For handsome and efficient use of storage in a jiffy, color code your garage's organizational structures with paint!

Unlike some interior spaces that are only used on occasion, today's multi-functional garage spaces work hard every day for the families that use them. Garage organizational units are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, materials and price points. Color coding storage units such as ready made overhead bins, wall mounted racks and storage caddys helps to provide an attractive way of maintaining efficiency within the garage structure. Virtually any organizational structure's surface can be painted. (Consult with a paint professional prior to tackling a project of this nature, in order to ensure that proper primers, paints and sealers be used for a top quality, long lasting paint job.)

There are an unlimited number of ways to color code storage units. Here are a few suggestions that families can create independently or as a group:

• paint cabinet or drawer fronts to designate the interior's contents (designs can be stamped, stenciled or painted freehand)
• using poster board, a paint brush and colorful paint; paint the name of the item/s onto the poster board. Consider using oversized, whimsical or multi-colored letters. Simply affix poster board with lettering directly onto the storage item and place in an obvious location.
• paint every organizational structure a distinctively different color to symbolize what is housed within the structure (maintain a master 'key' that lists the contents of each structure)

Create safe and stylish garages using quality latex paint!

A budget friendly way of enhancing the garage area, paint can be easily applied in unanticipated ways by any novice do-it-yourselfer. Border designs can be fashioned to 'wrap around' any part of the garage or around it's entire perimeter to create a safety feature that simulates road striping. This would be useful for beginning drivers or homeowners that require more visual assistance with driving.

Particularly "hot" in 2004, geometric patterns can be thoughtfully stenciled or whimsically painted freehand in a border design around any part of the garage bay or to highlight one or more walls within the garage. For instance, to draw attention to a wall that houses the family's sporting equipment, consider stenciling an eye-catching border featuring the family's favorite sport! Garage borders have no rules and can be placed at any wall height desired. (For child sports enthusiasts, consider applying the border closer to the floor so that it may be enjoyed by smaller sports fans!) Another idea is to personalize the garage space by applying freehand painted letters in order to highlight an accent wall. Highlighting the family name or a favorite quote is a unique way to customize the wall space in a handsome manner for all of the family to enjoy.

Read more about this month's topic: Today's Great Garages