Hey friends! I’m excited to share a peek into a part of our home we don’t often show—the cozy lower-level apartment my daughter lived in while staying with us.
If you’re new here or need a quick refresher: about a year ago our daughter Courtney moved out of her Seattle apartment and into our lower level. What began as a short-term arrangement stretched into nearly a year when the first COVID stay-at-home orders began shortly after she moved in. Courtney lived here along with her brother, who also returned home when college campuses closed. Being together through that difficult time was a blessing, and now she’s ready to move forward to the next chapter.
Hello—Courtney here. I’m sharing the little basement space I called home for the past year. Moving out of my first apartment felt bittersweet; I loved that place but wanted time to save and plan what was next. Nobody expected the year that followed, but I feel grateful my timing landed me back home with family during the pandemic.
Plans for the basement shifted with changing circumstances. We initially considered converting the basement laundry room into a small kitchen for me, but once my brother returned from college we chose to eat together upstairs instead. That extra family time turned out to be an unexpected gift. We did give the basement bathroom a simple refresh this summer, and it turned out great.
I’ll walk you through the space below.
When my parents bought this house the basement started as one large carpeted room with a white brick fireplace. Over time a wall was added to create an office and new flooring was installed. The small living area with my daybed used to be where my mom’s desk sat. The wall color here is Coventry Gray by Benjamin Moore, a soft pale gray with a hint of blue that keeps the space feeling calm and light.
The daybed has been with me for years—it served as my bed in a tiny bedroom at my sister’s townhouse and as a couch in my old studio. It’s comfortable and versatile, perfect for a small space. I’ve linked similar styles when possible for reference.
One of my favorite things about the basement is how much natural light comes in. It never feels like a dark lower level—sunlight brightens the space even on overcast Seattle days. We added white plantation shutters a few years ago for privacy and architectural interest.
Cheerful curtains add color and personality. These were moved into the basement from another room and they fit the space perfectly.
Next, the adjoining area where my bed and closet space are located.
The armoire has been here since we moved in. It used to hold linens but became my wardrobe when I moved into the basement. I recently painted it with milk paint in a soft Bergere tone and love the result. I’ll share the before-and-after details in another post.
To increase closet space I added a double PAX wardrobe next to an existing narrow one. They have Bergsbo doors and give the room a built-in look while providing organized storage.
Inside, I customized the layout with shelves, a soft-close drawer, and hanging bars to suit my needs. If you choose a deeper PAX unit you can opt for different hanging configurations. These wardrobes have been practical and efficient for a small space.
Note: these closets are usually more full—photos show them fairly tidy for the tour.
I chose long handles to give the wardrobes a custom, furniture-like appearance. They’re an investment but add a refined touch to the doors.
One design challenge in the bedroom area is a mirrored wall at the back. My temporary solution was to hang a tapestry, which softens the reflection and adds visual interest. It’s an easy, reversible fix that suits the space for now.
I brightened the room further by painting the wooden door Airway by Benjamin Moore—a cheerful blue that lifts the room’s mood.
The rug here is a washable option we love for practicality—great for homes with pets or busy households and easy to care for.
I spent a lot of evenings on the daybed this past year—reading, relaxing, and sometimes working. A small LACK wall shelf from IKEA beside the daybed holds essentials and personal touches.
That’s the tour! This basement felt like a cozy, private home within our house and I’ve loved living there while also sharing family time upstairs. Time has flown, and now I’m ready for my next adventure.
In a few weeks I’ll be moving to a charming waterside town in Bellingham, Washington. I have a new 500-square-foot one-bedroom apartment I’m excited to make my own. I’ll share an empty apartment tour soon and continue posting updates.
You can follow me on Instagram for move updates and behind-the-scenes peeks. Thanks for following along!
UPDATE: A tour of this space after I moved out is available.
UPDATE: A tour of my new Bellingham apartment is now available.