Transform an unfinished basement area into a combined craft and laundry room.
Deadlines sometimes prompt action; I began the basement Craft Room renovation gradually, but an invitation from Kelly at Eclectically Vintage to join their “Impossible Project” challenge meant a prompt completion date.
I thrive on focused goals, yet this required immediate effort because I only had eight remaining days at home while my husband and I traveled for work; we also faced 24 hours without power one day and lost power on several other days.
To be completely transparent, some final tasks and organization remain, but the room is now functional and usable; we primarily achieved this by repurposing and recycling existing items.
This is how the space appeared right after we moved in.
And here is the current look of the room.
During the renovation:
Presently:
Naturally, the exposed ceiling needs attention later, but for now, I drew inspiration from a recent Pottery Barn catalogue for the long wall. I incorporated items like rusty, antique drawer pulls (secured with hot glue to the nail) and small, previously unused Ikea frames. A picture from Pottery Barn featuring a rolling pin jute holder inspired me; this particular holder belonged to my grandmother (my mother has an identical one I actually use!). I hung it using an old glass electrical fixture discovered in the garage.
This printable I found on Pinterest brought me joy. Future posts will detail the wall features and provide 'how to' guides. The total cost was:
- Beadboard wallpaper was on sale at Canadian Tire for $18.00.
- Two sheets of drywall cost approximately $24.00.
- Paint was around $40.00, with extra for future projects; I used “Polar Bear” by Behr for the wall and untinted semi-gloss white for the dresser and cupboard.
- A shelf from a Thrift Store was only $7.00.
The grand total reached $89.00. This transformation evolved over several years; for a complete history, please view the linked resources below.
Adventures “Down Under” ~ Basement Before
Craft Room Organization
Lighting Solution
Stenciled Dresser
Cupboard Painting
Beadboard Wall
Installing drywall onto Cement
Paint Color Selection
Basement Window Treatments
Thank you, Kelly, for motivating this finish; I eagerly await seeing her other “Impossible Projects” near her area.
If this budget-conscious remodel appeals to you, consider this $159 kitchen makeover as well.
Links include: Thrifty Decorating, Shabby Creek Cottage, It’s Overflowing, AKA Design, My Repurposed Life, Chic on a Shoestring, and Rooster and the Hen.
