Basement Renovation Design Plan
Our basement renovation is just beginning– perfect timing as I’m getting back to the blog! I spent the weekend clearing things out, and have secretly been scheming & planning since the beginning of summer. Read on for the before images and to see my design plan for the space…
Before
Our basement is really spacious & functional, but most of it is stuck in 1994, in terms of aesthetic. We weren’t planning to tackle the basement next, but alas- another plumbing issue bumped it higher on our renovation list. The sink faucet hasn’t even been functional for five months. We use this space often and I’m looking forward to an overhaul. First, let’s remember where it started…
Back in 2019, we gave our basement media room a facelift, highlighting the Sherwin-Williams color of the year, at the time. Our boring, gray basement suddenly had personality and to be honest- I really really loved it.
Currently
We had high hopes of a total basement renovation and I always imagined it looking very different than it looks now… but this space feels like home. I love the deep blue palette with perfectly dyed drapery panels to match, my vintage ski prints, the velvet upholstered wall panels Emmett & I constructed, and even the bulky credenza I pulled from the dumpster at his work and painted. Who knew? I’ve only swapped subtle things since then.
When working through the design plan, I found myself not wanting to change the “media room” side of the space all too much. When designing, I always trust my gut- and this time my instincts were telling me to build upon what we have.
Therefore, we’re going to keep much of the aforementioned decor and color palette on that side of the room, while updating the floor plan with better fitting furniture.
One thing I’m most excited about is the flooring we’ll be installing in the basement. It just arrived over the weekend and looks so good. I’m excited to share it with you.
We’ll be installing Stuga hardwood flooring throughout the ENTIRE basement- including the newly finished basement bedroom, our workout room, the media room, and the kitchen we’ll be tackling. The icky gray carpet is finally coming out, and the flooring will look so beautiful and cohesive.
The majority of our renovation budget will be going toward the adjacent, open concept basement kitchen. I’ve also decided to keep that existing footprint while making smart upgrades: new cabinetry doors, tile, stone, plumbing fixtures, lighting, etc.
Design Plan
Ready to see the design plan? This is where I’m headed, of course anything is subject to change at this point…
As I mentioned, I’m oddly attached to the current design, so that isn’t changing much. The biggest update will be new furniture that better fits the floor plan (it’s U-shaped). Maybe you noticed the new sectional? Let’s just say, Emmett & I are both happy about that. More to come soon on how it functions in the room.
We really needed an additional heat source, being a cooler basement, and an electrical fireplace made the most sense. We’ll be swapping the sconces, adding built-ins, and I’ll have more shelving to style (my favorite). I’m definitely trying to cozy things up down here!
The kitchen is going to be really fun, yet attainable. We’re keeping the existing cabinets, but will be replacing and painting the doors. The existing countertop has got to go, and I’ve been stone shopping for the perfect slab.
The existing black refrigerator will be getting swapped, which I’m eager to see. It always felt so heavy and out of place alongside the lighter cabinetry.
We’ll also install a tile or bead board backsplash (I’m still undecided), new plumbing fixtures, update the hardware, and of course- updated styling… my favorite part. This kitchen doesn’t have a cooktop or range, so we primarily use it as a bar. I’m looking forward to showcasing some of our beautiful glassware.
FAQ
This coming weekend! I cleared most everything out and will begin installing the flooring first. I’ll be working on the basement while Emmett keeps moving forward in the entryway.
Room by room! We’re starting with the media room and kitchen, then will move down the hall toward the workout room and basement bedroom.
Absolutely! I always share sources in the reveal post that concludes each renovation. From paint colors and decor to exact links for furniture & fixtures, I’ll wrap it up with an organized little bow for you.
The process of ordering & swapping cabinet doors, flooring installation, more on our sectional that will be arriving soon, addressing lower basement ceilings, smoothing textured ceilings, and of course progress posts leading up to the big reveal. Let me know if there is anything specific you want to see or hear from me on!
It’s leaving… but I promise he’s happy about our new seating situation!
I’ve always liked the look and decided it was time to take a fun design risk. It’s just paint, right?
I hope you’ll follow along with the basement project! I’m actually very excited for this space and to tackle another kitchen… even if it’s on a much smaller scale. Kitchens and baths are always my favorite to design & style.
Leave me your questions and thoughts in the comment section below! I’m still working through the new site and some things will be updated and changing today & tomorrow. Otherwise, I hope you like it and can navigate and search more easily. I’ll make a proper introduction and navigation tutorial once it’s totally finished! Also- if something is amiss… drop me a note. It’s always appreciated! Have a great week, friends!