bag.
    Good example: ‘I want to become a millionaire within 10 years by
    starting my own personal development company and doing
    seminars all over the world and by creating a line of passive income products.

    Reply

  38. meces says

    we are converting our garage into a schoolroom so my hubz can have his office back, my only fear is the bugs, we live in the south and have VERY LARGE BUGS that I do not want to deal with, but im going to try. 🙂

    Reply

  39. online coupons says

    Excellent post. I used to be checking constantly this blog and
    I’m inspired! Very useful info specially the ultimate section 🙂 I
    care for such information a lot. I was seeking this certain info for a long time.
    Thank you and best of luck.

    Reply

  40. Lisa says

    Renovation is a process that can be used to improve the condition of a building or structure. It can involve a variety of tasks, such as updating the layout or replacing old parts of the building with new ones.powrmatic heater

    Reply

  41. Lisa says

    Renovation offers the opportunity to reimagine the aesthetics of a space. From a fresh coat of paint to updated flooring or modernized fixtures, each change adds a layer of beauty and elegance. With a thoughtful approach to design and color schemes, renovation can turn a dull and dated space into a visually stunning masterpiece.gardening

    Reply

  42. Lisa says

    Should the average homeowner know anything about home building and construction? Ideally, the answer to this question should be no because it is expected that the contractor be the one to take care of everything for the homeowner. The problem is that there are a lot of things that calls for some awareness on the part of the homeowner as far as knowledge about home construction is concerned.selling a house uk

    Reply

  43. lisa says

    Hello,

    Home safety is a crucial aspect of home improvement. This can involve installing security systems, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide alarms, as well as ensuring proper fire safety measures are in place. Homeowners may also consider reinforcing doors and windows, installing surveillance cameras, and implementing smart home technologies for enhanced security and peace of mind.การ์ดแต่งงาน

    Reply

  44. BETFLIXSUPERVIP says

    The content is top character, you can easily find numerous exclusive. There is something special about them. Thanks for sharing this valuable information with all of us and if you are searching for the best. Please do keep up the great work.
    เว็บออนไลน์ 789

    Reply

  279. https://sound.descreated.com/ says

    2 stars
    Now, there’s no scarcity of recommendation about solving these
    points, but one different that’s been catching more consideration throughout the well-being space includes pure
    compounds. In this publish, we’ll explore how peptides work,
    the most effective peptides for intestine well being and irritation, and how they are often built-in into a holistic treatment plan. All
    beneficial peptides are available via RevolutionHealth.org—ensuring
    high purity, FDA-monitored sourcing, and physician-guided protocols.
    OriginKPV comes from a pure hormone referred to as α-MSH, which helps cut back inflammation and steadiness the immune
    system. BPC 157 comes from a natural protein called Physique
    Protection Compound (BPC) present in stomach juice. At Sports Activities Technology Labs, we offer the highest-quality
    KPV peptide on the market on-line. Our peptides are tested for
    purity and formulated for analysis use solely.
    Quite A Few research have demonstrated BPC-157’s ability to accelerate the
    therapeutic of assorted kinds of GI lesions, together with those attributable to alcohol, anti-inflammatory medicine, and even bodily damage.
    Thymosin Alpha-1 is a serious component of Thymosin Fraction 5 and is responsible for restoring and modulating immune operate,
    notably cell-mediated immune operate. Recent research showed that Thymosin Alpha-1 molecule increased main histocompatibility complex (MHC) class-1 and Toll-like receptor expression in addition to cytokine
    manufacturing, suggesting its immunoregulatory role. KPV also can probably support the healing of the
    mucosal lining of the intestine. In one study KPV
    was given to mice with Ulcerative Colitis, together with other therapeutic substances.
    These mice skilled important enhancements in body weight, colon size, and illness
    signs. At Lab of RAD, we envision a world the
    place science and self-care intersect to unlock every individual’s full potential.

    Distribution of IκBα in cells handled with or without histidine tagged-KPV in HBE cells within the presence of 10ng.ml-1 TNFα for 3h.
    IκBα was visualised with anti-rabbit IgG-TRITC and H6KPV with anti-histidine IgG-FITC.
    KPV is an oral capsule (500mcg) that’s administered 1 to
    2 instances day by day on an empty abdomen. By No Means disregard
    skilled medical recommendation or delay in seeking it
    because of one thing you might have read on this website.
    Most folks tolerate it nicely; however, some folks expertise
    slight digestive changes or skin sensitivity relying on the shape.
    Yes, as a end result of they target different
    areas of well being, although it’s smart to substantiate with a healthcare skilled.
    Colitis is irritation of the lining of the colon, caused
    by an infection, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and
    other points.
    LL-37 is a naturally occurring antimicrobial peptide which some analysis suggests may assist your physique battle off harmful micro organism,
    viruses, and fungi (27). This peptide has also been studied
    as a possible anti-inflammatory therapy, and analysis suggests it could show promise in treating pores and skin circumstances like
    rosacea (27). KPV—a comparatively new anti-inflammatory
    peptide—is sought out for its capacity to hurry up therapeutic, curb an infection, and axe
    continual inflammation (26). For example, one Reddit consumer claims that
    KPV remedy helped curb symptoms of their mast cell disease and histamine reactions.

    KPV peptide from the alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone sequence
    is thought to advertise wound therapeutic. Research
    shows KPV accelerates wound healing, reduces an infection, and minimizes scarring.

    As analysis on peptide-based therapies for inflammation and tissue
    restore continues to increase, guaranteeing high-quality peptide sourcing
    is important for accurate and reproducible study outcomes.
    Tydes provides rigorously examined, research-grade
    KPV peptides, providing verified purity, stability, and consistency
    to support scientific developments in inflammation and regenerative medication.
    I’m a giant fan of Peptide Remedy and I actually
    have efficiently used peptides in my practice when working with my Mold Sickness, Toxicity and CIRS clients.

    All of their peptides are made in an FDA-approved, USA
    lab out in Las Vegas. I personally know Dr Joe,
    Cody and the team at Limitless Life Nootropics, and they’re great human beings doing
    an excellent endeavour. This Library Piece will be a
    incredible learn, and you will also discover the most effective source of
    USA-lab-produced peptides endorsed on my own and liked by my
    group. Take motion, tackle the basis trigger, and heal on the
    mobile stage with Jessica’s non-public apply. This makes KLOW applicable in experimental research on endothelial perform, ischemic
    damage, and post-injury vascular transforming.
    This article goals to supply a complete overview of the mechanisms, benefits, and research findings associated to KPV, significantly when administered
    orally in nanoparticles. KPV’s efficacy largely is dependent upon its transport throughout the cell membrane, a process facilitated by the PepT1 transporter.
    This transporter is crucial in moving KPV into intestinal epithelial cells, particularly significant in situations like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the place PepT1 activity is up-regulated.
    In the rapidly evolving world of therapeutic peptides, sometimes the smallest
    molecules deliver the most highly effective results.
    KPV (Lysine-Proline-Valine), a tiny tripeptide derived from the body’s own anti-inflammatory mechanisms,
    has emerged as a remarkable device for addressing chronic inflammation, pores and skin problems, and gut well being challenges.

    I hate to bash my very own occupation, however am all
    the time amazed at the quantity of antibiotics my new patients inform me they were given for doubtful bacterial infections.
    Antibiotics not only trigger leaky intestine, in addition they upset the great to bad ratio of bacteria in the GI microbiome.
    We now even have proton pump inhibitors offered over the counter; thus sky-rocketing
    their use.
    Wound healing and scar formation have been assessed on days 3,
    7, forty, and 60 post-incision. Observations on days 3
    and 7 indicated improved skin therapeutic in the peptide-exposed mice, doubtlessly attributed to lowered ranges of inflammatory cells
    such as leukocytes and mast cells. By days
    40 and 60, the peptide-exposed mice exhibited smaller
    scar areas compared to the control group. Research has shown a strong killing effect on both Staphylococcus aureus micro organism and the Candida Albicans.

    Additionally, KPV influences the melanocortin receptor system,
    which regulates the body’s immune response.

    I’ve seen guys utilizing it for gut points and pores and skin issues with precise results.
    One of KPV’s most enjoyable functions is in healing the intestinal mucosal barrier.
    It enhances epithelial cell regeneration, reduces inflammatory
    signaling, and promotes tight junction integrity—crucial for addressing leaky intestine, IBD, and meals sensitivities.

    References:

    https://sound.descreated.com/

    Reply

Trackbacks

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *