Maximizing the potential of small spaces is one of the smartest ways to upgrade your home. When Tony Hawk decided to work with the Property Brothers to renovate his friend and videographer Tim's tiny garage, he dreamed of turning it into the ultimate editing studio and hangout spot. The results are a stylish, yet highly functional, mid-century modern home office.
The renovation collaboration between the famed skateboarder and Drew and Johnathan Scott took place on the most recent episode of HGTV's Celebrity IOU. Hawk reveals that he has been working with Tim for over ten years, and wants to help him upgrade his newly purchased home in California. 'I was with Tim when he bought his house, actually, and I know how much he was saving and how much he risked to get it… I felt for him. And I was hoping maybe I could do something to help out,' says Hawk in the episode. The detached garage provided the perfect opportunity.
Before diving into design, the property brother and Hawk had to think about practical elements that would transform the small garage from a neglected outdoor space into something homier. Rotten spots and a lack of temperature regulation had left the space uninhabitable. To change this, they first installed a brand new roof to help keep the garage dry and cool throughout all seasons. Then, they completely redid the walls with insulation, so Tim would be able to edit videos out loud without headphones in his new, nontraditional home office idea.
After tending to the structural problems with the garage, the Scott brothers transforms the space into a mid-century modern masterpiece at Hawk's recommendation. Using simple, light-stained natural wood they create fluted walls that bring lightness and warmth into the space. Plush furniture brings it all together.
As they are designing, one of the Scott brothers asks Hawk if they should go for a full skateboarding theme. Hawk replies that though Tim loves skating, he thinks his friend would want a more stylized, perhaps less 'cheesy,' space. To compromise, the Scotts suggest integrating a 'subtle nod to skating' with a wooden mural that resembles the shape of a half pipe. Here, decorating with art is an interesting example of how to integrate your interests into your home without going too kitschy.
Shop the Look
To emulate the look of Tim's small home office, start with a simple, minimalist gallery wall. Traditional office furniture gets a fun twist with a functional and stylish L-shaped desk. Finally, bring in a velvety armchair for a touch of plush texture that will instantly invite guests into your space.
This set of 10 black, minimalist picture frames is perfect for building a beautiful gallery wall
This manufactured wood and metal L-shaped desk is durable, convenient and versatile
This velvety, upholstered chair is the perfect soft complement to natural wood in a mid-century modern scheme
To recreate the look, consider what unused spaces or dead spaces in your home you could transform into a more functional alternative. An underutilized walk-in closet, sunroom, or detached garage can add instant space to your home, with a bit of work. As you embark on this process, it's important consider how to maximize the space and where the light will come from.
Clearly, Tony Hawk is an expert in more than skateboarding. His kind gesture is not only a renovation, but a masterclass in transforming a small space.
