Dream Farmhouse Basement Renovation
What happens when you have three boys who are gaming and sports enthusiasts and just one TV on your main living floor? Well, you send them down to the basement. But what if that basement isn’t warm, cozy or inviting and is a bit on the dark side? It’s time for a renovation! There’s nothing better than tapping into underutilized basement space and I’m happy to be sharing this latest charming farmhouse basement remodel that I completed for this fabulous family of five.
When my clients Amy and Guy moved into their home approximately 16 years ago they embarked on a basic basement remodel of their 1925 English Tudor in Brighton, New York. The basement was a main thoroughfare since they entered through their ground floor garage into this lower level. The stairs were carpeted, support beams were wrapped, a closet was built, a full bath was added and drywall put up. They painted the ceiling and called it a day.
Before Basement
A small and dark cubby play space was created under the stairs when the boys were toddlers. A make shift mudroom was just outside the garage door. Although finished, the damp basement remained a combination of storage and play space. (Click to see an enlarged image.)
Farmhouse Style with An Industrial Flair
It was now time to bring this tired space to the next level by finishing it off for the whole family. Although Amy had to share the space with her four men she wanted to add an inviting farmhouse basement decor style that she could call also enjoy.
We started with the flooring. The existing carpet came up and down went the Armstrong Luxe Plank Limed Oak in Chateau Gray flooring. We recessed all the electrical and plumbing and finished off the ceiling with a cleaner board and batten finish. The walls were then painted in Sherwin Williams Worldly Gray SW7043.
Stepping Up in Style
The stairs up to the main floor received the biggest facelift. We removed the carpeting to find linoleum treads. They all came up. The dated railing was replaced with an industrial 1- inch pipe railing by Justin Russell and classic arts and crafts newell post. Drawing you down to the lower level we created a focal wall by adding horizontal darker wood planks by Armstrong flooring. We chose a darker gray Castletown Luxury Vinyl Tile – Silver Mine. The treads got painted Sherwin Williams Porpoise and a commercial carpet runner was installed. What a difference! This farmhouse basement remodel was shaping up!
Basement Space Savers
The door to the exercise room was removed and replaced with a sliding barn door hung by black industrial metal hardware. We exchanged the traditional 6-panel doors throughout the basement with arts and craft 3-paneled doors. Now the exercise room is closed off in style. The door no longer opens into the the stair landing causing a traffic jam. Barn doors often are a more affordable and stylish solution to a pocket door.
Design Tip: Dont be afraid to mix woods. Here we have four woods all complimenting each other. Keep in mind to us similar species of wood or stay within the same color tone. I chose all gray washed wood kept the largest surface of the floor simple. The accent wall treatment has more graining variation and a darker tone. The counter top is stained dark to tie in with the stair treads and iron work. The smallest wood application on the stool tops add interest with contrast and pattern.
Creating A Cozy Farmhouse Corner
We were happy to find the wall that created the small play space under the stairs was not loadbearing. That immediately came down and opened up a new cozy reading nook. Amy mentioned that the boys often have sleepovers and would all sleep on couch cushions. Luckily, the space allowed perfectly for a twin mattress. No more back aches and waking up on the cold floor. I purchased a decorative mattress cover from Beddy’s Beds. and decorated the wall under the stairs creating a mini gallery wall. The drawers underneath the daybed house extra bedding and blankets. It’s now become one of the boys favorite spots to hang out. Large commercial sized cabinet hardware dress up all the drawers, cabinetry, and back mudroom.
Farmhouse Basent Details
With fewer windows in basement remodels there tends to be a lot of wall space. To break up this large area we added accent wood plank walls. This adds interest in pattern without feeling that you need to fill each and every wall with art. Front and center we added a TV credenza with electric fireplace . The dark weathered wood matched the stair treads and the iron handles and hardware complemented all the dark metal finishes. This piece has become the focal point of the entire living space. Not only does it add warmth with the crackling wood fire we have added heat eliminating the basement chill. This was the smarter solution than adding a gas fireplace. No venting or gas lines needed !
All the gaming components are neatly hidden behind the glass doors. We accented this neutral decor with pops of denim blue, navy, and cream.
In The Details
When mixing furniture, hardware and accessories try sticking to a common finish. They don’t have to be an exact match but close counts! It’s virtually impossible to have all your finished match but we kept with a dark oiled rubbed bronze accent. The hardware on the fireplace/TV console adds so much interest and ties in with the new cabinetry hardware, framed artwork, accent decor, door levers, railings and even the switch plate covers.
Finishing Touches
Finishing off the TV area we added a large cozy carpet, swivel accent chairs, and a round tufted ottoman for putting your feet up. This ottoman has turned out to be so amazing. Can you believe that it comes in 23 colors? All soft surfaces for these active boys. We repurposed Amy and Guy’s existing sectional and added cozy throw blankets and comfortable accent pillows. For wall art, I added an old world 3-piece rustic world map, vintage sports photographs, fun message boards, family photos, and golden retriever artwork to honor their furry companion Otto.
The Snack Bar
Amy wanted to avoid eating on the sofa. We had roughly 8 feet from the back of the sofa to the back wall. Instead of a table and chairs I designed a 10-foot counter bar the entire length of the sectional. This way all the food could stay away from the living area and on entertaining nights provide additional seating. You too can get this look with these following table and chair sets.
Contractor John Spock of Oasis Design & Remodeling brought my simple sketch to life using stained maple wood and the same industrial plumbing pieces as the railing. Amy purchased four Metal Backless Bar Stools with Wood Seats. These black metal stools with wooden seats have a rustic farmhouse look and just the right amount of industrial flair for our farmhouse remodel. They tuck neatly under the table when not in use. These indestructible stools come with or without backs and in different color combinations and multiple sizes. It was tough for me to choose. I love them all!
A Clear View
I made sure that the counter height table was low enough that when entertaining there’s a clear view across entire space keeping it as open as possible.
The Decadent Dry Bar
Just behind the counter bar was a small indented space that just screamed for a dry bar. There’s so much style packed into this little nook that before our farmhouse basement remodel was a closet.
This functional space houses a 2-door wine and beverage fridge, a large drawer for holding bar and entertaining accessories, a pull-out garbage and recycle bin and upper open cabinetry with a copper mesh metal grille allowing Amy and Guy to display their bar and glassware. To add contrast to the dry bar we painted the cabinets Sherwin-Williams Anonymous SW 7046. Oiwhite Geo Hex ceramic three-dimensional hexagon tile for the backsplash and bright white grout. It adds a modern touch and compliments the white quartzite countertop. The farmhouse basement was almost done and ready for entertaining!
The Perfect Hideaway
Now Amy, Guy, and the boys are ready to RELAX IN STYLE. We’ve created a cozy, warm and inviting space for not only the boys day to day gaming but also an adult space equipped for entertaining and showing off!
I asked Amy if the boys were enjoying the new farmhouse basement? She said “They never come upstairs anymore!” I would say this remodel is a success. I’m off to tackle their living room next. I hope you follow along with me on my Meme Hill Studio Instagram account where I share more interior designs, painting, DIY, and everyday inspirations!
xox Amie
SHOP THIS POST
Whether you get one or all, I have gathered furniture, home decor and and accessories to make your Farmhouse inspired basement remodel comfortable cozy and chic! Head on over to my BASEMENT IDEAS LIST and shop this look…..
- Disclaimer: When I refer to “We” I really mean John Spock and his team of talented carpenters. No finger nails of mine were broken in this remodel.
Leona M Piro
What an amazing remodel, Amie! It is perfect in every way! Hard to say what I like best but if I had to choose it would probably be the matress tucked under the staircase. Great style and function throughout. I am a fan!
memehillstudio
Aww Thank you so much Leona! This was a fun project. We’ve been working on it for a while now! Glad the family can now enjoy it. Have a great day.
Nancy Baker
Love this, Amie!! I especially love the bar set up behind the couch: what a great way to keep eating and relaxing apart….. so often I find food between the couch cushions!
memehillstudio
HI Nancy! Yes we had just enough room to add this and you can use if for so much! Glad you like it. Its one of my favorite features of the remodel. Amie
Laurie
Very nice remodel. Is the flooring real finished wood and did you install it on concrete floors? If so, did you use any barrier between the surfaces?
memehillstudio
HI Laurie! Yes the existing floor was concrete and we used a composite flooring. I put a link tot he flooring in the blog post you can read all about the Armstrong flooring and how to lay it down on their site. We chose this flooring because it doesn’t not require a vapor barrier and the boys come in thru the basement garage. Lots of wear and tear and this is super durable. Hope this helps.
Marie
Can you tell me the name of the hexagon tiles. I love them!
memehillstudio
HI Marie! I had to look at my receipt from Home Depot. I just updated the blog post with the link to the Geo Hex tile.
Leslie Fakhoury
This is truly gorgeous and the layout is like my basement. Can you provide a ballpark of what this project cost? Thanks in advance!!
memehillstudio
Hello Leslie! This renovation was approximately 40K. There was a big chunk of it dumped into moving around plumbing, gas and electrical lines so that the ceiling could be flush. There was a mudroom addition and shelving construction that I didnt include in the blog post either.
Gwen
Hi,
I love this basement!!! May I ask what color is the wood you use for the accent wall and the company that makes it? Are the cabinets custom?
memehillstudio
Hi Gwen! I have to ask the homeowner what we used. I know that the contractor found some discount boards to save on cost. And yes the cabinetry was custom. We needed a space for two large pull out bins. One for garbage and one fore recycling. The carpenter was very crafty with adapting to old house angles and odd spaces.
Shannon (Arena) Speranza
Hello Amie!!! Great make over!!!! Can you tell me if you know where the wood for the walls was from? I have been searching and everything I have found is quite costly.
memehillstudio
Hi Shannon! These are Armstrong planks from Artwalk tile. You can also check Home Depot and the Allure traffic master plank flooring is super affordable. Are you planning on using it for the wall? Its super easy to install and is very lightweight. They also carry a line from Home Decorators collection that I am using for my cottage bunkhouse product. All water resistant.
Abby Smith
Looks great! How exactly did you do the ceiling? Is it a drop down ceiling or did it get dry walled in?
memehillstudio
HI Abby- We used drywall sheets and used trim pieces over the seams to create the look.
Diana
Ceiling looks great, what are the dimensions of the ceiling trim?
memehillstudio
Hi Diane- The ceiling is finished off with 4 by 8 drywall sheets that were staggered and trimmed out with flat stock.
Diana
Hello, how about the trim dimensions? Are they 1”x4”x8’ or 1”x6”x8’?
memehillstudio
the drywall sheets are 4 by eight and the flat stock is 3 inches wide. if you take four by 8 and offset them they are still 4 by 8. Basically they are there to cover up the seems.
Bethany
Where did you find the world art piece?
memehillstudio
HI Its from amazon- Her is my shopping page for all my posts. You can find it there along with all my other purchases from the post…. https://www.amazon.com/shop/memehillstudio
Shakeela
Hi
What type of carpet in stairs???
memehillstudio
Hi it is a commercial carpet that we had bound. They have three boys and they all come in from the garage through the basement so the carpet had to be durable. It is made by Shaw flooring
Antonia
Hi. Do you remember the name of the carpet. I love the color.
memehillstudio
Hi Antonia- The rug was bought at HomeGoods a few years ago. I tried looking online and this one on Amazon is close to color and size. https://amzn.to/2TnwAhQ Hopefully soon the stores will open or I can get over to the the basement and see if there is a manufacturers name or tag on the backside.
memehillstudio
Here’s another one! https://amzn.to/3dVvhi2
Shakeela
Hi
I love it
How much it cost to finish the basement with one full bathroom
Thas
memehillstudio
It cost around 25K. It all depends on what finishes you choose.
Gwen
I love this basement! May I ask what the height and width of the table behind the couch?
Thank you
memehillstudio
Hi Gwen! Sorry for the late response. The height is bar height and the width is 10 feet long to fit perfectly behind the sectional. It is 18″ inches deep. Hope that helps. Please sign up for my email subscription so that you can see more of my basement projects coming up. I have also published an additional post on this project here.
https://www.memehill.com/10-of-the-best-basement-remodeling-ideas-for-gaining-space-storage-solutions/.
Jessica
What is the height of the ceiling?
memehillstudio
Hi They are around 8 1/2 feet.
Dianne
Hi. I love the two matching grey/blue? chairs. Are they swivel/gliders? If yes who are they made by and how much and where did you purchase them? So many questions I know but I think they’d be perfect in my small sitting room. I can’t have any large chairs or they’ll crowd and take over the room. Many thanks. The transformation is awesome.
Dianne
memehillstudio
Hi Dianne- Sorry for the late response. Here is the link to the chairs. I think that you will love them. They are swivel gliders. Let me know if this link works…. https://amzn.to/2IBzWXO
Doreen
I love this remodel!! It’s beautiful! We just did a remodel and our basement looks very similar. I’m very interested in learning more about the counter height table behind the sofa. Is it custom made? Or did you purchase it somewhere? If so, where?
memehillstudio
HI Doreen- The table was custom made by our carpenter and the stools were from Raymour and Flanigan. I believe there is a link to the stools. I am actually heading to that remodel this afternoon and will take some dimensions if you need any. I will be posting an additional post this weekend on smart space saving solutions. Stay tuned… Amie
Katy
How big is this tv?
memehillstudio
HI its a 56 inch TV.
Cheri
Is there a link for the area rug used with the sectional?
memehillstudio
Hi the rug in no longer in stock. Here is a similar one…. https://amzn.to/2POUJ0j
Bethany
Hi, any chance the area rug might be back in stock?? Or if you can say what the name of the rug is or where purchased?
memehillstudio
HI Bethany the rug from HomeGoods is made by Luxury Cosy Rugs. a belgian rug the style umber is 50083/060. the size is 7’10” by 10′. I tried finding it online with no luck. I will still keep an eye out for it.
Gina
I love the rug and blue ottoman! Where can I find?!??
memehillstudio
HI Gina- There is a ink in the blog post. all my purchases are highlighted in blue but here it is…. https://amzn.to/2JXNBsX
Brad
I’d like information on the ceiling of this remodel. Is it drywall with wood accents? What is the finished height of the ceiling? Any details you can provide would be great!
memehillstudio
The ceiling application is simple. We staggered 4 by 8 sheets of drywall and used simple flat stock to cover over the seams. If there’s ever any issue with pipes we can pop it right off and replace any necessary sheets. Does that make sense? I believe the ceiling is just over 8 feet finished. Good luck and follow along Im working on three more basements right now. I will be posting blogs when they are done. Thank you Amie
Amy
Hi there! Your. Basement is BEAUTIFUL! I’m currently finishing ours and doing something very similar under the stairs. What did you use for the drawers under the mattress? Thanks so much!
memehillstudio
Hi there Amy! They are custom made by my carpenter to fit the specific size. My client wanted large drawers for DVDs and extra bedding. Did you see my other post with pictures of the storage underneath? https://www.memehill.com/10-of-the-best-basement-remodeling-ideas-for-gaining-space-storage-solutions/
Amy
Thank you!!! We are doing our basement right now and have the same kind of spot under the stairs. I love this idea! And I love this whole basement! It’s very similar to our plan of what we are shooting for!
memehillstudio
HI yes there is another post on this space here.
https://www.memehill.com/10-of-the-best-basement-remodeling-ideas-for-gaining-space-storage-solutions/. I am also getting ready to post another basement remodel later on this week so please sign up to my email subscription to see more basement remodeling ideas. Have a great day.
Dominica Kopp
Hi There,
I was wondering if you could share the details of the doc portrait? Just love what you did with this basement. We are currently rebuilding ours and this has been a great
Inspiration! Thank you!
Dominica Kopp
Sorry dog portrait
memehillstudio
HI I actually found that at HomeGoods. Its so cute and they have golden retriever!
Bridget Hurley
Hello, we love what you did here!! We are remodeling our basement along the same look and feel. Can I ask the dimensions of your room? I think we are bit smaller to fit all of these awesome details 🙁
memehillstudio
Thank you so much Bridget! It is roughly 18 by 30 feet.
Rachel
What a beautiful renovation ! I was wondering if you could provide me of the name and store you purchased the horizontal dark gray plank shiplap on the wall near the stairs? I love it !
memehillstudio
Hi Rachel! It was purchased at Artwalk Tile in Rochester NY. If I did not mention it in the blog post I dont have it in my notes. I am sure that they have the name on file. If not I will be there in the next week so I can check. Thank you Amie
Wendy
Do you have the name of the plank shiplap near the stairs? I really like it too and was also curious about what you used on the and the walll behind the tv. They both look great!!
memehillstudio
Hi Wendy it is an Armstrong flooring . Castletown Luxury Vinyl Tile – Silver Mine. Thank you so much. It helps with all the traffic going up and down the stairs at all times.
Wendy
Thank you so much! I appreciate it. Do you happen Ronnie the name of the one for the wall behind the tv too?
Thanks again!
Wendy
Jun
I love your basement! What’s the color of the recessed lighting? Soft white or bright white?
memehillstudio
HI ITs bright white. Never too much lights in basements! LOL
Jessica
What wood did you use for the wall?
memehillstudio
Hi Jessica it is an Armstrong flooring . Castletown Luxury Vinyl Tile – Silver Mine.
Claire
Hi! This amazing remodel sure has legs. So glad you posted it! I was wondering where you found that sectional? It’s perfect for my project. Hoping it’s readily available (still – lol!)
memehillstudio
Hi Claire! It is from Bassett a few years ago but still available I believe. Super comfy!
Brad
Hi! Love the remodel! what are the dimensions of the TV room? we’ve got a column that’s impacting our remodel (similar to yours – would butt up to the end of the sofa, but closer to where the TV would be..about 9.5′ away from the TV wall), but if we can get it to look as great as yours, we may just do it!
memehillstudio
Hi there! That room is roughly 25 by 20 and the column is closer to the stairs. You would be ok with a sectional that butts up to the column for sure! Just put a small end table or coffee table near by. Send over pictures!
Cassie
Hi!! Where did you find the wrap for the pole?! We are working on our basement remodel and can’t seem to find any wraps we like!
memehillstudio
Hi There! The contractor made it from scratch.
Julie
This is amazing! I’ve been looking for a fireplace like that, do you recall where you got it from?
memehillstudio
Hi if the highlighted text is not taking you to a link then its discontinued unfortunately. Here is one similar on my Amazon shop https://amzn.to/38Hcwj3
BeTh
Such an amazing joB❗️ Love your eye for detail every space and future use thought oF‼️ I have similar set up for space and was able to show husband design thoughts perfectly‼️ Counter area to nook under stairs and most perfectly executed ceiling‼️ ❤️ a board and batton ‼️ Farm doors too❤️‼️
Thank you for posting‼️
Beth
memehillstudio
Glad it was inspiration for you! Thanks so much!
Ainslie Taylor
Hello
I really love the TV/Fireplace console. Can you tell where you purchased it ?
The renovation is gorgeous by the way !
Thanks
memehillstudio
Hi there! It was purchased at Raymour and flanigan but has been discontinued. Thank you!
Ainslie Taylor
Hello,
Can you tell me where the TV/Fireplace console came from ?
Thank you !
memehillstudio
Hi It was from Raymour and Flanigan but now is discontinued.
Wendy
I love the paint color. Would you happen to know the name of it?
memehillstudio
Hi Wendy. All the paint colors are mentioned in the beginning of the blog post.
Misha
Can you please tell me where you got the bar cabinets??
memehillstudio
Hi Misha_ The bar cabinets were custom made by the contractor. This was a closet prior so you can most certainly find pre-made or custom order cabinets without the glass tops and add the mesh.