This is not exactly an official winter reset area (read more about my Winter Reset here), but it sort of is, because we have spent the last few weeks emptying out our basement in preparation for this project. So, I'm putting a big checkmart next to "Basement" on my list because everything that was once down there is now organized, labeled and in a bin!
Our Basement Project
We have been avoiding finishing our basement for the last 10 years. It has been one of my biggest frustrations with our house, but now with a teenage daughter, we have really felt the need to add a finished space for her to host friends.
She has loved her basement as an unfinished craft and art space, so we are prioritizing her creative area + adding a sofa and TV area. I have worried that if we made it too finished, she wouldn't feel the freedom to create and make a mess. We are being mindful of not making anything down there too precious so she can be creative with abandon.
The hiccup with finishing the space is that it is small and has very low ceilings with obtrusive ductwork. When finished, there will be parts of the ceiling that are just 5'11". Not ideal, but we have decided to lean into the cozy, tucked-in, nook and cranny feel.
The finished room will lead to an unfinished storage area that we will access via french door. I am having the glass frosted to create the illusion that there might be more behind the door.
I made these boards because I find it helpful to get a clear vision from the start so everything is cohesive and works together.
(velvet sectional | JSH claire stripe fabric | brass sconces | rattan bench (or this version from Target) | JSH emma pillows )
The biggest improvement will be covering all of the walls with painted v-grove (or car siding) wood paneling and the ceiling with beadboard. I think this will help the small, squatted space feel more like a charming snug or an old-fashioned dormered attic.
The photo above has been my inspiration for all finishes and vibes. When I'm starting a project, I like to find a good photo that is doing everything right (even if it isn't the same type of room) so when I have a question about a finish, hardware, fixture or material, I can reference the photo to see what they used.
These photos encapsulate the feeling I'm looking for with the paneled walls and ceiling.
This is the layout that I made for our contractor to reference. I made it in Pages and dropped in photos, made shapes for the room and furniture, and text boxes for notes. It is a very easy process that I use often. This "one-sheeter" helps us to both be on the same page and gives him a reminder of what will go where and things we've discussed.
We have a big window that looks into a window well and her desk will be centered in front of the window. I think she'll like the natural light + above pendents we are relocating from the old shop's checkout area. The desk will not be built-in, but freestanding so we can take it with us, or move it later. The basement room footprint is only 11x18ft, so I wanted to leave the space flexible.
rattan desk chair (amazon) | inspiration board supplies
The first thing on my list is to order the sofa and the desk. I have ordered swatches for the sofa, and am excited about the possibility of using the Spa Velvet pictured. The dimensions of the stairs will make it tricky to get large furniture in, but this comes in two pieces and seems to have a lower than normal 29" back rail, which will help us get it past our 29" wide door opening. I like this style of sofa, because we could use it as an extra spot for sleepovers + large enough to hold a gaggle of girls watching a movie. So many things to think about.
We are in the early stages of this project, but I will share the process. Read more about my Winter Reset here.
