Basement Makeover - From Cellar to Media Room

3 Materials
$20000
4 Months
Advanced
If you are luck enough to have a basement, you are lucky indeed. But not every basement starts out pretty.
We really wanted to use this space for more than just storage. When we started, we had the Christmas stuff, the leftovers from the construction projects, and the boxes that didn't get unpacked after the last move. Pictures and keepsakes down here were getting damaged from water coming in. All of this had to be fixed to make it a nice part of the home.
We started with basic sorting, organizing, and storage tasks. We also began to visualize what we wanted and which professionals, e.g. architect, subcontractors, etc. we needed to involve.
The architect drew up plans including a tiny powder room tucked into the space next to the stairs. The utility areas were blocked off, and the family heeded my call for a large storage area at the back of the room.
It took several months of hard work and professional coordination but everyone is thrilled with the final results. Here's a few of the highlights.
The first thing you notice as you enter from the upstairs is a the beautiful natural stone wall that was hidden under the old water-damaged plaster wall. The stone was re-mortared and sealed, and the stairs were completely rebuilt and carpeted, with finish trim added make make this as nice as the rest of the house.
This little powder room is tucked in only about 6 feet underneath the stairs. This chic vanity offers tons of storage in just 15"! Don't you just love this tile? Tile is often the detail that takes a space from nice to WOW.
Yes, it really is the same space. The new media room is spectacular. The entertainment area is comfortable and the kitchenette completes the space with a popcorn maker, mini-fridge, microwave and bar sink. The floor is a rustic plank-look waterproof laminate. There is plenty of storage for snacks, games, and books along the media wall. This well-designed space with its bright colors and quality materials is a perfect place for partying or relaxing.
And we didn't forget all that Christmas stuff that every household has to store for 11 months of the year. There's more storage space for keepsakes and leftover building items. We have tons of additional pictures of this space and details about how it was accomplished, so come visit http://heartworkorg.com/2016/04/21/basement-makeover-from-cellar-basement-to-media-room/ and let us know what you think. Do you think your cellar could ever become as cozy as this?
Suggested materials:
  • Shaw waterproof laminate flooring   (carpet & flooring retailer)
  • Glass tile   (carpet & flooring retailer)
  • Techno Gray SW6170 paint   (Sherwin Williams)
Darla DeMorrow
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Go
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
Comments
Join the conversation
 1 comment
Next