My Home: Hello Lovely Basement Makeover {reveal}
November 19, 2011
It took much longer than expected,
but except for some closet organizers
in the larger bedroom, the basement
makeover project is complete!
You can read about where we started here.
We're calling this space
'the studio' for now.
There is always lots of music
making happening.
This is the little bedroom.
Under floor heating is awesome!
We used honed carrera marble (mosaic on the floor,
12x12s for the walls of the shower). A polished marble
would have made things a slippery mess.
The built-in corner cabinet in the bathroom
has a history. It's actually a monstrous
computer armoire the kids used for years.
It became obsolete and was just the right size
to use for storage instead of the expected
linen closet in the new space.
Painting the cabinet inside and out took FORever, and
we included an outlet inside so you can charge your phone
or plug in a hair dryer and keep all clutter out of sight.
No one will ever feel claustrophobic in the huge shower.
Two pocket doors lead to each bedroom.
We don't want things to feel decorated.
Our son Luke's favorite color is lime green,
so we started with curtain panels
(color is called citrus)
by Annie Selke of Pine Cone Hill.
The pattern is 'scramble' and was spotted
in an incredible beach house featured in House Beautiful
a few years ago.
We have since moved a 9-foot long antique
Belgian sideboard and a king-sized bed in here
so it no longer feels as roomy as these photos suggest!
The wood on the walls was kept natural
in this big bedroom,
so it has a very cozy lovely feel.
When we built 6 yrs ago, we had this area plumbed for a bathroom.
We also had the builder dig 6" deeper to get higher ceilings.
We've come a long way, baby.
Instead of seeing the ductwork as an obstacle,
my husband did a fabulous job
using it as an opportunity
to create architectural interest.
Things have been a dusty mess for 9 months.
It also found a way to penetrate the upstairs rooms.
My favorite shot along the
renovation path: the 16 year old helping
Dad with the flooring.
As far as decor, we are not designers
so we are trying out furniture/decor on hand
and living with it to see what works
and what we need to make/buy.
The space has become functional and comfortable.
Can you believe we are such insane
hire anyone for any part
of this project?????
Peace to you right where you are.
45 comments
Wow- amazing! What a transformation!! Great job. :)
ReplyDeleteVery nice! Good work! And you placed the laminate by yourselves? Was it very time consuming? Difficult? I'm interested for my own living room but i haven't decided it yet.
ReplyDeleteOlga
www.stardust-decorstyle.blogspot.com
fantastic! I am so impressed! Love how you reused the computer armoire and hung art on the side!
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is - Hello Lovely! I am very inmpressed! Looks like you brought in a whole team of expensive professionals!
ReplyDeleteThis will add value to your house, my friend! 5 stars!
Love to you,
Mon
P.S Love the floors and the bathroom looks amazing!
Ohhhho my goodness, it's wonderful! So spacious and calming with the beautiful natural wood, and the wonderful whites. I love the white piano... I can't believe the difference, and you did it all yourselves! how cool. I love how you reused the armoire in the bathroom, and the tile is heavenly... Ummm, is this going to be 16 year old heaven? Because it is quite a perfect place for him to hang out...
ReplyDeleteCindy
Your family has created a beautiful and totally functional space! The walls are just gorgeous and the bathroom looks so simply pretty.
ReplyDeleteIt looks great, love it all and whatba great photo! I would have it on a wall somewhere!
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Wowwwwww.....! That "studio" is just amaaaazing!!!! Cozy, welcoming, and yet light and airy! A job well done!!!! :)
ReplyDeletexoxo laurie
You did such a beautiful job. My congratulations to the whole family.
ReplyDeleteBest...Victoria
It's so pretty! Doesn't even look like a basement!
ReplyDeleteThis now an amazing room - I am sure you'll fill it beautifully with wonderful furniture - love the piano - we have a lot of music in our home too! I just love that!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a blessed Thanksgiving,
Kathy
i think the laminate flooring was the easiest part of the project! this was our first experience with it. i think it looks a little 'plastic-y' in the photos, but in person, it's great. BUT if we did it again, we would probably go lighter since every crumb shows!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful space! Great pictures. I also love the one with !!!BILL!!! and your son. That is taking DIY to new heights!! The armoire in the bathroom is perfect! Love love love it all.
ReplyDeleteMichele the space is fabulous! Who cares how long it took since you got it done with your family all by yourselves, great job. It really is lovely and I love your new bath.
ReplyDeleteI don't call the husband mister man because of some blog rule it's actually what I call him 90% of the time...lol.
Well done!!!...Fabulous...xo, Mariaelena
ReplyDeleteOh oh oh WOW!! Bill is rather fantastically handy, isn't he? What a fantastic job you did and it just goes to show what you can accomplish with blood, sweat and tears!!
ReplyDeleteI know when you do work like this yourselves, it takes so much longer and it is so much more time-consuming then you ever realise... but the pride in seeing the finished product is so worth it (even if it doesn't seem it while you are in the midst of it).
I can't believe how much valuable and beautiful space you gained (it's VERY Scandi - yum yum) but the pièce de résistance is most definitely that bathroom.
So gorgeous - the tiles you chose and that reconditioned corner cabinet - inspired. So gorgeous, I love it ALL!
I'm rambling now so I'll shuddup but really really FABULOUS job. I love it!
Huge hugs lovely xxx
Oh my word, I love it! The walls are amazing. That bathroom is to-die-for. And tell your son that he has excellent taste in favorite colors; I love the curtains!
ReplyDeleteOh wow girl is is GORGEOUS!!! I think I would have to stay in that warm bathroom! I love everything about it!!!! You are my inspiration if and when we decide to refinish our basement.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the sweet words and I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
Hugs and love!!!
xoxoxo
Thanks for your informative picture story. We are regenerate our attic and the "battle" scars are showing. Thanks for your inspiration.
ReplyDeleteJust amazing!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy,
CBO
I love it! It all looks incredible and kudos for tackling it all yourselves! We're the same way with out projects! We've gutted our bathroom to get a tub in for our little girl, and my other half and my father are tackling it all themselves! :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you don't mind if I include your beautiful basement in my Friday Favourites post?
Oh WOW!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat I'd give for my basement to be finished. Just can't talk hubby into forking out the moo-lah. :( For now I'll look at the cement walls like yours in the before pictures.
You guys have done a fabulous job!!
good gracious! that is fantastic. those walls are to die for. great job!
ReplyDeleteWow, that is looking GORGEOUS!!!
ReplyDeleteThis has come out so well Michele. I love the colors tones in your house.
ReplyDeleteAnd yeah, no more hiding names. I'm through with that too.
Love the shot.
WOW!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! It looks so beautiful - it doesn't look like a basement at all! I love the wood and the color tones you used... and that bathroom is beautiful! I can't believe you never hired any help! I think it makes this space that much more special! A job well done!
ReplyDeletelol,
Desiree
complimenti!
ReplyDeleteIl legno naturale alle pareti è fantastico!
nunzia
cosedilino.blogspot.com
Interesting, I just sent you an email before seeing this and I said how much you're inspiring me to finish one part of my basement. It's a huge part and we want to transform it into a media/theater room. But we'll have to do everything and we have no idea how. Can I call you and your husband over? :-) But seriously, we're probably going to do this next spring or summer, because of you! Seeing this is really inspiring and I can't believe you guys did it by yourselves! Congratulations.... don't you feel proud when you go there and take a look? I would!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day, my dear Michele.
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Interesting, I just sent you an email before seeing this and I said how much you're inspiring me to finish one part of my basement. It's a huge part and we want to transform it into a media/theater room. But we'll have to do everything and we have no idea how. Can I call you and your husband over? :-) But seriously, we're probably going to do this next spring or summer, because of you! Seeing this is really inspiring and I can't believe you guys did it by yourselves! Congratulations.... don't you feel proud when you go there and take a look? I would!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day, my dear Michele.
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Interesting, I just sent you an email before seeing this and I said how much you're inspiring me to finish one part of my basement. It's a huge part and we want to transform it into a media/theater room. But we'll have to do everything and we have no idea how. Can I call you and your husband over? :-) But seriously, we're probably going to do this next spring or summer, because of you! Seeing this is really inspiring and I can't believe you guys did it by yourselves! Congratulations.... don't you feel proud when you go there and take a look? I would!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day, my dear Michele.
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Wow! You and your hubby did a fabulous job with the basement renovation! The bathroom looks stunning, love the tile floors and the built-in cabinet!
ReplyDeleteThe wall planks is my favorite as well. Very inspiring, thanks for sharing!
By the way, I am hosting two fabulous giveaways. You may participate in either or both of them if you like! :)
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www.mixandchic.com
It looks AMAZING, my lovely!! Love love love everything about it - what an amazing space you've created - and all by yourselves too!! A huge pat on the back for you all! The tile in the bathroom is fabulous, and I love that you gave new life to an old cupboard. A stunning job, sweet lady.
ReplyDelete(Sorry I'm late commenting on this, as Christmas gets closer, the hours in the day seem to shrink! Too much to do, too little time.)
Love,
Meera xx
LOVE how it turned
ReplyDeleteout, Michele! And you
are right, so precious to
see Bill's hands working
next to your son's : )
Sending you HAPPY
Thanksgiving wishes
from the Amtrak train
heading to D.C. from
NYC!
xx Suzanne
Everything is just gorgeous! So much hard work paid off, beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving!
XO
Kristin
You did such a fabulous job...such a happy space for music...BRAVISSIMA!!!!
ReplyDeletethat is so awesome!!!:O
ReplyDeleteLOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteTurned out so light and bright and airy. I cannot believe that space is your lower level, Michele!
The bathroom is dreamy.
Love the woods and paneling and mirrored French doors off the music room. You did an amazing job --- all of you!
Happy Thanksgiving with your four today. Love to you,
xoxox
Alison
Dear Michele,
ReplyDeleteThinking of you today. I am thankful for you. You are simply the best.
Love to you and yours.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Mon
Wow...Michele, it looks fabulous. You must be thrilled with the results. Hope you have a wonderful and RELAXING Thanksgiving!!
ReplyDeleteOh please...oh please...I want that space in my basement...Santa are you listening?????
ReplyDeleteVery pretty! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
ReplyDeleteSherry
Your basement looks amazing. Where did you find the fantastic mirror hanging in the bathroom?? I am so glad I found your blog and will enjoy reading the rest of it.
ReplyDeleteLove your name too ~
Sincerely,
Michele
It looks marvelous! You should be proud of what you have accomplished and I'm sure you will enjoy it for many years!
ReplyDeletethis is fabulous, you all did a great job!! (and you're very brave!)
ReplyDeleteHow pretty! Now comes the really fun part - DECORATING! By the way, I love the reuse of the computer armoire. I've repurposed things like that all over my tiny cottage.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking to Time Travel Thursday again.
Blessings,
Liz @ The Brambleberry Cottage
Your comments add to the beauty...thanks in advance for your kindness.