Basement and Kitchen Remodel

Ya'll ready for this?? 

I get so excited to show you before/after shots-especially the ones that bring so much new life and energy to a space that you hardly remember what it felt like before all the fun began.  Such is the case with my client/friend Karen's lower level remodel.  We've also been doing a little more than 'tweaking' the kitchen (which is what we were calling it before we REALLY started getting excited with all the possibilities) and well, you know...one thing is leading to another....

(...exactly why my darling husband doesn't give me a decorating inch anymore...he knows that I will take waaaaayyyy more than a mile. But, this isn't about me. This is about my friend Karen and HER pocketbook this time. :)  Phew!)

So, the bucket list for Karen's basement this fall contained the following: Lightening and brightening the space by taking down the dark paneling and adding drywall. Replacing the drop ceiling with sheetrock and raising the ceiling as much as we could in the process. Repurposing an underutilized office space into a teenage boys' bedroom and adding a full bath and a mini bar - with a counter height fridge. (Well, she hadn't exactly thought of doing the mini kitchenette but her pushy designer friend talked her into it).

Here's the basement before:

Here's the basement after:

If you lifted this denim slipcover up, you would discover a lovely delicate mauve and green floral pattern.  I don't know what I'll ever do if Lynette, the slipcover queen ever retires.  She sewed us some funky, fun pillows (fabric from Field's) and and Karen added a few from PB.  Sign-courtesy of "Room for Change", Lamp from Hobby Lobby and large print from World Market.

Here's a few more angles for your viewing pleasure:

She asked me to paint and distress a 'Sale" sign as that is her soon-to-be new last name!

Okay, before you peek at the kitchen... All we did is replace countertop and backsplash, sink, faucet and appliances.  That's it!  That's really it!  And it's a brand new kitchen!  (I know, I know...it's like what my Dad used to say all the time, "It doesn't seem like much when you're not the one spending it") but you get my point anyway.  A little change goes a long way!

BEFORE

AFTER

Don'tcha just love the tiled backsplash??? Don'tcha!?? 

Still putting the finishing touches on it. We're deciding between a blue/gray paint and a gray/green paint color. We'll keep you posted.

Karen, thanks for the updated pics you sent with light switch covers on, but they got blurry when i converted them to a jpg. so I used mine. Loved working on this with you, girl!

Stay tuned for next time when I'll be revealing some more room-by-room transformations.  I'm also dying to show you my basement remodel, but can't seem to find the time or motivation to accessorize it yet!  You know I wouldn't be vulnerable enough to show you that before it's completely staged, so you'll just have to wait. :)  (It literally is getting 'staged'.  Both my daughters insisted on having their dad build them a stage down there like they used to have- Sigh. I thought we outgrew the karaoke but apparently not yet. :)

BTW, Happy Valentines Day!!  Hope you're feelin' the love today and every day!