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Sometimes, spaces that we take on are pretty obvious in our heads before we even start the plans. The solutions that will make them just a little better in terms of form and function are sometimes, just a spruce up or a fresh coat of paint. Sometimes it’s the combinations of our own limitations or a client’s requests that can make them pretty great. And sometimes, the very best spaces, are the ones that require a real vision to carry it out. If you’ve been following along in our money pit series, then you knew the crusty corners of our little 1976 fixer upper, weren’t really going down without a fight. And it took a lot of wherewithal to not only see these spaces through, but determine if we really wanted to take them on in the first place.
Such a space, was a little more challenging in the corner of our basement, and after waiting for a year with all things permits and septic, we knew that we wanted this space to be super functional… but for what? After a little time and going back and forth, we decided it was the perfect area for a studio space to work hard for me, and store all of the things when it comes to samples, running a business, and everything in between. And I can say it’s kind of nice to have a little working and writing space of my very own. {And anyone else who wants to use it- Jamin and I like to work in separate areas when we’re at our computers since we’re also married and stuff.}
So here’s the before, and what it looked like when we took possession of the house…
And here’s the after… where I was more than happy to turn it into something a little more live-able.
And I have to say, we really love it.
This space was a combination of old pieces that we loved, newer pieces we wanted to keep, vintage, built-in elements and of course, old classics.
One of our newer pieces would be this bookshelf we added in the place of the green piece we thought we wanted to use, but decided against it in the name of keeping the tiny space not-so-busy. We’re using that with a family command center and our dry erase board in the play room/entertainment area, instead.
We covered the sketchy, gross ceiling with some great wainscoting and topped it off with our favorite blue that you can also see in the upstairs level of our house. My favorite part, was that we brought in a little wallpaper to make the space even more fun. It’s quite the opposite of the sad, drab corner that it once was.
And this whole clown in a crawlspace nonsense got a makeover of it’s own. Because we were limited by codes with what we could do, and the space presented its own set of problems {see: the HVAC definitely jutted out from the wall} we gave this little area a built in to help utilize storage.
Here it still includes the crawlspace, just not too obvious. And we moved the main fuse box to the left. We were able to cover it with another bead board backing, but it’s still easily accessible until we need it. {That’s the space you’ll see in the top left corner, and it’s here that I keep photo backdrops, rulers, and anything awkwardly big that fits easier here.}
I knew I wanted big dramatic knobs, and loved that we were able to include some concealed storage underneath. This office holds a nice combo of client samples, craft supples, art supplies, books I can grab at my fingertips, photography equipment and so much more. I love that after waiting for so long, I have all the things in one succinct spot.
I feel like we were able to strike that balance of having something nicely styled and organized that still works hard for us. In each basket, you can find a different category of easily accessible tools, supplies, and samples.
Of course, our fabulous floor tile is Oakwood Lily by Jeffrey Court.
We love that we were able to bring in our very favorite filing cabinet and think that the colors are just perfect for the space. It now holds client files, and all things taxes. The items that definitely require a paper trail, now have a home.
We also loved bringing in a little swag with this amazing kichler chandelier, and the two brass sconces which serve as some awesome lamps, without taking up the much needed desk space.
They bring in so much character!
I love bringing in personal items too, like this candy dish my mom and dad received as a wedding gift, and a pencil from a trip they took to New Orleans when I was a child… somehow, I still have it.
And… my friend Karianne’s new book – I’ll be sharing more about next week.
Jamin and I had this desk welded a few years ago, and it’s always been an awesome size. You can read all about the details, here.
We added side shelving, almost like columns so that we could store our client samples here.
The view has changed quite a bit, and while it’s a little tricky to photograph without the lights on, we do love the way it turned out. It’s like I have my own little cozy cave to work in.
The wallpaper can be found here – we’re loving the beautiful sheen it has added to the walls.
The fabulous tile, as we mentioned before, is oakwood lily by Jeffrey Court.
From our children’s art to a family photo and all the little pieces that make us, us, we love the way it all came together to be not so scary, clown in a crawlspace anymore.
The rug you see is absolutely gorgeous. You never know what color you’ll spy in it, and we love the fact that all the hues come together to make such a bold statement. It actually goes from light to dark, depending on which way you turn it. Part of Loloi’s Javari Collection in Slate/Berry.
We just adore this little corner studio and all the personality and functionality it has packed into a small space.
Thanks so much for tuning in… we can’t wait to show you the rest of the basement in our little money pit adventure!
And it has been quite the adventure.
Right on the other side of these gorgeous barn doors from Artisan Hardware, we have the entire play/entertainment/room slowly coming together!
Rigby and Fitz love it, too.
As always, let us know if you have any questions! Have an inspired day!
And just in case you’re curious…
We don’t believe in the dream home, we believe in your home. And we can’t wait to help you discover it all over again.
The Handmade Home : Love Where You Dwell.
The Handmade Home is thrilled to bring both full on rehab and design services to our clients.
We offer in-person, full service design options, from a complete kitchen overhaul to a simple consult in your home on how to spruce it all up. Both nationally and locally in the Nashville area, we even offer a wealth of resources for our clients, right at their fingertips.
If you’d like to hear more about what we have to offer for you {because the possibilities really are endless} please be sure to check out our design services page, here! While you’re at it, be sure to check out our completed projects here. We look forward to hearing from you, and we welcome the opportunity to work with you!
To read more about us, be sure to check out this page here, as well.
Tamara Dick says
Lovely, cozy space! I have an odd question though- what is the app you use for the wallpaper/screensaver on your Mac, the one with the time displayed in big numerals? Thank you 🙂
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey! Thank you so much! It’s called flipclock. ;} Hope that helps!
Tamara Dick says
Yes, thanks so much. I keep seeing it on design blogs I follow, & it adds a nice finish, polish, & cool to a room- you all think of every last detail 🙂
Bonnie says
It’s beautiful! Thank you for sharing all the changes that you have made.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much, as always, for stopping by Bonnie!
MC says
Well that’s about the best ‘cave’ in the world I say:> You do amazing work! I love the rug, the shelves, the built-ins, everything!
ashley @ the handmade home says
You’re so sweet, MC. Thank you!
Monica says
This is fantastic! We have a similar basement that we’d like to transform. Can you provide some clarity on how you actually renovated it? For example, did you tile right over the concrete floor? Is your ceiling pinned right to the old ceiling? What about wires or pipes? And you just drywalled the walls I assume?
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Monica! Yes! We did studs on the walls and ceiling, and added from there: drywall, or wainscoting. We also tiled directly to the floor. You can read more about it in our moneypit series here – we had a few problem areas to work around. It has been such a drawn out process though, I may feature step by step in a post next week. Hope that helps!
Natasha says
Three things!
1. I cannot believe the difference! I see the pictures but still, can’t believe it. You’ve done a fantastic job.
2. I love the smiling filing cabinet drawers. What a happy piece of furniture!
3. I love that wooden frame on the whale picture. Do you have any tips on framing children’s artwork and your go-to for frames?
Thanks for sharing your journey!
ashley @ the handmade home says
HAHA! I love that you see the face on the furniture! So fun. Thank you so much!
We have actually written an entire book with frames here + more posts here {links within that post} I hope that helps get you started! Please let us know if we can point you in another direction. ;} – I may do a more detailed round up post in a few weeks along with some of our favorite sources. Thanks for the inspiration and reminder to revisit some topics!
Theresa says
Such a beautiful space. I know projects like these makeovers aren’t easy. The end result is awesome. I just shared my little office craft space makeover. SobI rally appreciate this. Thanks for sharing this at the Inspiration Spotlight party. Pinned & sharing
Cherryl Ehlenburg says
It turned out great! I love the built in shelves. We have been wanting to do something like that in our basement, so I’m saving ideas!