From Kitchen Cabinets to a Custom Garage System
A Multi-Purpose Garage Transformation in Muskoka
This project actually began months before the garage itself was ever touched.
During a kitchen renovation, Preston carefully removed the existing cabinets. They were solid, well-built, and far too good to discard. Anyone who knows him knows he has a deep respect for craftsmanship, and for anything that can be thoughtfully repurposed rather than replaced.
So they were set aside.
At the time, there wasn’t a fully formed plan. Just a quiet understanding that they would serve again.
When the conversation shifted to creating a more functional garage workspace, those same cabinets became the natural starting point.
Rather than starting from scratch, we built from what we already had.
That’s often how we work.
Preston focuses on structure – removal, reinforcement, installation, custom carpentry. He’s technical, precise, and passionate about tools in a way that’s genuinely impressive to watch. I focus on flow – how the space will function, how it will feel to move through, and how systems will support everyday life.
We divide and conquer. Music on. No real breaks. (We don’t like to lose momentum. We just hand Preston a snack every so often and keep going. It’s in everyone’s best interest) (😉 Preston tends to get hangry and he’s always teased about it)
After 26 years together, we’ve learned how to work this way, trusting each other completely, stepping into our strengths without stepping on each other. There are tiny disagreements now and then, usually followed by a quiet laugh five minutes later.
We’ve taken on projects in all five of our homes over the years, and built one from the ground up. Along the way, we’ve helped friends, family, and clients do the same.
We’ve learned patience through drywall dust.
A garage doesn’t intimidate us.
The Vision: Designing for Function and Flow
Once the cabinets were reinstalled and reinforced for workshop use, the real design began.
We stepped back and asked:
Where will projects happen?
What needs open access?
What can live behind closed doors?
How should this space support daily use?
Thinking in zones allowed us to move intentionally.
At this stage, the framework was visible but it still felt a long way from finished.
The Messy Middle
There is always a point in every project where it feels like it may never come together.
This one especially.
The sanding alone left us covered in dust – in our hair, up our noses, across every surface imaginable. Cabinets were painted and reinstalled, tools were out, doors were being adjusted. From the outside, it looked like chaos.
Even for us, and we’ve done this many times, this stage felt more overwhelming than most.
But we’ve seen this movie before.
It always comes together.
The messy middle is where the quiet refinements happen. It’s where details are adjusted, patience is tested, and progress feels slower than it actually is.
It may not look polished yet, but this is where the foundation for a cohesive, functional space is formed.
Step by step, clarity comes.
Refreshing the Finish
There is always a point in every project where it feels like it may never come together.
This one especially.
Prep work isn’t glamorous, but it determines longevity.
While Preston focused on structural details and reinforcement, I worked through the sanding and preparation. It was slow, detailed work, the kind that quietly determines how everything will hold up over time. By the end of those days, there was dust in our hair, on our clothes, and somehow in places we still can’t explain.
When the fresh finish went on, the transformation began to feel real.
The cabinetry felt cohesive again. Purposeful. Ready for its second life.
Building the Work Surface
With the cabinetry complete, the focus shifted to the workspace itself.
Preston built a custom wood countertop and hand-stained it for durability. Hardware was installed. Under-cabinet lighting was added. And then came the backsplash.
The backsplash became a quiet standout feature, far from a standard pegboard. Structured, functional, and unexpectedly refined.
We’ve received more compliments on that element than almost anything else, especially from men who immediately recognize a “cool” detail when they see one.
Watching that portion come together was very satisfying.
The Organizing Process: Creating Systems That Last
Clear zones. Defined homes. Logical placement.
Near the end of the project, we stood with coffee in hand, labeling bins while the space finally felt calm. That quiet moment, after the dust has settled and the systems make sense, is always my favorite.
When organization is done thoughtfully, maintenance feels natural rather than overwhelming.
The Final Transformation
At its core, organization isn’t just about appearance. It’s about alignment – designing systems that reflect how a space is truly meant to be used.
What began as removed kitchen cabinetry became a fully functioning garage workspace — structured, durable, and intentionally organized.
This wasn’t one dramatic reveal.
It was steady progress.
Layered decisions.
Small adjustments.
Trust in the process.
It was also a project we genuinely enjoyed.
Working this way, together from the beginning, allows structural decisions and organizing systems to inform one another. Nothing is separate. Everything supports the whole.
When installation and organization are designed in tandem, a space doesn’t just look complete.
It feels complete.
And that, for us, is always the goal.
Thank you for joining us on this journey of transformation with Simple Joyous Home. We hope these stories inspire you to see the potential in your own space. Whether you’re looking to refresh a single room or your entire home, we’re here to help you create a space that truly reflects your style and needs.
Ready to transform your home into a haven? Reach out to us today to book your consultation. Let’s make your home a place of joy and comfort together!
Contact Us or call us at (705) 715-3736. We can’t wait to work with you!