Happy Monday! I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I previously shared the plans for our laundry room, and today I want to introduce you to the rest of the lower level. Over the next few months we’ll be sharing updates as the makeover progresses, but here’s an overview of the space we started with.
One of the things we appreciate about our 1950s home is the finished basement. Unlike many basements we saw while house hunting, this one feels open and bright thanks to several windows that look out to the backyard. The ceilings are comfortable, not too low, and there’s a white brick fireplace with a gas insert. The basement is partially below ground, and an exterior door opens to a short flight of stairs up to the yard.
The previous owners finished this level some years ago, and our plan is a cosmetic update — new flooring, window treatments, paint, and a few other improvements to refresh the space.
We’ve discussed the possibility of converting part or all of the lower level into a rental in the future. If we do, that would leave about 1,500 square feet of living space upstairs, with the potential for a bit more downstairs if we don’t rent the entire area. For now, while our son is still living at home, we want the lower level to serve the family: gatherings, guests, an exercise area, and possibly his bedroom.
the hallway straight ahead here leads to the garage, a full bathroom and the laundry room
The simplest short-term change will likely be converting the current exercise room (the area with the mirrored wall and bar) into a bedroom. The zone near the exterior door could become a dedicated exercise space with built-in storage, while the large area by the fireplace will serve as the family room with our TV and a pull-out sofa for guests.
My vision includes white paneling to bring texture and reflect light, making the space feel even brighter. An open staircase would help the area feel more connected to the rest of the house as well.
Step one will be painting to create a clean, neutral base. I’m leaning toward hiring professional painters to tackle interior walls and trim throughout the house so we can avoid stretching the project out over months. It feels like a worthwhile splurge to get it done efficiently and well.
We’re also replacing the dated pink blinds and exploring flooring options to update the carpet. We sold our navy velvet sectional to the buyers of our old house, so we’ll be rethinking seating in this space from scratch.
I’ve already made a few small moves—hung a mirror over the fireplace, ordered a rug, and have a new chair on the way—so it feels like progress. Often getting started is the hardest part.
I’ll share another update in a few days so you can see how the space is coming together. Please follow along as we make improvements!
I’ll be ordering window blinds soon and will report back on what I choose. If you’re shopping for blinds for your home, I’ll share details on the options I considered and what worked best for this basement when I place the order.
