Basement Goes from Dreary to Dreamy

Amy and Rory were living the dream. Well, almost. The happy, easygoing couple, proud parents to Lauren and baby Max, own a picture-perfect home in a next-to-perfect neighborhood. But there was one icky torment that threatened to turn this young family’s comfortable dream into a nightmare, and they were living right on top of it! It’s their basement.

This dreary and uninspiring space had become a catchall for discarded toys and other castoffs that didn’t fit anywhere else. A makeshift wall separated the laundry area and prevented any natural light from reaching the rest of the basement through the room’s only windows.

Amy is an artist and art therapist who wanted a bright, warm and inviting space that would stimulate creativity. Rory wanted a comfortable room to spend time with the kids, family and friends. They asked me if I could transform their “basement blight” into an inspiring, kid-friendly art studio and family room. It was definitely a challenge, but the muse was with me. And more importantly, so was my crew!