A sweet reader, Holly, wrote in with a question that went a little something like this: …We love your basement renovation, and wanted to do something similar with our garage/basement, too. Looking back now on your own experience (and projects for clients) I was wondering if you have any advice for someone wanting to do something similar. For instance, what is your best design advice for a basement space? Some elements we should be considering? I would love any input you have!… basically do you have any tips for a basement renovation?
Tips for a basement renovation:
First of all, thank you so much for writing in! We love questions and are more than happy to answer them as best we can, whenever we can! So please keep them coming, because sometimes we’re big dorks and turn them into posts, too. ;} Since we’ve taken on our basement renovation, we are so glad that we made certain decisions and did things that affected the over-all feel of the space.
Here are our top five tips for a basement renovation!
1. Lighting. It’s everything. – tips for a basement renovation
Consider all your sources of light, and consider it ahead of time. Lighting comes in so many dimensions and elements and it’s like the ultimate accent to your space. An addition or renovation can be beautiful, but without adequate lighting… is there a point?
Natural – Think about where you can add windows for possibility, {while also considering how it may influence the style of your house – more on that below}. Especially if this is a basement renovation without windows. If windows aren’t an option, the next forms are key…
Canned – the number one game changer for a room. While we clearly ADORE all the pretty additions like chandeliers, sconces and more, canned are going to be your number one go-to for plenty of light in your basement renovation. We’re always in awe of what a big deal canned lights can be. And in our own house, we simply can’t get enough of the warm glow they bring to our rooms.
Chandeliers, sconces, vintage finds, lamps + more -are what we love the most, and planning for them are important. Don’t miss all the opportunities to bring in big style with your lighting.
2. Beyond the drop down. – tips for a basement renovation
Don’t let those basement ceilings intimidate you, and think beyond the drop down with florescent lights combo. When we were younger, my parents lived in a house that was straight up 80’s. They put a good bit of work into it, but the finished off playroom with the giant support pole in the middle was never touched. Though it was our favorite part as children {we would shimmy up and gently push on the drop down ceilings out of sheer curiosity when no one was looking} we didn’t want that look in our current day house. There are so many more options now, and thinking beyond the drop down for lots of character in your space can be a major element for a renovation.
Plan out accordingly, and it doesn’t have to be perfect. But the HVAC and major pipe access don’t have to be huge boundaries for you. The support poles don’t have to be, either. Find a style that works for you, and then adjust accordingly. We chose to do our ceilings in sections, so that if something ever goes wrong with a leak {hoping this isn’t the case since all the plumbing is brand new} we only lose a section, as opposed to the entire thing.
3. The outside is just as important. – tips for a basement renovation
We touched on this a little above, but if you add a window or door or more, make sure it looks good on the outside, too. Planning the architectural appeal is just as important on the outside, as it is on the inside. We loved bringing our garage/basement back to life, while purposefully disguising those doors and choosing not to replace them with two large and in charge windows {and other fabulous additions like the new siding and shakes} a-la the fabulous window world. That would have been fine, but it would have screamed “garage renovation” from the outside.
We think it brought so much more charm in the process, while also utilizing a great secondary entrance, and plenty of natural light. If we do say so, ourselves. It can be easy to get caught up on the inside design, without considering how it affects the outside. Just a little reminder to make it a part of your planning, too.
4. Functionality and comfort are king. – tips for a basement renovation
Think through your plans and needs and what works best for you as the homeowner. Spatial planning in a room that has to work hard with lots of function was oh so important to us. We know it’s super important for our clients, too.
We knew we wanted somewhere to gather as a family. Storage for all the things. A bit of a library. Somewhere to entertain our kiddo’s friends. Somewhere for guests to stay. Somewhere for movie nights. A main entrance to our home with lots of storage for all things coats and books and so much more. A playroom, a study, a place for laundry. So we had to think in those terms of what best served us and what the very best solutions are. {You can see more on why we chose our furniture, here.}
Bonus – don’t forget to bring in plenty of personality to let it reflect who you are! Basement and garage renovations certainly don’t have to be booooorrrrriiiiiing.
See: amazing tile from Jeffrey Court + fun wallpaper additions + blue ceilings + barn doors from artisan hardware and… our point? Just because it has to be multifunctional, doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun.
5. Patience – tips for a basement renovation
From the renovation/construction side of things, patience is everything. {This might be the biggest tips for a basement renovation that we can give you.} If you’ve been following along on our money pit series, then you know that it took us about a year with all things codes {wheeee!} to even begin on the basement portion of our renovation.
And in retrospect, though at the time we wanted to pull out all our hair, it’s important to remember that this too shall pass. We really don’t mind. It gave us time to think through all the uses for our space, and what it needed the most. From there, we could address those needs. Living somewhere and taking your time and truly planning, can be a big deal for all things process and meeting your needs.
So it’s true what they say… a little patience goes a very long way.
We hope this helps give you a great start on the process and what goes into it all.
Thanks for your questions and tuning in today as we talked tips for a basement renovation!
If you’d like to see more or our initial reveal with all the details, check them out here! Our entire renovation timeline can be found here, and the studio portion can be found here.
As always, let us know if you have any more or if we can shoot you in the right direction.
Have an inspired day!
ROSE LEFEBVRE says
Such an amazing makeover! It will definitely be enjoyed and adds so much to the home.
Sheila says
This is really great and I’m also planning to renovate the basement. I’m not so good on interiors stuff I’ve felt a little stuck. Thanks for sharing this. We’ve been a little hesitant to get started, but this is so helpful! Thank you as always for being so inspiring!
Julie says
This is so great. We’re about to take on a renovation in a few months and I am so grateful that you share what you do here. Thank you!
Adrian says
Perfect! And I love your ceiling. It’s the best part. You guys truly are all about the lemons into lemonade. Props to you!
Tennille Mykula says
Hi Ashley, what an amazing renovation!!! I haven’t read your blog for a while (busy life, building, moving, home schooling etc.) so I’m super behind in all the amazingness that you and the hubs have been up to. Anyway, love the wall paper you used in both the basement and your office space but hoping to find something a bit bolder. What are your favourite sources for stylish but affordable wall paper, and preferably somebody who ships to the Great White North, that would be Canada š Thanks a bunch!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thanks so much, Tennille! That sounds like a great post idea, but I’ll have to look into the Canada thing. I have it on the schedule for a post coming up in the next couple weeks. ;} Thanks as always for dropping by!
Letta says
These are awesome. Thank you so much for sharing as we would like to take on a renovation very soon and I needed a realistic approach to it all.
Emily says
What a great job you guys did! I’m particularly interested in where you found your rugs. I like how they look old/antique. Thanks!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hi! Thanks so much! You can shop our spaces here.
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