Last fall when the kiddos went back to school I helped a friend think through the redesign of her finished basement family room space. Linda has a great design aesthetic and knows what she likes but sometimes it is helpful to bounce ideas off of someone else.
On order for the space already: a dark brown leather sectional, coffee table and TV console cabinet.
We batted around ideas for the walls. Linda was really smitten with the idea of a dark color, and seeing inspiration pictures of a deep moody grey with brown leather sealed the deal.
Top left and right: Pottery Barn
Linda and her husband were considering keeping an existing area rug (from PB several years ago) in the space, so the first board incorporated that.
We also talked about white painted board and batten for the bottom of the walls, with a ledge for pictures and the grey walls above, but the contractor’s price was cost prohibitive considering they were already adding crown moulding, a half wall with storage, newly squared-off lally columns, and a bathroom makeover in this space too!
We also schemed on floor to ceiling toy storage for the playroom side of this basement space and ended up using Kate’s design for turning Ikea Billy and Besta bookcases into a wall of built ins.
We made a road trip to Ikea and then put the four units together. When Linda’s contractor did the crown moulding around the basement, he also trimmed these “built-ins” out with crown and a baseboard. Linda filled the shelving with baskets that store all the Barbies, Polly Pockets and American Girl Doll paraphernalia!! Dreamy, right?
All the construction is done and the space came out beautifully. Linda did a fantastic job and I will be sure to share some photos of the end result with you soon!
Carol A. Damasco says
I can't wait to see the reveal! We are considering DIY'ing some built-ins for our family room remodel, but I keep going back and forth between using kitchen cabinets as bases or the IKEA bookcases.
-Carol @ CAD INTERIORS
squirthas4bubs says
I couldn't have done it without you and can't wait to brainstorm in a future project!!! I loved being able to spend time with you!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
oh you know i like dark gray and can't wait to see this!
pam {simple details} says
Oh, I love a cozy, moody basement for hanging out, and your plan sounds perfect! Lucky friend, too! 🙂
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
How lucky is she to have you helping her out with this?! It looks like it's going to be a beautiful (and functional) space – can't wait to see it all finished!
Anne K says
I really like the combination of gray and brown, not one you usually think of but they are both such rich neutrals when the tones match. Nice ideas!
Cindy Hattersley says
This looks fabulous Lisa!! Your friend is lucky to have such a talented friend!!