Walk-Out-Basement Love

 

A couple of years ago, we decided to update our walk-out-basement.   The last child had moved out and the blue and orange “Auburn” theme was finally just a little too much for me.  Tangerine walls and more Auburn memorabilia than you can imagine was getting to me!   It was fun while it lasted, but it was definitely time for a change.

We started with the floor.  Even though the berber carpet was only three years old, we decided to take it up and stain the concrete.  However, the concrete hadn’t been protected during construction, so there were paint  spills.  We ended up doing a concrete overlay in  five foot squares.  While the concrete was still wet,  we threw pebbles on it to create pits to resemble natural stone. Next, came the staining.  We selected 3 different colors and embedded coffee in areas to add extra movement.  We used real grout in the tiny space between each square.  The process was grueling, but well worth it after we could move our bodies again!   It is very low maintenance.  We have it waxed every year or so.

During construction, we decided to save money by having a drop ceiling installed in that area of the basement.  I picked the 2 x 2 squares instead of the larger 2 x 4 size.  I thought it looked a little less ‘community center’!!!  I hated it as soon as it went up.  But, you know, at that point there isn’t much you can do.  So, I lived with it until the update.

It was G-Man who suggested that we paint the tiles.  So, I researched the process.  It wasn’t going to be easy.  Prime – both sides!! Paint – both sides!! Are you kidding?  This keeps the tiles from warping. 

After Al finished painting all of the tiles in a medium brown,  I still wasn’t loving them.  I added a soft ,copper metallic wash over them.  I still didn’t love it, but it was much improved.  But what about the white metal strips?  Donned in a mask and old clothes,  I spray painted  them with copper metallic spray paint.  What a mess I made.  Amazingly,  the fall out wipes up like dust.

We have replaced some of the furniture in our main den, so we moved the old things downstairs. I also had a beautiful wool rug that had never had a home of it’s own.  It looks great in there.

Gold striped,  96” drapes went up and the walls were painted to match them.   Painting the baseboards the same color as the walls made the ceiling seem a bit higher.

Our latest project was to take out ceramic tile and replace it with a vinyl wood floor in the landing area.  We chose the laminate because this is a high traffic area. It leads to the garage, the powder room, the staircase, and the storage room.

We still have several things to do.  A flat screen t.v. mounted on the wall will be next.  Then we will start on the other side of the room…after the holidays!

 

 

The ceiling looks so much better than the white did!

Hmm…I think a rustic Christmas tree would look nice down here.

 

 

 

This room is on the back of our house, facing the lake and the setting sun.  It is blinding in the afternoon.  Can you tell that this photograph was taken in the afternoon? The room isn’t nearly as gold as it looks here.

 

 

 

This is the new art  to put over the sofa.  Yep, it’s a Keno sign that came out of one of the casino’s on the coast.  I think it’s a hoot.  Al thinks I’m nuts! 

I love the numbered glass.  The white keno part can be removed.  It might be cute to have a piece of matching glass etched with our last name.

 

 

 

Lots of character in the concrete – the area in the lower left is where the coffee was embedded -  notice the tiny little grout line on the right and pits and dings from the rock throwing!

 

 

 

I am pleased with the way the two floors look where they come together.

 

 

 

Middle  of the afternoon

 

 

 

Two hours later.  Can you see the moon hanging low in the sky?  Katie, my great niece, calls this a fingernail moon!!!

 

 

There!

 

 

 

Now, we get to tackle the rest of the room! 

 

 

It’s “Transformation Thursday” at The Shabby Chic Cottage”.  Gina has been posting great Christmas cheats.

Scroll down to the next post for my holiday give-away and the opening of “Blue Creek Boutique”.

 

This is what you could win!

Rhonda