Basement Kitchen Renovation Update

Happy Friday! Things are moving right along with the basement renovation- specifically in the kitchen. I wanted to share an update, where we’re at, and give you a peek behind the scenes at our process. Click through for a quick renovation recap, to see some of my recent design selections (plumbing fixtures, hardware, paint, etc), and for a look at the remaining items on our punch list.

Basement Kitchen Renovation Update - roomfortuesday.com

We were hoping to get pretty far with the basement renovation this week, with holiday break right around the corner and ample time to devote toward projects. However, our holiday plans shifted as we had a death in our family and are now headed across the country for a funeral. Not exactly how we envisioned our holiday break kicking off, but projects can wait. As soon as we return, we’ll get back to it! In the meantime, here’s where we’re currently at… along with some projects you might have missed (if you’re not following along on Instagram).

Cabinet Paint

Basement Kitchen Renovation Update - roomfortuesday.com

First up, the cabinetry paint. I decided to paint the cabinets a two toned color… you know I love a color blocking moment. The lighter color will match our vintage looking fridge (which is scheduled to arrive in January or February), and I landed on Benjamin Moore’s Grant Beige for the medium tone. They’ll roughly look like the middle two swatches in the above image.

Cabinet Hardware

Basement Kitchen Renovation Update - roomfortuesday.com

For the cabinetry hardware, I kept it budget friendly with a couple finds from Amazonpolished nickel sphere knobs and a delicate polished nickel pull that looks like they belong together. Per usual, I’m mixing metals- as you’ll see below…

Plumbing Fixtures

Basement Kitchen Renovation Update - roomfortuesday.com

We kept the existing sink. It was here when we moved in… catch the before (while we were renovating our main kitchen) tour here: our temporary kitchen (in the basement). The sink is heavy enameled cast iron, and while I’d prefer a single basin, the white color works well and it’s a really nice sink. There was no need to replace it. I did use the savings to splurge for a nicer widespread faucet. I wanted something with an antique brass finish, delicate form, and functional side spray. Here’s a peek without the levers, as it’s just resting atop the sink for a quick visual.

The Vintage Hutch

Basement Kitchen Renovation Update - roomfortuesday.com

I scored a vintage hutch on Facebook Marketplace and Emmett already has it torn apart in our messy garage. Of course he’ll be reassembling it, but I’ve tasked him with adding height, dentil moulding, reworking the lights, and I’ll be antiquating the mirrored back. It’s getting a bit of a glow up with paint, hardware, and trim. This oversized piece will serve as the bar / upper cabinets.

Flooring

Basement Kitchen Renovation Update - roomfortuesday.com

Our Stuga flooring is STUNNING, and I’m going to share a couple dedicated posts specifically for the flooring in the year ahead… expect to see the installation process, the options I considered, and of course- the end result. It drastically changed the way our basement looks and I’m super impressed with the quality.

FAQ

What’s your next task and Emmett’s next step?

I’ll be painting the cabinet doors once we get back home, and Emmett will continue with the hutch. Then, I’ll be tiling… my favorite!

Can we get a reminder of the design plan?

Of course! You can catch the before images and basement renovation design plan in this post. I’ll also drop a screen grab below, if you need a reminder. Something like this…
Basement Kitchen Renovation Update - roomfortuesday.com

How is the other side of the basement coming together?

Our living space / media room is also moving right along. Emmett repaired our dumpster credenza (ha!), the flooring is finished, and I’m about to work on paint touch-up, hem my dyed curtains, reupholster a thrifted ottoman (for the coffee table), and work on the fun part… styling. I also can’t wait to share our new reclining sectional with you- it’s super comfy! I’ve got a dedicated post coming for that as well.

Basement Kitchen Renovation Update - roomfortuesday.com

I hope you enjoyed a peek into our current project. That’s where we’re currently at, and I’m excited to get back to it after Christmas! Given the turn of events and our unexpected travel plans, blog posts will resume in the new year. I’m taking off next week to be with family and to celebrate the season with friends once we’re back home. We’re still hosting Christmas, though this week has been an emotional whirlwind.

I hope you have also have a wonderful Christmas ahead and are having a happy holiday season. It’s been an interesting year, but one thing is certain… I’m so glad you’re here! You all make my day brighter, and the blog truly is my happy place. Thank you for showing up to read, share, and chat with me this year. Happiest holidays, friends! I’ll talk to you soon. Lots of love!!

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12 Comments

  1. Good morning! I am über excited about this kitchen reno, so an update feels like the perfect holiday gift! You know I read every word you post, but I confess that gorgeous marble kept derailing my concentration. Ha. Dang, it’s beautiful. As for the other details… I adore the hardware! The knobs and pulls absolutely look made for each other, and that posh nickel gleam? Divine. I’m also into the delicacy of the bridge faucet and how both metals play with that glorious stone. And, props for keeping a perfectly nice, functional sink. I’m extra psyched to hear your plans for the hutch. Antiqued mirror. Dentil moulding! Eep. My favorite! (Plenty of normal people have a favorite moulding, right?) Definitely eager to watch the two-tone, new door cabinet transformation too. The one item that has me truly obsessed though is the fridge! Ever since you posted the design plan, I’ve been ogling their website. Custom colors?! I really, really can’t wait for more info! As I’ve surpassed my exclamation point quota, I’ll stop gushing for now. But, did I mention I’m SO inspired by this kitchen? You constantly amaze me, friend.
    At the same time, I’m deeply saddened by your loss this week. I hope that a little break and time with family brings some peace. You and Emmett are in my thoughts. Sending much love, Sarah!💜

    1. Sarah Gibson says:

      Hi Peggi! The marble countertop has a way of distracting, ha. The sink is super nice and heavy, so I figured I’d put that portion of the budget toward a fancy faucet- I’m really excited about that. The hutch is sitting exactly as Emmett left it before the holiday, but he has plans to get back to it this weekend. I’m excited to see how it turns out… which reminds me, I’ve got mirrors to antique (a new-to-me project). Dentil moulding is also my favorite- why be normal when we can get excited about millwork profiles? Ha! I can’t wait to share the fridge. It’s supposed to arrive in February and I’m counting down the days! Thanks for your kind words- I’m glad we were able to catch flights back home to see our family. Post funeral and family time, I hopped on a horse for some emotional alone time, which felt exactly what I needed. All in all, it was a sweet and sentimental holiday. I hope you were able to relax, do some fun things, eat all the good food, and get some rest with your people as well! xo

  2. Good morning Sarah. I’m holding both you and Emmett in prayers for peace and comfort; losing loved ones is hard, but loss around the holidays hits different. I hope in the days to come you both are surrounded by the memories that are joy-filled, and I’m wishing you safe travels on your journey back.
    The basement fixtures you’ve selected are top-notch as always. I’m especially enamored with the bridge faucet- the narrower spread makes it feel more dainty. I’ve devoured the content showing Emmett modifying the hutch- to be honest I didn’t know that could be done. Although, Emmett makes all millwork look easy, lol. It slipped my mind that you’re also renovating the living space. So much to look forward to in the year ahead! Merry Christmas from our family to yours! Xoxo

    1. Sarah Gibson says:

      Thank you so much, Lauren! I’m really thankful we were able to find flights to travel home to be with our family. In happier news, I’m definitely excited about the basement. Can’t wait to share more. Hope your year is off to a fabulous start and you had a great day! xo

  3. Oh no Sarah, I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of a loved one. Sending big hugs and sincere condolences to you and your family. Safe travels, it’s a tough time of the year when urgency is required especially.
    On a happier note the progress on your basement is fantastic. The floors are beautiful and can’t wait to hear more about them in a future post. The kitchen is going to be stunning 😍 and retrofitting a dining hutch as bar, so cool. The countertops are beautiful and I like the two tone concept of the cabinets. It’s going to be a quite lovely lounging spot indeed.
    Despite your unfortunate reason for travel, I hope you take comfort in being with family. Here’s to wishing for a better start in the New Year and a wonderful year in 2024 for you and everyone ❤️ Xoxo

    1. Sarah Gibson says:

      Thank you, Colleen! I’m thankful we were able to make it home to be with our family- flights were tricky, but it all worked out. I’m definitely excited about the basement. I can’t wait to share more as the project unfolds. I feel like we’re finally to the fun part. Hope your year is off to a fabulous start! xo

  4. I’m so sorry to hear of the loss in your family. I hope for peace and safe travels to you both this season. As always, your projects, creativity, and stamina continue to inspire the rest of us. Merry Christmas!

    1. Sarah Gibson says:

      Thanks, Brittany! I appreciate it. I’m glad we were able to travel home to be with our family. Hope you had a lovely holiday season and your year is off to a wonderful start!

    1. Sarah Gibson says:

      Thank you, Dawn!

  5. Louis Tien says:

    Wow, can’t wait to see your final renos after holidays … @Sarah

    1. Sarah Gibson says:

      Thank you, Louis! Looking forward to sharing more.