Time to tool up

Your working space can look amazing and function beautifully.

Having an impressive collection of tools is one thing. But what about using those tools to create handy storage solutions – and a cool sign – for a corner of the garage? Then it’s a win-win. So many tool sheds or garages end up looking like junk yards but with some easy DIY projects and a smart new look, your working space can look amazing and function beautifully.

The look of this space is built around a trio of grunty colours, Resene Nero, as well as two serious greys, Resene Stack and Resene Silver Chalice. Not only are the walls painted in a colour that will hide scuffs and marks, but the floor – such a forgotten and, let’s face it, prone to be grubby surface in the garage – is painted in a triangular pattern using both colours. Just paint the floor in Resene Stack (ask the staff at your local Resene ColorShop about which paint product is right for your particular situation and substrate) then mask a line on an angle and paint the corner in Resene Nero – this helps demarcate your tool storage spot from the rest of the garage, and helps prevent clutter-creep.

Then to stop the areas from looking too utilitarian, bright yellow Resene Quarter Turbo acts as an accent and riffs off the classic brand colour of Stanley tools or a hi-vis vest.

How to make an upcycled pallet rack

This is dead simple and a great way to reuse a wooden pallet. Simply paint in the colour of your choice – this is Resene Stack – place it on its end and screw to the wall. Then use it to keep garden tools such as rakes, spades and brooms neat and tidy.

How to make Pete’s garage sign

Step-by-step-instructions:

1. Paint the round board in the Resene colour you want the finished name to appear. You will need two coats of paint, allowing dry time between coats.

2. Cut out letters to spell the name, using sticker adhesive/vinyl

3. Stick the letters onto the round board and smooth down edges

4. Paint your top Resene paint colour over the letters and board. You will need two coats of paint, allowing dry time between coats.

5. Peel off letters to reveal the colour underneath. Don’t worry if the paint isn’t perfect or bleeds slightly as it adds a distressed look.

6. Hang in your garage.

How to make a peg board tool holder

Step-by-step-instructions:

1. Cut your peg board into 2 x 50cm diameter circles using a jig saw.

2. Paint the board in your lighter Resene colour (we used Resene Stack) in two coats, allowing dry time between coats. Leave to dry.

3. Use the masking tape to divide the peg board in half. Paint one half in your darker colour in two coats (we used Resene Nero) allowing dry time between coats. Leave to dry.

4. Hang on wall and add peg board hooks and tools.

How to make a cinder block storage rack

Step-by-step-instructions:

1. Paint all the cinder blocks in your Resene colour (we used Resene Foundry). Note that concrete does suck up the paint so you will need to do at least 2 coats on each block.

2. Paint the wooden shelves (we used Resene Black White).

3. Place a piece of wood on the floor, stack two cinder blocks at each end, then add another piece of wood and another set of blocks. Repeat for as high as you want to go.

4. Add paint cans, other items or even use as a bookcase or shoe rack.

Styling by Vanessa Nouwens. Photography by Bryce Carleton. May 2022