Basement & Media Room Makeover
Guess what?! I have the privilege of helping Sherwin-Williams announce the Color of the Year once again. Remember last year when I revealed gorgeous Cavern Clay SW 7701 as the 2019 color? Well for 2020, you guys are in for a real treat! It’s one of my all-time favorite navy hues from Sherwin-Williams. Drumroll please… Naval SW 6244! When deciding where to incorporate this beautiful paint into our home, the space that called out for this color was definitely the basement. Most people are intimidated to paint their basement or a low light room a dark color, but believe me when I tell you- that’s the perfect area to experiment with saturated or moody hues. Click through to read all about our basement & media room makeover painted in this stunning shade. I’m explaining why it works so well and the inspiration behind it.
*This post is sponsored by Sherwin-Williams. All content, ideas, and words are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that allow us to create unique content while featuring products we actually use & enjoy!
I’ll begin by saying, this is really phase one of our basement “renovation” Eventually, we’d like to demo the walls, shift around the layout, and really transform the space architecturally… but until then- I wanted to create a cozy space that is more representative of our aesthetic, because who knows when we’ll be able to fully renovate down here.
The name of the game for this space was high style on a mega budget. It’s incredible how paint alone can truly transform the look of a room. In addition to a fresh coat of Emerald Interior in the Color of the Year, Naval SW 6244, we purchased window treatments and picture lights. Everything else in the space we previously owned. It’s funny how it’s basically our old living room, yet it looks totally different with the updated color! Ready for a before and after?
We really didn’t touch this space upon moving in. We basically carried our furniture down the stairs from the moving truck and didn’t even make an effort to floor plan or style it. It basically has stayed where we dropped it for the past seven months. Although that’s a little embarrassing, I knew we needed to freshen this room, hide cords, and better plan the space because we use it all the time. We’re constantly down here lounging, watching movies, and snuggling the dogs. It’s truly our favorite room to unwind at the end of the day. It deserved better!
Let’s do another one… check out this before image:
It really just looked like a grey / beige blob. The monochromatic colors weren’t doing anything good for this space. The TV on the opposing wall also didn’t have a sense of purpose. It was awkwardly floating and the speaker wires were impossible to hide. It just felt very blah.
By switching up the floor plan, we were able to create better balance, function, and we even gained some space by placing the sofa on a longer wall. However, the thing that is most transformative, in my opinion, is the bold color. It really helped to break up the boring gray tones and works much better with our existing carpet and furniture.
I spent forever dying curtain panels to hide the exposed shelves and bifold doors. If you’re interested in that tutorial, check out this post! The doors behind the TV are utility doors. Our hot water heater actually lives behind them and we very seldom need to access it, but in the event we do- we’ll just move the media stand out of the way for relatively easy access. It was worth the tradeoff for the updated floor plan, which makes far more sense in the basement. But back to the curtains… they really soften the space and make it feel more like a theater or movie room. They also help the odd soffit and hidden ductwork look more intentional. Not to mention, painting the soffit “ceiling” Naval SW 6244 really helped to disguise the ugly texture.
The media stand is “new”, but was free. Emmett’s workplace is being remodeled and during demo this giant dude was sitting beside the dumpster ready to toss it into a landfill. I made him save it, he brought it home, then I painted it the same shade as the walls (Naval SW 6244). The piece itself is a little outdated, as it was built in the 80’s, but I liked the lines and you know I can’t pass up free “vintage” furniture. Haha!
Painting it, swapping the hardware, and styling really helped bring the entertainment unit to the times. It’s perfect until we renovate someday or find something better.
Emmett also brought home five of these solid wood pedestals that were being thrown out at his work. I’m certain his boss thinks I’m a nut for wanting these, but I loved the idea of floating them around the room… and again- monochromatic paint did the trick for sprucing them up! I’m probably going to sprinkle the remaining three throughout upcoming renovations- so keep an eye out for more and how I style them.
I used the pedestal pictured above for hiding cords and surround sound attachments. It felt like a fun architectural touch since the room is pretty basic and boring in terms of millwork.
As for inspiration and color, I really wanted the basement media area or living room to feel like a soft and textural, high-end space where you can totally let go and relax. In fact, Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year is focused on relaxation and mindfulness. This year has been all about work life balance for me. This was my goal at the beginning of the year, as I’ve been focusing on well-being. I immediately knew a dark color would be perfect in this area. When we’re snuggled up under cozy throws, watching our favorite movie with a big bucket of popcorn (or cocktails), I prefer a dark and moody lounge type of environment… like a theater.
The color Naval SW 6244 really played well with our existing white sofa, brass accents, leather pieces, and luxe textiles. It feels dark, but still happy and sophisticated. It’s a calming hue that reminds me to check out and allow arbitrary worries of the workday to slip away.
Aside from the wall color, I dug out our vintage ski prints from our previous gallery wall. Remember that from our old master bedroom? I knew I wanted to create some acoustic wall panels to help with the surround sound situation… and let’s be real- I’ve also REALLY wanted to upholster a wall treatment in velvet for the longest time. This felt like the perfect opportunity and gave me another chance to insert navy. I laid out the grid on the carpet prior to installation, then ran to IKEA for quick gallery lights at the last minute. They really complete that wall and I love the dim light they add during evening hours. The brass really pops against the dark paint color!
Although we have plenty of recessed can lights, we really only use the picture lights and a floor lamp at night. I’m a fan of soft, ambient light- especially in a media room setting. The overheads can sometimes feel too bright or harsh during evening hours.
If it’s not obvious already, texture was another big part of making this space feel less clinical and boring. I crammed in as many textiles as I possibly could: pillows, throws, wall panels, blankets, and even an area rug layered over top of the carpet. The entire room feels very plush and cozy. It’s definitely a space that makes you want to kick your socks off and slip into your pajamas or comfy clothes and simply LOUNGE.
Given there is so much blue in the space, I knew bringing in some wood tones would help to achieve a nice warm contrast. I added some woven wood materials like the window treatments, baskets, and woven furniture- like the ottoman.
As I previously mentioned, brass is another finish that works impeccably well with Naval SW 6244. In addition to the picture lights, you can also find our coffee table, floor lamp, and accessories that help add some metallic pizazz to the space.
I kept the coffee table styling pretty minimal. My general formula is books, coasters, a tray or bowl for holding the remotes, and a candle. We’re the type of family that likes to kick our feet up onto the table, so I tried not to over style it.
Our slipcovered sofa is still in great shape and looks wonderful in this room. Eventually, we’d like to get a larger sofa for this area since the space is sizably larger than our previous living room, but for now- it totally works and I really love the look of it.
If you’re interested in sources, I’ll link everything below! Click directly on the items- or use the numbered source links at the bottom of the collage to shop.
01: Naval SW 6244 in Emerald Interior // 02: art light // 03: ski art // 04: floor lamp // 05: slipcovered sectional // 06: faux plant // 07: side table // 08: brass coffee table // 09: monogrammed slate coasters // 10: navy cashmere throw // 11: horse bust // 12: large basket // 13: gray velvet pillow // 14: candle // 15: candle pedestal // 16: pewter pillow // 17: black & white throw // 18: navy chair // 19: pedestal bowl // 20: curtains // 21: leather pouf // 22: woven ottoman // 23: tiger pillow cover // 24: greek key pillow // 25: soapstone bowl // 26: striped wool throw // 28: area rug // 29: drink table // 30: plaid throw
When combining navy, white, and brass (a popular palette), it’s easy to end up with an overly preppy, predictable, or cookie cutter space, but I think I did a good job of making this media room in our basement feel unique and interesting. Would you agree?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the space and the 2020 Color of the Year in the comment section below! I’m loving the subtle fall feel down here and it’s making me very happy to have a cozy and casual living room where we can relax. It’s pretty traditional, with a tiny bit of modern mixed in. I’m digging it! Anyone else? How do you feel about Naval SW 6244 being the Color of the Year? I. Am. So. On. Board.