Convert Wasted Basement Space Into a Fun Family Retreat

Makeover Room Before

This end of the basement is under-used and disorganized. There's a wonderful amount of vertical space that is just dying to be given purpose.

Toys, toys and more toys are scattered throughout the large area and are in desperate need of containment.

Professional organizer Jamie Novak can help. The first step, she says, is to purge the room of unused items, namely the bachelor black leather chair and bulky coffee table. Toys are moved to one side of the room, and grownup toys are gathered on the other side.

She also plans to lighten and brighten the dark space by painting the walls a mustard yellow with a red accent wall, darken the flooring with a honey-colored plank floor, repair the ceiling and add lighting. Let's look at how all that turned out: