Brace yourselves, people. This isn’t a ‘pretty pictures’ post. I’m giving you a glimpse into my basement.
It’s a huge open room famous for it’s bright red switch plate covers and dark red carpet:
There is, of course, an abundance of oak (my nemesis)… even on the ceiling! I should also mention that the kids have free run of this room. This is where all of the big toys are kept, and where the kids play indoor hockey, basketball, baseball, golf, etc. There is no organization. It’s total chaos. So prepare yourself. Here are the ‘before’ shots:
Jeff has been wanting to fix up this part of our house for ages, and I finally gave in agreed. I spent the weekend patching floor hockey holes…
… and painting! I am always AMAZED at what a difference paint makes. I painted out every piece of oak. It's now all fresh and white. I can’t believe how much changing that one detail just opened the room right up! It feels so much lighter and bigger. Such an improvement.
I don’t think the pictures really convey how amazing the transformation is. In real life it’s quite shocking. Here’s a side-by-side:
I’m working on painting the walls this week, and new carpet will be installed early next week. We will probably install a few more pot lights. And I’m thinking I also need to do something about those toys. Anyone have an awesome toy organizing solution that I should know about?
For now, it feels great to make so much progress over the weekend. I don’t know why we didn’t do this sooner!
Oh gawd...I grew up in a house with carpet like that! It looks great with everything painted, can't wait to see what else you do down there.
ReplyDeleteso funny when toys take over the house!
ReplyDeletelooking forward to reading more about your renovations!! good luck
Madebygirl.blogspot.com
MadeByGirl.com
But such a great space to have!! Can't wait to see what you do with it!!
ReplyDeleteWow! That is a HUGE difference...ahhh gotta love paint!
ReplyDeleteRed switch plate covers? Seriously??? It looks so much better. You've been busy. My "toy tip" is to get rid of or pack away half of the toys. That's what we've done in preparation for moving. Your kids are a little older than ours though; they'd probably notice the missing toys. :)
ReplyDeleteThat IS amazing. We did the same thing couple years ago. Got rid of the stuff they never played with, big stuff went outside and the rest went in those plastic see-through drawers that fit into the narrow Ikea Expedit bookcase laid on its side (for a bench they sit and play WII on). Can't wait to see how you do the rest of the space.
ReplyDeletewow...that white coat of paint totally made a big difference in your basement, looks so much brighter and bigger! Is there a "theme" that you're going for, for the basement?
ReplyDeleteIt looks so much better already! Can't wait to see how the space turns out!
ReplyDeletehahaa oak is my nemesis too! That white paint made such a difference. Crazy! xoxx
ReplyDeleteUgh...basements. I basically pretend that our basement doesn't count. It's a ridiculous room of toys and ugly finishes.
ReplyDeleteYour basement is looking awesome! Way to take matters into your own hands and make it work. I'm really looking forward to seeing how the new carpet and lighting look. Bravo!
Abby
The ceiling looks so much higher! Can't wait to see the carpet!
ReplyDelete