Transform a Dull Basement Into a Colorful Study

Host Joan Steffend and designer Beth Solberg turn a bland basement into a colorful study for the woman of the house.

Filed under: Home Offices, Basements, Makeover

After

Instead of painting, they apply fabric to the walls with liquid starch. The fabric is precut to the height of the wall, then soaked in the starch. After wringing out the excess, they place it on the wall and staple it at the top. Working from the ceiling down, they smooth out the bubbles with a wallpaper comb. The seams are concealed with narrow strips of wood wrapped in fabric. Molding at the top hides the rough edges.
The existing carpet is removed and replaced with a parquet tile border and an area rug in the center. The baseboards are inexpensive 1x4s.
Since the basement space lacks windows, they simulate the look by removing the paneling between the makeover space and another room. They first drill pilot holes from the other side, cut out the fabric and then jigsaw the paneling between the pilot holes. Salvaged trim hides the rough edges. Shutters complete the transformation.

Before

The bookshelf and desk are renewed with paint and trim to make it look like a matched set. The wall behind the bookshelf is painted black to make it look like a built-in unit.

The homeowner's old furniture is rejuvenated with new colorful covers.

Side tables are formed from fruit crates and a TV tray, wrapping paper and old drawer.

The small closet is reconfigured into a faux fireplace, complete with 4x8 brick paneling, wood mantel, faux logs and a fireplace screen. Grout added to the paneling makes the scene more realistic. A hinged mirror above the mantel opens to reveal a television.

Accessories fill out the design and include colorful throw pillows, a lamp placed inside a potato chip tin, artificial plants, burlap sacks used to make seat cushions, small tackle boxes turned into desk organizers and a wooden crate used for magazine storage.

Itemized Design Elements

$110 - wall treatment (fabric outlet)
$88 - floor treatment (The Home Depot: parquet tiles - #655909773366)
$19 - windows
$71 - bookshelves
$15 - fabric
$9 - crate table
$6 - tray table
$42 - fireplace
$29 - mirror
$1 - crate
$9 - throw pillows
$8 - lamp in potato chip tin
$12 - silk plant
$3 - electric lantern (garage sale)
$18 - tins and accessories
$4 - blocks and tins (antiques store)
$3 - chair cushion
$5 - side chair cushion
$11 - wall display
$2 - tackle boxes
$3 - flower tin
$3 - poster
$2 - magazine crate
$8 - artwork