Designing the Ultimate Teen Hangout: A Modern Garage Makeover

Big kids crave independence, but parents still want to keep tabs on them. For one family, the bonus garage space just steps away from the house became the perfect solution for creating a teen-friendly hangout spot.

The second floor is designed for activities like snacking, studying, and watching TV, with a sectional sofa that doubles as a queen-size bed for overnight guests. A sleek steel railing at the top of the stairs opens up the area and gives it a modern feel.

Teenagers love hanging out with their friends, but parents still want to keep them nearby—while allowing them some privacy. That’s exactly the situation for the parents who created this space for their sons, 16 and 13, and later, their 10-year-old daughter. Interior designer Kelly Mittleman had previously helped them renovate their 1919 Craftsman-style home outside New York City. “But the kids were always in the basement, playing video games,” the dad says. “When their friends came over, it got really noisy.” The family had an underused garage, though, so Mittleman was brought back in to reimagine the space.

“It was like a graveyard for old furniture—basically a second attic,” says Mittleman. Her task was clear: transform the space into a teen haven where they could hang out, game, have sleepovers, and do homework. The design team repurposed a portion of the parking bay to create a walled-off entry with sports gear storage and a full bath on the lower level. The upstairs was opened up, and a clean, modern aesthetic was achieved with a sectional sofa, TV, beverage fridge, table and chairs, and hidden storage throughout. “The kids love it, and we don’t worry about where they are anymore,” the dad admits. “The house is much quieter now, and we like that too.”

The two-car garage, likely original to the home, gave up 60 square feet for a new single-door entry, hallway storage, and a full bath. The parents control access to the smart entry lock, so they can track the kids’ movements. New touches like an overhead garage door, sconces, and fresh paint enhance the exterior.

Left: Adding heating, cooling, and plumbing made the space usable year-round. New windows further improved comfort and curb appeal. A table with chairs provides a spot for homework and snacks. The kids were given a choice of artwork to personalize the space.

Right: One of two dormer windows frames the TV console, and each alcove has a window seat with a hinged top for hidden storage. A library-style sconce invites lounging any time of day (or night). The durable shiplap walls are finished with white satin paint that’s easy to wipe clean.

Left: “A teen space should feel like a grown-up world the kids somehow managed to claim as their own—like a boutique hotel suite,” Mittleman explains. The snack station, complete with a mini fridge and sink, embodies this concept. Low cabinets are built into the shiplap wall for seamless storage.

Right: To enter the hangout, kids use a new exterior door. A 30-square-foot closet under the stairs stores sports gear, or it can be left by the door for easy grab-and-go access. The sliding barn door opens to the parking bay, which doubles as space for a Ping-Pong table when not in use.

Before: The downstairs bath was located in a closet that once housed an old boiler and cluttered storage items. The old brick chimney was painted white to complement the black tile.

After: The newly designed full bath, a must-have for sleepovers, features sleek black subway and hex tiles, white grout, and a matte concrete-look porcelain floor. The wall-hung sink and bridge faucets add a vintage-modern touch.

Creating a Teen Hangout

When designing a teen space, durable materials, easy-to-clean surfaces, and cool decor allow parents to relax while their kids hang out. Here are a few expert tips:

GO MODERN: Teens often prefer bold colors and contemporary designs. Mittleman uses colorful accents like throws, pillows, and art. “I aim for an Apple-store vibe—clean surfaces, bright colors, and plenty of white.”

STAY INCLUSIVE: Avoid gender-specific colors and themes, as they can quickly become outdated as kids grow.

MAKE FUN EASY: Incorporate storage to hide cords and gaming gear. Opt for easy-to-clean surfaces and enclosed storage to keep things tidy. Mittleman advises investing in quality, durable furnishings that last longer and feel more comfortable.

FACILITATE SNACKING: Include a beverage fridge, snack cabinet, and maybe a microwave. A sink makes cleanup a breeze, especially if food is ordered in.

PLAN FOR CHANGE: Choose rugs instead of carpeting, removable pillow covers, and versatile artwork to easily update the space as teens’ tastes evolve.

Expert Tip:
“A smart entry lock lets parents control access to the teen space. You can also use a smart thermostat, so kids don’t crank the temperature without thinking about the cost,” says Kelly Mittleman.

Floor Plans

• The second floor was opened up to create a 550-square-foot loft-style hangout.
• The new entry leads to a full bath and a large closet in the 150-square-foot downstairs area.
• A wall was removed to open the staircase, and a modern steel railing was added.
• Flip-top bench seating was built into the existing dormers for extra storage.
• Plumbing and a mini fridge were installed for the snack station, and a row of touch-latch cabinets was added for convenient storage.
• The 60-square-foot space taken from the parking bay downstairs created a new entry, and a barn door was added to give access to the parking area.
• An 80-square-foot bath and a 6-by-5-foot closet were created under the stairs.