Finishing the Basement-Part 2, Fun Finds & a Question!

After 32 years, we're finishing the basement!

This is part 2 in our saga.

I also want to share some fun finds and I have a

questions for you - help!

First, if you just do one thing for your basement,

let there be light - lots of light!


Then install closet doors...

Add some walls....



and a door.....

We've added flooring.....a vinyl wood look-alike
for its durability and ease of cleaning.
There's always a possibility of sawdust from hubby's shop
and we don't want to hyperventilate over wood floors getting damaged.

This is the main room - office/playroom for the grandies.
It's not decorated or arranged yet.....nothing on the walls, etc. However,
what in the world should I do with the windows?
I like the bamboo roman shades, but I need to soften the look in this area?
Long window treatments are fine and can be casual, but
what do you do with the area under the windows?
A valance?  maybe? Don't want any fussiness.
I don't want to cover the windows....just give them a finished look....
even make them look bigger!
Any ideas out there????  Please!!

I got a couple of GW gems recently.....
these 2 old books and a $2 white ironstone gravy boat
made in Spain that, interestingly enough, matches my
white ironstone Johnson Brothers plates!
The book on top (dating 1883) is a Danish to French dictionary!
I don't read Danish, but I do read French - how fun!
But, regardless, it is a lovely old leather book!

I'm thinking of framing some old maps for the basement office area,
along with some memorabilia of my FIL's time
during WWII in the Pacific.
Would love any thoughts or suggestions on the windows,
considering there probably won't be a sofa down there -
at least while the grandies are so young.
I know there are a lot of very creative people out there!
Blessings to you,
Linda

Joining:
Between Naps on the Porch for Met Monday

A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday
Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays
Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday

No Minimalist Here for Open House Party

French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday
At the Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday

Finishing the Basement

Our basement has been a dark hole

with 4 lightbulbs

scattered about....not inspiring

for someone who needs to organize, throw out, give away, etc.

The BEST thing we did was have large light fixtures installed,

making it bright, cheery, and inviting us to come down there!

If you are looking for a swanky man-cave, this is not the post or the place.

(Although, I have some manly plans for Mr. Nest's office area.)

This is a conservative, DIY project...practical for our needs,

and done on a budget.

Step 1 - install lighting!

Step 2 - Mr. Nest  began to wall off the areas

that we wanted....storage wall, storage room,

shop, and large multifunctional room for

office and play area for grandies.

                                             Just having the area defined makes it appear larger.

Step 3 - Get walls painted

Step 4 - Put down flooring.

We chose a vinyl wood look alike from Home Depot.

It is a "floating" floor - with peel and stick planks.

We chose a lighter wood - sort of a farmhouse look -

with knot-holes.

With all the activity down there, the lighter floor will

look larger, PLUS it will not show dust like a dark floor would.

I know dark is popular, but we are being practical.

The floor is finished.

Next, Mr. Nest will sheetrock the white cement block wall with the

door to the crawl space, put on door hardware, put down base and shoe mold.

Come back and see our

ongoing progress!

Blessings,

Linda

Joining:

Between Naps on the Porch for Met Monday
A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday
Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays
Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday

No Minimalist Here for Open House Party

French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday