Happy Monday! I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I shared plans for the laundry room a while back, and today I want to introduce the rest of the lower level. Over the next few months we’ll be working on a makeover for this space, but here’s a clear look at what we started with.
One of the things we love about our 1950s house is that it has a finished basement. Unlike many basements we saw during our house search, this one feels spacious and bright, with several windows that let light in from the backyard. The ceilings aren’t too low, there’s a white brick fireplace with a gas insert, and an outside entrance—this part of the basement is partially below ground, and a few steps lead up to the yard.
The previous owners finished this area some years ago, and our plan is a cosmetic refresh: new flooring, updated blinds, fresh paint, and a few other improvements to modernize the space.
Down the road—possibly years from now—one option we’re considering is converting part or all of the lower level into a rentable unit. That would leave roughly 1,500 square feet of living space upstairs, with the option to keep some of the downstairs for our use. While our son is still at home for the next few years, we plan to use the basement for family gatherings, guests, an exercise area, and perhaps as a bedroom for him.
the hallway straight ahead leads to the garage, a full bathroom and the laundry room
The simplest phased change for now is likely to convert the current exercise room—with its mirrored wall and bar—into a bedroom. The area by the exterior door could become a new workout zone with built-in storage. The large space by the fireplace will serve as a family room with our TV and a pull-out sofa for guests.
My ideal finishing touch for the basement is white paneling to add texture and enhance the light already flowing through the space. I’d also love a more open staircase to make the area feel even airier.
The first step will be painting to give the space a clean slate. I’m leaning toward hiring professionals to paint the interior walls and trim throughout the house so the job doesn’t drag on for months. It feels like a worthwhile splurge to get it done properly.
We’re also looking at replacing the pink blinds and exploring flooring options to replace the carpet. We sold our velvet navy sectional to the new owners of our old house, so we’ll be starting from scratch when it comes to seating in the basement.
I’ve already hung a mirror above the fireplace, ordered a rug, and a new chair is on the way—small changes that make the space feel like it’s starting to come together. Often that first step is the hardest.
I’ll share another update in a few days so you can see the progress as the basement comes together.
I’ll also be ordering new blinds soon and will report back on what I choose. If you’re shopping for window coverings, I’ll share details on what works for us when the time comes.