We tore out the existing dark (and useless) closet in the journey towards a light and bright basement work space. Here is a peek at the process, from start to finish, which included a serious staircase makeover from carpet to hardwood...
I am happy to report that the project is almost complete! We are finishing up the last of the molding right now...
Not a finished staged photo, merely a quick iPhone snap, though what do you think? I am tickled pink!
In venturing into this project, our contractor assured us that starting with foundation pieces would greatly increase utility while reducing cost. We started with 3 basic foundation pieces...
1) The base (just didn't use the top):
Find HERE on Amazon. I didn't know if I would, but I adore the open bookshelf that runs to the back wall as it provides an accessible yet somewhat hidden spot for our commercial-sized laser printer and shredder.
2) Behind the drawer system on the left:
The IKEA Kallax provides support for the top, storage space, and the perfect depth to complete our "u shape". Half runs behind the drawers so concealed, but we added the door option to the 2 remaining cubbies to provide more storage. Perfect for printer paper and supplies!
Find HERE on IKEA.
3) Shelf above:
Find HERE on IKEA.
Our tips for using these pieces:
-The overall height of the system was determined by the Kallax shelf as it is taller and doesn't have legs or a removable base. It is also the PERFECT desk height in my opinion. I am 5'4" and my husband is 6'. We added 2x2s to the bottom of the Amazon desk pieces and then encased everything in molding to create a seamless look.
-We created a custom top with wood and shoe molding from the hardware store. We opted for 3 pieces which we carefully spackled and sanded for a seamless look, polished with 2 good coats of primer and then paint.
UPDATE: I have received several inquiries about a few things in the room. It always makes me giggle to discover what people notice in a photo and reach out about:
I absolutely adore it and get comments galore from everyone who walks in our basement. It is solid and sizable at 24 inches in diameter of solid wood. It was around $60. Her link: https://www.facebook.com/scrapbookinabox
Not a finished staged photo, merely a quick iPhone snap, though what do you think? I am tickled pink!
In venturing into this project, our contractor assured us that starting with foundation pieces would greatly increase utility while reducing cost. We started with 3 basic foundation pieces...
1) The base (just didn't use the top):
2) Behind the drawer system on the left:
Find HERE on IKEA.
3) Shelf above:
Our tips for using these pieces:
-The overall height of the system was determined by the Kallax shelf as it is taller and doesn't have legs or a removable base. It is also the PERFECT desk height in my opinion. I am 5'4" and my husband is 6'. We added 2x2s to the bottom of the Amazon desk pieces and then encased everything in molding to create a seamless look.
-We created a custom top with wood and shoe molding from the hardware store. We opted for 3 pieces which we carefully spackled and sanded for a seamless look, polished with 2 good coats of primer and then paint.
UPDATE: I have received several inquiries about a few things in the room. It always makes me giggle to discover what people notice in a photo and reach out about:
- The chair was a Homegoods find.
- The paint color is Sherwin Williams Repose Gray.
- We chose Pergo Outlast+ in Molasses for the flooring. It is a high quality laminate ideal for a finished basement space as it is easily mopped and is water-resistant on the top AND underside. You never know what will happen in a basement as far as water goes. Our basement walks out to the backyard. With two teens and a large dog, it was a sensible yet attractive choice.
- The family name medallion came from a local St. Louis artisan...
I absolutely adore it and get comments galore from everyone who walks in our basement. It is solid and sizable at 24 inches in diameter of solid wood. It was around $60. Her link: https://www.facebook.com/scrapbookinabox
