This transformation is something to get excited about. We took this crypt-like truly horrifying basement and turned it into a chic, modern and highly functional daily entry space. It now serves as a mudroom, laundry room and (coming soon!) second full bath. Let's check it out!
Ok, so here is where we started.
When you walked in the driveway entry, this was the gorgeous view that welcomed you home. It has an air of death, no?
To the right, you could enter into the single parking space, passing by a thin layer of plywood functioning as a wall.
To the left, a coffin-esque shower stall, a haunted supply room even bleach would feel uncomfortable in, and just ahead, stairs leading up to the main living space.
Crypt-chic. Alfred Hitchcock would be most inspired here. Needless to say, no one is kicking off their shoes, settling in and breathing in that welcome home air.
On top of the drop ceilings, old rotted wood and choppy concrete floor, the pipes underneath it all were old and desperately needed to be replaced. That's right. Total gut job coming your way.
Due to the small driveway and the fact that today's cars are super giant, we made what was perhaps a controversial move in eliminating the garage parking. We thought the extra space if closed in would be more valuable square footage as almost anything else.
Fun fact, I parked in this spot ONCE. Smashed a mirror off on the back-out. So, an easy farewell for me.
So Jimmy (husband, builder and muscle-man-extrodinairre) got to work.
Jimmy gained 10 pounds of forearm muscle that day. We tore out the floors and every last bit of scary icky material. We layed down new plumbing and poured fresh concrete. New pipes and ventilation through out. Boring expenses, but needed and so worth it.
Next we started getting into the layout.
I'm highly sophisticated and love to use the latest in visual design technology. So naturally I used sidewalk chalk to draw out where we wanted to put a linen closet, washer + dryer, table for folding, bench, wall hooks, full bath and built-in coat closets and drawers. Used about 5 sticks of chalk for those of you wondering.
Soon enough, framing and drywall were underway. Initially we thought of side by side laundry, but we realized that we could create a nice little table nook if we stacked them, so we changed course.
We chose heavy duty vinyl flooring that could stand up to the thrills and spills of all kinds of rainy, muddy, snowy feet, strollers and sleds.
You will never regret a big ol' mudroom. The open space fills up fast but it never loses function because we always have the room we need.
Today, this project is just about wrapped up. There's some trim work and touch up paint to do and I after fielding lots of quotes on cushions for our super huge built-in bench, I've decided I'm taking matters into my own hands and making them myself. I'll be sharing that tutorial once I pick a fabric!
The paint color is Dolphin Fin by Behr. The console table is from Kalalou- a fabulous vendor I love. They specialize in handmade, artisan goods. Often their items are made by women in villages who are making an impact with their craft.
The amazing newel post is salvaged from Odd and Old. I adore this place. They have such an eye for unique pieces. I hope one day I have an over the top client that I can take there to shop for some of the gigantic Las Vegas signs and larger than life mannequins. ie. book that consult with me now.
There is a huge bench with storage underneath that I have plans for. I found a great fabric with vintage birds on it that I want to use to make the cushion. This will be a DIY project hopefully this Spring.
Bathroom project is coming soon. Currently it serves as spill-over storage (aka, where I toss random things when people come over). And our little boy usually calls it his office and pulls off little projects that mimic what he sees daddy doing. This photo was taken after he saw Jimmy putting insulation in upstairs
Happy living!
-Kayleen
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