And They Said It Couldn’t Be Done…

It’s Monday, and the weekend is over. How was your weekend? I went to orchestra rehearsal #nerdalert. Then I helped my sister Gina mercury glass some vases #forbabymollysroom. And ate Second Sunday Supper #dinedlikekatemiddleton.

As promised, I have a basement update for you.

If you are new to the blog, let me give you the basement run down. The goal was building a nook under the stairs. It quickly turned into a wild room makeover. The design inspiration has been industrial vintage. Indiana Jones would punch nuns for a family room like ours.

This project was 100% Aaron. Every time I’d look at what we were working with, I would have a mini melt down. Usually I am the creative one, but I could not comprehend how to fix the problem.

He took all the initiative on this one, which I am extremely grateful for. I know my limits, and when there are projects I can’t do. This was one. But I was really good at taking pictures.

The drywall complication:

Aaron’s plan was to build a casing over the drywall.

You can see how nicely it hides the imperfections underneath. I can see Mary Kay making a product like this in the future.

With the back piece on, the base is done.

End of day 1.

Day 2: cover the studs in beam columns. And continue in a like manner.

Day 3: cut & install all inside pieces.

Admire Aaron’s handy work. In all seriousness, I am SO proud of Aaron. He did such a good job. I saw him unleash his inner Bob Vila, and it was good.

I’ve got some wood filler and light sanding to do, then I get to play the stain game. I gotta say, having the studs gone is the difference between not wearing make up and putting mascara on. It’s just a really nice visual improvement to the face of the basement.

In the mean time, the pieces of the sectional have been pushed together to create the couch bed. You would not believe how comfortable it is. We’ve been watching movies with it exactly like this. It’s lounging at it’s finest. There’s a high possibility that we will never put the couch together properly. And I’m fine with that. Viva le Super Couch.

Next up: trim all the inner corners of the beadboard in the nook. I’m about to get really familiar with a coping saw.

Your turn. What was your weekend like? Tell me about your projects!

This post is link partying at:
Home Stories A to Z * Today’s Creative Blog * Tip Junkie * Sugar Bee Crafts * If It’s Not Baroque * Someday Crafts * Snap! * HoH * The Shabby Creek Cottage *

You might also like:

How to Board and Batten! In Other Words: A Wainscoting Tutorial

Sneak Peak at the Nook-in-the-Stairs

How I Know I Watch Too Many Renovation Shows

Renovation Woes

Basement Mood Board

Installing Barn Doors: THE GREAT HANG-UP

kenz

Tagged:

Emma (Broke Ass Home)

That looks so great! And you guys were so worried it would kill you. Looks easy peasy and it is like a wonder bra for your basement. Are you guys going to stain them?
- Kenz
  
  I love a good wonder bra. Looks like the basement is about to get some hot dates. And yes, I’m going to stain it this week. Driftwood is my stain of choice.
http://twitter.com/SandpaperGlue Stephanie

it’s looking mighty fine down there… I’ll be over in 5 to nap on Super Couch.
- Kenz
  
  You will not regret your decision to nap on Super Couch. Especially because the cushions are down-filled.
Kiersti Kinyon

I love it – my instinct would’ve been to just wall the whole thing up, but what you guys have done is SO much better! It makes it not as basement-y. Oh, and we just re-tiled our fireplace this weekend. No biggy .
- Kenz
  
  Walling in the whole thing was my last resort. But I really really wanted a unique design element. I’m glad Aaron figured out a way to do it. You retiled your fireplace! I want to see! Pictures!!!
Gretchen@boxycolonial

ooh, that looks great–very professional! Nice work, Aaron!
- Kenz
  
  Thanks Gretchen! He done good.
http://twitter.com/MiddleClassMod Tracie

Adorbs. I love the square columns. That’s some awesome carpentry, right there. Goes well with the barn doors!
- Kenz
  
  Thank you! I’m excited to see how the stain looks on it.
Jodie

Can you pleeeease tell me what color the walls are? All I have been able to find is your 50 Shades of Gray teaser.
- Kenz
  
  Oh sorry!!! How rude of me. The wall color is Urbane Bronze by Sherwin Williams. And we LOVE it. It’s so warm.
  - Jodie
    
    Sweet, thanks!!
http://www.facebook.com/rebecca.cantwell Rebecca Crowder Cantwell

Wow I am so impressed with my nephew!!! What a stud!!! All of those BOB the builder cartoons on Saturday morning really helped out!!! Good job both of yoU!!!!
- Kenz
  
  He definitely did a good job
http://twitter.com/WillsCasa Wills Casa

Wow impressive! I’m jealous you even have a basement to begin with. Those things don’t really exist in my area…stupid Texas clay. Can’t wait to see you work the rest of your magic!
- Kenz
  
  Hi Nick/Amber! Now sure which one of you wrote this But I like you both! I love having a basement. It stays so cool in the summer time. It’s our favorite place to hang out when it’s 100+ degrees (hard to think about that now when it’s -2). What part of Texas do you guys live in? Aaron lived in Houston for awhile.
eranfaraway

It looks great! I’m really impressed by this space! I love vintage industrial! Also, it makes me feel better to know that I am not the only one who has mini meltdowns when problems arise
- Kenz
  
  Thanks Erin! I too love vintage industrial. I wish I could afford more things from Restoration Hardware. But it’s okay. It forces me to be creative. We might need to create a support group: Mini Meltdowns Annon.
  - eranfaraway
    
    The Restoration Hardware catalog may be sitting on my bookshelf right now, while the Odessy and Jane Austen are packaged in a box in storage Classical literature won’t satiate my furniture lust.
    - Kenz
      
      Girl, you and I come from the same mold. I love good classic books, but there’s something magical about receiving the RH catalog in the mail.
AnnNell

What a vast improvement !! The wood work is great Aaron !!
- Kenz
  
  Thanks AnnNell. I hope it looks even better when the wood gets stained!
http://www.facebook.com/people/Vanessa-Lund/100002729840071 Vanessa Lund

Hi, Kenz
Love what the hubby did, nice. Looking forward for the final reveal.

Hugs,
Vanessa
- Kenz
  
  HI Vanessa! Thanks. I’m looking forward to the final reveal too lol. One of these days it’ll be reveal-ready.
http://twitter.com/decorandthedog Michelle

Indiana Jones would totally be proud. I really like how this is turning out!!
- Kenz
  
  I’m glad you think Dr Jones would approve too. And thank you. I’m quite pleased myself.
http://www.facebook.com/henrietteh Henriette Hoel

You guys, both so handy! We should’ve been more like you, than maybe we could get something done around here
- Kenz
  
  I don’t know if you should be more like me. We’ve been working on this project for over a year now! We are the worst at sticking to a timeline.
Katja @ Shift Ctrl ART

That looks really great. What a great solution you found here. I have been following your progress
- Kenz
  
  Thanks Katja! I’m new to following your blog. But all my other blog friends do, and now I see why! I’m loving what I’ve seen so far. You’re super talented!
  - Katja @ Shift Ctrl ART
    
    Thanks so much! You are so sweet. And right back at ya .
Debbie Thompson

This is such a cute post! I found you over at If It’s Not Baroque. Your progress is is looking great so far. Can’t wait to see what’s next!

Debbie
- Kenz
  
  Hi Debbie! Thanks for stopping by! We’re having a great time working on the basement. I’m glad you’re following the progress. I’m going to be staining tomorrow.
Lauren

Hey Kenz. Thanks for linking up to my party last week. Can’t wait to see more of what you have been up to. The stairs are looking good.
- Kenz
  
  Thanks Lauren!
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