Once, we had a dream. A basement dream with lots of big basement ideas. But today the dreaming is finito. You guys, it’s done.
The BASEMENT is done.
And it makes me wanna break into song because you know…
I’m all about this basement, this basement, no more trouble.
I’m all about this basement, this basement, no more trouble.
We brought this basement back!!
Go head and tell those dingy termites that…no, I’m just playing.
I know you think it’s phat, and I’m here to tell you every inch of it’s now perfect from the bottom to the top.
– complete knockoff of Megan Trainor “All About That Bass”…if you don’t know it, you should.
No more welcome to the jungle (another great tune). We worked hard to make our basement ideas basement realities. This former dungeon is today a bit more of a dream.
And before I get too far along in this post, let me share the sources for this space:
basement source list:
- charcoal tufted velvet sectional sofa
- quartzite wall tile for fireplace surround
- orange/white geometric/trellis curtains (here’s a similar set)
- 9×12 wool flokati rug
- chevron gray hallway rug
- white high gloss floating storage units (IKEA Pax system)
- chalkboard paint, back wall
- chalk paint for 2 chairs (IKEA) and (thrifted) sofa table (Annie Sloan Provence)
- chandelier over sofa
- pendant light over kids work table
- magnetic dry erase board 48×36
- kids space orange polka dot rug (no longer sold at IKEA, but sometimes available through another vendor via link)
- electric fireplace (similar options)
- laminated wall map
- paint (wall) – “White Duck” in eggshell, Sherwin Williams
- faux sheepskin in hallway nook
- blue wood IKEA chairs (painted in Annie Sloan Provence)
Our budget was low and our wish list was long, so we did the best we could on our shoestring, DIY budget. A budget that required us to do 95% of the work ourselves (we did pay someone to tape and sand the drywall).
And before I delve too deep in the nitty-gritty, let me throw the source list up here, in case anyone finds something they may want for their very own 😉
When I say we DIY’d everything, I mean EVERYTHING. Remember those two armchairs (above) I snagged a while back for $16 each? I reupholstered those myself, to contain cost.
A basement, especially one which has to serve as a playroom, requires storage for all that kid junk. We packed a TON of storage into this basement. ALL from IKEA. And I really enjoy the clean, modern lines of this cabinet style.
Plus, we needed ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to make this space lighter and brighter, so these white cabinets with high gloss doors seemed like a win-win.
The flokati shag rug is one of my fave elements down here. Hey, you can take the child out of the 1970s, but you can’t take the 1970s out of the child, right?
There’s something so fun and funny and super comfy cozy about a shag rug. Is it the most practical rug? Hellz to the no, but no one ever accused me of choosing function over form, and I have no intention of changing now. I’m telling you, I could sleep on this rug and be completely happy.
That modern wall-mounted fireplace? It’s electric. And it’s also hilarious. You can choose the color of the flame. I kid you not.
Is it realistic looking? Not even a little bit. BUT, it can pump out some serious heat, which is great in a basement. And for those of us who live in homes without gas, I think it’s a really fun option.
This space had a LOT of straight lines, and it still does. But as much as I dig a modern aesthetic, I wanted to soften it a bit. The fabric helped with that.
I mounted a curtain rod behind the soffit you see behind the couch. Now, these playful, bright curtains help create a “private” play area for the kids, and they are used constantly as theater curtains during all of our “performances” down here.
So I scored the shag rug, the gorgeous tufted, velvety sectional, the bow chicka bow wow electric fireplace…but the REAL winners in this basement are our three kiddos, I think.
A couple of other things we did just for the kiddos include hanging a huge laminated map, where we can track our adventures.
We bought an inexpensive craft/activity table. The glossy top on this table is SO clutch for cleaning up glue and markers and all those things that kids get on the furniture.
The chairs we paired with the table were super thrifty as well. We bought the 2 orange folding chairs from IKEA and painted a couple of other IKEA chairs we already had on hand to save some more loot and keep that quirky, eclectic, unpredictable look going.
One ENTIRE wall is a chalkboard. Overboard? Quite possibly, but the kids don’t seem to mind! And I think it gives the space some more dimension, rather than amplifying the fact that this room is just a big, boring, square box.
The board hanging below the map is a magnetic whiteboard. Great place to hang treasures, as well as an additional spot for the kids to let their creativity go wild.
I mean, who didn’t want to write all over the walls as a child? Maybe just me? I don’t know, but if I can somehow green light something that would otherwise be a red light, I dig it.
I knew that I’d likely be working a lot from this part of the house once it was completed. I snagged this console/sofa table from an auction for $9 to use as a desk.
It got chalk-painted to fit the space. And those lamps? They were the cheapest I could find at Wal-Mart. Just doctored them up a bit with some FREE wood…i.e. sticks from my yard, and twine.
So with that, our transformation of the worst basement ever is complete. And as I close my eyes to prevent the inevitable terrorizing flashbacks, let’s have one more reminder of where we started…
Stairs to the basement, before and after we painted them, and gave that boob light a cheap, 5 minute augmentation…
Hall to the rec room. Before, it was windy and weird. Now, it’s chock-full-o-storage and wider than before because we downsized the bathroom and removed some of the previous wall along the stairs.
And finally, the kids space/basement before and after…
I hope if you have a basement that is in need of a do-over that this DIY project has given you some good basement ideas and basement design ideas. Now, it’s time for me to pull a Nicki Minaj and…
Peace on OUT of this here boom-ba-doom-doom boom-ba-doom-doom basement, yeah this here super basement…
Mommy needs a nap.
Pssst…before you go, I sure would love to hang out with you again really soon! Sign up now and get a FREE copy of “Builder-Grade To Beautiful: 10 Totally Transformative Home Decorating Solutions, All Under $100!” Click here or on the image below. Your copy will be sent right away!
Ashley says
How much did you end up spending on the renovation itself, apart from furniture or decorations?
Cara Lee says
Love your ideas. One question. How did you brighten up the small windows? I just moved into a basement space myself and I can’t figure out how to make it feel like daytime when it is. All I can see are the metal rounds holding back the dirt.
Heather says
Hmmmm…not sure I have any great ideas on that front. Some basement windows are definitely dark. The one we have in our guest room is nice and bright because it’s so big, but the smaller ones on the back side of the house don’t get much light at all. I think the only way to really do it is to have the wells dug deeper and add larger windows, but that’s a pricey expedition. The only other recommendation I have is to add LOTS of recessed lighting, if you own the space…that helps.
Cara Lee says
Thanks for your thoughts. I just saw them today.Yeah, I’m renting so larger windows isn’t an option for me. the only thing I can think of is to spray paint the galvanized steel white so that it reflects any light it does get more.
Amy says
Gorgeous! It looks like you painted the stairs to the basement. What method did you use to keep the paint from peeling or chipping through foot traffic?
Heather says
Hi Amy!! The stairs have actually held up very well. I’m hoping to write a post in the near future to show people how they’ve held up over the past couple years. I’m AMAZED how perfect they still look. I think the key is using the right paint. We have a full post with the tutorial if you’re interested: https://heatherednest.com/how-to-paint-stairs/
Kelly says
You crack me up!! ???
Christy @ Our Southern Home says
What an amazing space. You really worked hard with a big payoff!
Jessica Panos says
I am stunned by the before and afters! It doesn’t even look like the same space. That sofa is the showstopper! Love it!
CJ says
What a massive transformation. The basement is a bright living area instead of the previous looking dungeon. Great job on the remodel!
Heather says
It was a lot of work, so it’s nice to hear comments like these! Thanks CJ!
jenn from much to my delight says
As someone who lived in a dim, dank, moldy-smelling Queens basement for 9 years, this renovation actually brings a tear to my eye. This is INCREDIBLE. I am dumbstruck by how light and bright you’ve gotten it down there. Impressive, wonderful, magical makeover! Looks like such a cozy place to be. Hope your family enjoys it for years to come!!
Heather says
Awww, Jenn! That makes me so happy! And I’m just heading to your blog now to look around! Having just gotten back from NYC, and thinking, gosh, I’d love to live here, but I wonder if I could be organized to live in the square footage that comes with living in the city, I’m so excited to pour over your life in Queens!! Thanks for stopping in 🙂 So glad you liked our basement reno!!
Lisa | Shine Your Light says
Heather, WOW!!! I am poking around the internet instead of making dinner looking for ideas for our basement and I can’t believe I missed this during the ORC – it’s amazing!!!!! What a difference you made! I especially love how you added those curtains to define the two spaces and give it all a big pop of color. So fun and functional and beautiful!!!! Hope you are all enjoying your space.
Donna @ Modern on Monticello says
Okay, another awesome project I am so jealous of. I have been not so patiently waiting almost nine years to get started on our basement remodel. Your remodel is so inspiring and gorgeous. Love it.
Heather says
THANKS Donna!!! Hope you get to start yours soon. It was NOT a fun one, but so glad it’s in the history books now 😉
tammy thomas says
You Guys ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Heather says
Gosh, we try Tammy! THANK YOU!!
April R - Uncookie Cutter says
Wow, this looks AMAZING! I love what you did with the curtains and the columns. GREAT idea. Congrats on your new space, looks like it’ll get tons of use!
Emily says
Wow!!!! Your before and after pictures are incredible—I can’t believe it’s the same space! There’s a lot about this room I love—the colors, all the storage, the fun kid space & your makeovers… so basically everything 🙂 Thanks for linking up with Merry Monday last week.
Julie Briggs says
What a fun and happy space – it doesn’t look like the same room! Awesome transformation.
Heather says
Thank you Julie!!
Stephanie @ Casa Watkins Living says
Adore!!! Wow Heather you hit this out of the park!!! stunning room and love the curtains around the post idea!
Heather says
Thanks a ton Stephanie!
Jenny says
Really, really well done! Way to go!!
Allison says
Oh my goodness- Heather, this basement is STUNNING! I love how you made the space for the kids by utilizing that column…genius!
Heather says
THANKS Allison!!! Really appreciate it 🙂 We’re glad it’s done!
Kathy says
Holy moly! What a huge project and it turned out beautiful! Love the furniture choices and the way you divided the room with those pretty curtains. I can’t believe how light the entire space is now!
Heather says
Thanks Kathy 🙂 It was a BEAR of a project, but glad we’re through it and out on the other side. And the photos make it look like there’s a fair amount of natural light, but in reality, it’s still lacking in natural light, but we’ve flooded it with all kinds of other light, so I think we did the best we could do on our budget 😉
Shirley ondrusek says
Wow the basement is beautiful you are very talented I love the steps I will be showing them to my granddaughter she just bought a house and wanted to paint her steps love the color you chose
Heather says
Aww, thanks so much Shirley! Congrats to your granddaughter. I hope that she is enjoying her new space!!
Debi says
We don’t have basements in South Texas but that room rocks! I will definitely “pin” this!
Heather says
Thanks Debi! You’re not missing much in my honest opinion by not having one 😉 I honestly don’t understand the infatuation we have out east about them, but since it was here, we had to fix er up!! Thanks for pinning 🙂
Elisabeth Crowe says
Well hellooooo basement! Six weeks!?? That looks absolutely fantastic! I love everything about it! How on earth you got all that light into the play room-chalkboard end of that space I have no idea! I love, love, love those orange curtains; they look brilliant. You’ve gotta be happy with that! I would be doing a very happy dance about now if I were you. In fact, in honour of your wonderful achievements with your new basement, I’ll even go so far as to share with you, my favourite ‘expression’…… which I reserve for those totally solitudinous times, when I have had more than just a wee bit of a beverage, and I may or may not be doing some unwatched and totally uninhibited dancing and gesticulations, and have just completed – with extraordinary success – some major task. Yes, this deserves a ….
CHIKKA BOOM, CHIKKA BOOM, CHIKKA BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!!!
I am in awe! Well done!
Cheers, Liz (Australia).
Heather says
You just make me smile. I am honored to be the recipient of your lovely shout out 😉 And my happy dance is sleeping, now that it’s all over…and that’s a GOOD feeling!
June says
I like it, I love your sofa!
Jennifer says
Wowzer, what a transformation! Doesn’t even look like the same house. Enjoy making memories in that fun space!
Brenda says
I can’t believe you accomplished all of that in six weeks. What a great space!
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
You totally ROCKED IT!! Love everything about it, Heather, down to the chalk dust. 🙂 I’m on my way to chill!
Lianna@theresnoplacelikehomemke says
the transformation is incredible! the whole space looks amazing. love how you were able to incorporate a sophisticated tone while still keeping it kid friendly! congrats!
Preciously Me says
You did an amazing job!!! Love it 🙂
Congratulations!
Melissa Woods says
WOW! This transformation blew me away! This was my favorite room I viewed for the ORC this round. I absolutely love that sofa and all the color you put into the space! You did a very admirable job. Congrats and enjoy!
Melissa
Katie says
What an awesome basement and a fun place to hang out. I especially love how bright it is, those stairs and that big map!
Roxanne says
Wow!!! Beautiful job, what an amazing transformation!
Mila says
This is what you call a HUGE improvement. Congrats
Brenlee @ Life on Lake Street says
Wow- this transformation is amazing!!! It must feel so good to be done and just sit and admire all the hard work. So great!
Tammy says
Wow!!! You did an amazing job transforming this space into something special for your family! Well done!
Ashley says
What a huge change! The space looks absolutely fabulous. Love the gallery wall layout, painted stairs, upholstered chairs….it’s all beautiful!
Carrie at Kenarry: Ideas for the Home says
Heather!!!! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! This totally does not even look like the same place you started with. What a dramatic transformation. I love, love, love it and bet you are just so thrilled with how beautiful, bright and fresh this space feels. NICE JOB!
Heather says
Thanks friend 🙂
Samantha says
Crazy awesome makeover! LOVE! So bright and fun! Looks like a completely new space. And, I seriously love your humor! You never cease to crack me up!
Heather says
THANK YOU SAMANTHA!!!
Debra @ Eve Isle Studios says
This is gorgeous! So light and bright for a basement. And a shag rug?!? Can never go wrong with shag.
Andrea says
Awesome stinkin sauce!!!!!!
Erin @ Lemons, Lavender, & Laundry says
Wow! This space in incredible! I love that chalkboard wall and all the pops of color. Your before and afters are stunning! Love the stairs. Beautifully done!
Heather says
Super duper appreciate it Erin!!!
Kristin @ Postbox Designs says
You did a fantastic job….what an amazing new space! I love it all, but I’m really loving your kid’s hang out space-they are probably thrilled! Way to go!
Stacy says
This is a winner! Nice job. I love the kid area. 🙂
jessica says
wow, what a difference. I had to look through the before images twice. It looks so different!
sarah krouse says
What a great space! And what transformation you made of it – such a seriously huge difference. But let’s just talk about that that sofa for a sec. Can I just say how I love that sofa?
Marie, The Interior Frugalista says
Wowsers!!! You’d never know that was the same space from the top of the stairs to the bottom and beyond. There is so much I love about this space. The brightness, colors & textures, chalkboard wall and how you cleverly separated the kid’s space with the drapery panels. The painted grain sack striped stairs, those gorgeous floors, the stacked stone fireplace. Heck, I like everything about this space and can’t believe you pulled it off in just six short weeks! Enjoy your rest because it’s more than deserved.
Sue Purdy says
Awesome job!!! I love how you used that post as a room divider with the curtains. So creative ? That couch is also super sexy. Love it!!!
Katie @ Little House of Four says
Awesome job! I would have never guess it was the same space. I love that you incorporated a place for adults as well as a fun place for kids. Great job on a beautiful makeover.
amanda says
Great job. I love the curtains dividing the space. I was totally inspired by your stairs and painted the ones to my craft room as part of my ORC room.
Justynn says
Does NOT look like a basement. Love the kid’s area!!
Emily @ Table & Hearth says
There’s NO WAY that is the same space! It looks twice as big! You kicked ass friend!!
Kimm at RoadKill Rescue and Reinvented says
OH my goodness, Heather, I LOVE every detail! It’s the perfect combo. of adult space and kid space, rustic and glam, and colorful and neutral. Amazing!!
ashley@biggerthanthethreeofus says
Can I come over?! I’d love for our basement to look like this. Drastic before/after.
Vel says
Wow! What a great hang-out space for the entire family! I love how you added the kids play area, so creative! Congrats and Cheers to us for another room done!
Elise says
WOW!!! The white makes such a difference. I’m obsessed with the stair detail!! And that might be the basement couch of my DREAMS!!! It’s functional and practical yet beautiful all wrapped into one. Cheers, girlie!!!! xx
Mary says
This is so freaking amazing! It is so bright and does not even look like a basement. I am loving all the pops of color! If our basement looks half this good when we are finished, I will be singing too!
Krystle says
I’m going to have “All About That Bass” stuck in my head for days… and well worth it to see your incredible basement transformation!! I’d never want to leave a chic hang out space like this! Great work, the space is so fun and so well executed! Enjoy!!!
Bliss says
Most excellent. You’ve given hope to the millions of basements just like your before. And I love that whole chalkboard wall, not overkill in my book, just more space to let the kids go chalk wild.
Arielle | Scotch and Nonsense says
I love it! The chalkboard wall and map for the kids is absolutely perfect. So good!
Mary-the boondocks blog says
I love your eclectic quirky style, Heather. That sectional was the first thing that caught my eye. It hs to be 70’s right, only I remember it always being covered in plastic slipcovers . Once that is removed it shines. I also love your chalkboard wall, you can never go overboard on that (despite what the experts say), as long as it’s kid-friendly its good! And the curtains are also a lovely addition that add some playfulness and color to the room . All in all a remarkable transformation.
Danielle says
You killed it! I can’t believe you finished out a basement in 6 weeks!
Sharon C says
Wow what a transformation….it looks totally A-MAZ-ING and looks so inviting. You’ve done a absolute brilliant job and you must be so proud of what you’ve achieved.
Tilisa says
I love how this room turned out! That chalkboard wall is so fun! I don’t think it is too big at all. And I love the couch! Great job!
Lori says
Amazing transformation!! Your kids are lucky to have this space!
Leslie says
This is one incredible DIY space. What a great idea to doctor up some lamps with sticks and twine. It works perfectly! And I love the idea to curtain off the play space. I may just have to steal that idea myself!
Amy says
AMAZING! Of course! I have basements on my mind right now so this was the perfect inspiration. You did so much with a small budget, your kids will love this space for years to come. Now I just need to find the energy to tackle our space– one of these days! XO, Amy
Sabrina @ Pink Little Notebook says
What a great space! You did an amazing job!
Heather Metzler says
The stairs! The chalkboard wall! The faux fireplace! I mean, that before vs the after is not even real life?!?!! How do you DO THIS?!!?!? So so so fantastic!
Amanda @ Old House to New Home says
I literally finished our ORC nursery at midnight last night and we began construction on our basement this morning and I am going to use yours as our inspiration! I absolutely love the separate play and lounge area and want to do a sectioned off curtain area! I think this is my favorite basement that I have ever seen! And yes, I also need a serious nap like you do!
Colleen Stevens says
I can’t even believe that is the same basement! That is just one crazy good makeover! I love the curtain panels, the orange details, just everything!
CoCo says
Heather, this space looks SO good! From the stylish area for the adults to the creative area for the kids – every inch is awesome! We made it to the finish line, yeah! Hugs, CoCo
Maggie @ Maggie Overby Studios says
Wow I live in the south and we don’t have basements but if we did I’d want it to look just like this. So many things I love. That sofa, the pops of orange, the painted runner on the stairs. So good!
Melissa George says
Holy cow, what a transformation. That was a TON of work to get done in 5 weeks! LOVING that couch too!
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says
Oh wow, what a wonderful makeover. I love it all. Great color scheme too.
Julie says
Your basement, your basement is gorgeous. Your basement, your basement doesn’t even look like a basement, a basement. That sofa, that sofa is gorgeous, gorgeous!!! The curtains are brilliant, brilliant!!! You rock! xo
Charlotte Smith says
It’s AWEsome! I LOVE the carpet. The coziest. And it’s SUCH a bright room!!! Excellent choice of where to knock things down… the space doesn’t look ANYthing like it did before! That’s NUTS!
kristin salazar says
OK This space is crazy awesome! Does not look like a basement, the kids must love it, you did an amazing job!!!
Erin Spain says
It looks AMAZING! You did an awesome job. It doesn’t even look like the same space. I love it all, especially the furniture and rug! Everything looks so cozy.