Cozy Up With This Charming Farmhouse Inspired Basement Remodel

· Capitalize on your existing space and create a fabulous remodeled basement for the whole family! ·

Date
Feb, 12, 2018

 Dream Farmhouse Basement Renovation

What happens when you have three boys who are gaming and sports enthusiasts and just one TV on your main living floor? Well, you send them down to the basement. But what if that basement isn’t warm, cozy or inviting and is a bit on the dark side? It’s time for a renovation! There’s nothing better than tapping into underutilized basement space and I’m happy to be sharing this latest charming farmhouse basement remodel that I completed for this fabulous family of five.

Farmhouse_Basement_remodel_renovation_ with a farmhouse look and new vinyl flooring

When my clients Amy and Guy moved into their home approximately 16 years ago they embarked on a basic basement remodel of their 1925 English Tudor in Brighton, New York. The basement was a main thoroughfare since they entered through their ground floor garage into this lower level. The stairs were carpeted, support beams were wrapped, a closet was built, a full bath was added and drywall put up. They painted the ceiling and called it a day.

Before Basement 

A small and dark cubby play space was created under the stairs when the boys were toddlers. A make shift mudroom was just outside the garage door. Although finished, the damp basement remained a combination of storage and play space. (Click to see an enlarged image.)

Farmhouse Style with An Industrial Flair

It was now time to bring this tired space to the next level by finishing it off for the whole family. Although Amy had to share the space with her four men she wanted to add an inviting farmhouse basement decor style that she could call also enjoy.

Basement_remodel_armstrong_flooring wood looking vinyl tiles are ready to go down

We started with the flooring. The existing carpet came up and down went the Armstrong Luxe Plank Limed Oak in Chateau Gray flooring. We recessed all the electrical and plumbing and finished off the ceiling with a cleaner board and batten finish. The walls were then painted in Sherwin Williams Worldly Gray SW7043.

Basement_remodel_renovation_and the before picture of the old linoleum treads

Stepping Up in Style

The stairs up to the main floor received the biggest facelift.  We removed the carpeting to find linoleum treads. They all came up.  The dated railing was replaced with an industrial 1- inch pipe railing by Justin Russell and classic arts and crafts newell post.  Drawing you down to the lower level we created a focal wall by adding horizontal darker wood planks by Armstrong flooring. We chose a darker gray Castletown Luxury Vinyl Tile – Silver Mine. The treads got painted Sherwin Williams Porpoise and a commercial carpet runner was installed. What a difference! This farmhouse basement remodel was shaping up!

Farmhouse basement After picture of the basement stairs with a new iron railing and carpeted stairs
detail of the hand made iron railing in this farmhouse style basement renovation

 Basement Space Savers

The door to the exercise room was removed and replaced with a sliding barn door hung by black industrial metal hardware. We exchanged the traditional 6-panel doors throughout the basement with arts and craft 3-paneled doors. Now the exercise room is closed off in style. The door no longer opens into the the stair landing causing a traffic jam. Barn doors often are a more affordable and stylish solution to a pocket door.

Design Tip: Dont be afraid to mix woods. Here we have four woods all complimenting each other. Keep in mind to us similar species of wood or stay within the same color tone. I chose all gray washed wood kept the largest surface of the floor simple. The accent wall treatment  has more graining variation and a darker tone. The counter top is stained dark to tie in with the stair treads and iron work. The smallest wood application on the stool tops add interest with contrast and pattern.

Farmhouse basement reclaimed wood wall accent and sliding barn door with black hardware. View of a bar height narrow dining pub table behind the sofa

Creating A Cozy Farmhouse Corner

We were happy to find the wall that created the small play space under the stairs was not loadbearing. That immediately came down and opened up a new cozy reading nook. Amy mentioned that the boys often have sleepovers and would all sleep on couch cushions. Luckily, the space allowed perfectly for a twin mattress. No more back aches and waking up on the cold floor. I purchased a decorative mattress cover from Beddy’s Beds. and decorated the wall under the stairs creating a mini gallery wall. The drawers underneath the daybed house extra bedding and blankets. It’s now become one of the boys favorite spots to hang out. Large commercial sized cabinet hardware dress up all the drawers, cabinetry, and back mudroom.

The full view of the farmhouse basement and the reading sleeping nook under the stairs. Neutral decor for this farmhouse style basement remodel
Ma twin bed fits under the stairs and created a reading nook using buddy's bed mattress cover and accent pillows

Farmhouse Basent Details

With fewer windows in basement remodels there tends to be a lot of wall space. To break up this large area we added accent wood plank walls. This adds interest in pattern without feeling that you need to fill each and every wall with art. Front and center we added a TV credenza with electric fireplace . The dark weathered wood matched the stair treads and the iron handles and hardware complemented all the dark metal finishes. This piece has become the focal point of the entire living space. Not only does it add warmth with the crackling wood fire we have added heat eliminating the basement chill. This was the smarter solution than adding a gas fireplace. No venting or gas lines needed !

Meme_HIll_studio_farmhouse_Basement_remodel_renovation_fireplace_Raymour_flanigan_Elise. Details of how to finish a basement ceiling



Meme_HIll_studio_Basement_remodel_renovation_fireplace_Raymour_flanigan_Elise

All the gaming components are neatly hidden behind the glass doors. We accented this neutral decor with pops of denim blue, navy, and cream.

Meme_HIll_studio_Basement_remodel_renovation_ wood plank accent wall treatment  a pretty blue vase adds a grown up sophisticated look to the fireplace

In The Details

When mixing furniture, hardware and accessories try sticking to a common finish. They don’t have to be an exact match but close counts! It’s virtually impossible to have all your finished match but we kept with a dark oiled rubbed bronze accent. The hardware on the fireplace/TV console adds so much interest and ties in with the new cabinetry hardware, framed artwork, accent decor, door levers, railings and even the switch plate covers.

Meme_HIll_studio_Basement_remodel_renovation_fireplace_Raymour_flanigan_Elise details of the iron hardware

Finishing Touches

Finishing off the TV area we added a large cozy carpet, swivel accent chairs, and a round tufted ottoman for putting your feet up. This ottoman has turned out to be so amazing. Can you believe that it comes in 23 colors? All soft surfaces for these active boys. We repurposed Amy and Guy’s existing sectional and added cozy throw blankets and comfortable accent pillows. For wall art, I added an old world 3-piece rustic world map, vintage sports photographs, fun message boards, family photos, and golden retriever artwork to honor their furry companion Otto.

Meme_HIll_studio_Basement_remodel_renovation_. A family friendly and budget friendly basement renovation.How to open up a basement and create a family friendly space that is stylish and durable

The Snack Bar

Amy wanted to avoid eating on the sofa.  We had roughly 8 feet from the back of the sofa to the back wall.  Instead of a table and chairs I designed a 10-foot counter bar the entire length of the sectional. This way all the food could stay away from the living area and on entertaining  nights provide additional seating. You too can get this look with these following table and chair sets.

The farmhouse basement metal and wood counter and bar height stools go under an handmade dining table

Contractor John Spock of Oasis Design & Remodeling brought my simple sketch to life using stained maple wood and the same industrial plumbing pieces as the railing.  Amy purchased four  Metal Backless Bar Stools with Wood Seats. These black metal stools with wooden seats have a rustic farmhouse look and just the right amount of industrial flair for our farmhouse remodel. They tuck neatly under the table when not in use. These indestructible stools come with or without backs and in different color combinations and multiple sizes. It was tough for me to choose.  I love them all!

the perfect table for a busy family. The wood top and sturdy metal iron base is great for small spaces

A Clear View

I made sure that the counter height table was low enough that when entertaining there’s a clear view across entire space keeping it as open as possible.

Farmhouse basement ,The wood and metal backless stools fit under the snack and game table behind the sofa sectional in this farmhouse basement

The Decadent Dry Bar

Just behind the counter bar was a small indented space that just screamed for a dry bar. There’s so much style packed into this little nook that  before our farmhouse basement remodel was a closet.

For a farmhouse basement look this is The best versatile tufted ottoman, this gray ottoman can be easily moved around and used as extra seating in front of the beige sectional

This functional space houses a 2-door wine and beverage fridge, a large drawer for holding bar and entertaining accessories, a pull-out garbage and recycle bin and upper open cabinetry with a copper mesh metal grille allowing Amy and Guy to display their bar and glassware. To add contrast to the dry bar we painted the cabinets Sherwin-Williams Anonymous SW 7046. Oiwhite Geo Hex ceramic three-dimensional hexagon tile for the backsplash and bright white grout. It adds a modern touch and compliments the white quartzite countertop. The farmhouse basement was almost done and ready for entertaining!

a closet gets turned into a small bar area with custom cabinets and white hexagon tile backsplash. details of the brass mesh doors in the wet bare area of the basement remodel white hexagon tiles as a backsplash and marble countertop. Metal mesh kitchen door accentsMeme_HIll_studio_Basement_remodel_renovation_kids gallery wall with dry erase board and memo boardThe Perfect Hideaway

Now Amy, Guy, and the boys are ready to RELAX IN STYLE. We’ve created a cozy, warm and inviting space for not only the boys day to day gaming but also an adult space equipped  for entertaining and showing off!

I asked Amy if the boys were enjoying the new farmhouse basement? She said “They never come upstairs anymore!”  I would say this remodel is a success. I’m off to tackle their living room next.  I hope you follow along with me on my Meme Hill Studio Instagram account where I share more interior designs, painting, DIY,  and everyday inspirations!

xox Amie

a green wine glass jug filled with garden and yard twigs and wooden worry prayer beads

SHOP THIS POST

Whether you get one or all, I have gathered furniture, home decor and and accessories to make your Farmhouse inspired basement remodel comfortable cozy and chic! Head on over to my BASEMENT IDEAS LIST and shop this look…..

a collage and collection of affordable farmhouse fixer upper style basement home decor and furniture from Amazon
Farmhouse_Basement_renovation_fixer_upper_remodel_rustic elements and metal iron details for this family

before and after images of a farmhouse basement staircase and what to do underneath. a kid hideaway bed under the stairs

  • Disclaimer: When I refer to “We” I really mean John Spock and his team of talented carpenters. No finger nails of mine were broken in this remodel. 

Basement Remodeling IDEAS

89 Comments

  1. Reply

    Leona M Piro

    February 13, 2018

    What an amazing remodel, Amie! It is perfect in every way! Hard to say what I like best but if I had to choose it would probably be the matress tucked under the staircase. Great style and function throughout. I am a fan!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      February 13, 2018

      Aww Thank you so much Leona! This was a fun project. We’ve been working on it for a while now! Glad the family can now enjoy it. Have a great day.

  2. Reply

    Nancy Baker

    March 12, 2018

    Love this, Amie!! I especially love the bar set up behind the couch: what a great way to keep eating and relaxing apart….. so often I find food between the couch cushions!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      March 12, 2018

      HI Nancy! Yes we had just enough room to add this and you can use if for so much! Glad you like it. Its one of my favorite features of the remodel. Amie

  3. Reply

    Laurie

    April 21, 2018

    Very nice remodel. Is the flooring real finished wood and did you install it on concrete floors? If so, did you use any barrier between the surfaces?

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      April 21, 2018

      HI Laurie! Yes the existing floor was concrete and we used a composite flooring. I put a link tot he flooring in the blog post you can read all about the Armstrong flooring and how to lay it down on their site. We chose this flooring because it doesn’t not require a vapor barrier and the boys come in thru the basement garage. Lots of wear and tear and this is super durable. Hope this helps.

  4. Reply

    Marie

    April 21, 2018

    Can you tell me the name of the hexagon tiles. I love them!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      April 21, 2018

      HI Marie! I had to look at my receipt from Home Depot. I just updated the blog post with the link to the Geo Hex tile.

  5. Reply

    Leslie Fakhoury

    April 23, 2018

    This is truly gorgeous and the layout is like my basement. Can you provide a ballpark of what this project cost? Thanks in advance!!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      April 24, 2018

      Hello Leslie! This renovation was approximately 40K. There was a big chunk of it dumped into moving around plumbing, gas and electrical lines so that the ceiling could be flush. There was a mudroom addition and shelving construction that I didnt include in the blog post either.

  6. Reply

    Gwen

    April 27, 2018

    Hi,

    I love this basement!!! May I ask what color is the wood you use for the accent wall and the company that makes it? Are the cabinets custom?

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      May 1, 2018

      Hi Gwen! I have to ask the homeowner what we used. I know that the contractor found some discount boards to save on cost. And yes the cabinetry was custom. We needed a space for two large pull out bins. One for garbage and one fore recycling. The carpenter was very crafty with adapting to old house angles and odd spaces.

      • Reply

        Shannon (Arena) Speranza

        September 23, 2018

        Hello Amie!!! Great make over!!!! Can you tell me if you know where the wood for the walls was from? I have been searching and everything I have found is quite costly.

        • Reply

          memehillstudio

          September 23, 2018

          Hi Shannon! These are Armstrong planks from Artwalk tile. You can also check Home Depot and the Allure traffic master plank flooring is super affordable. Are you planning on using it for the wall? Its super easy to install and is very lightweight. They also carry a line from Home Decorators collection that I am using for my cottage bunkhouse product. All water resistant.

  7. Reply

    Abby Smith

    May 1, 2018

    Looks great! How exactly did you do the ceiling? Is it a drop down ceiling or did it get dry walled in?

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      May 1, 2018

      HI Abby- We used drywall sheets and used trim pieces over the seams to create the look.

      • Reply

        Diana

        April 4, 2020

        Ceiling looks great, what are the dimensions of the ceiling trim?

        • Reply

          memehillstudio

          April 4, 2020

          Hi Diane- The ceiling is finished off with 4 by 8 drywall sheets that were staggered and trimmed out with flat stock.

          • Diana

            April 4, 2020

            Hello, how about the trim dimensions? Are they 1”x4”x8’ or 1”x6”x8’?

          • memehillstudio

            April 5, 2020

            the drywall sheets are 4 by eight and the flat stock is 3 inches wide. if you take four by 8 and offset them they are still 4 by 8. Basically they are there to cover up the seems.

  8. Reply

    Bethany

    May 22, 2018

    Where did you find the world art piece?

  9. Reply

    Shakeela

    June 26, 2018

    Hi
    What type of carpet in stairs???

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      July 3, 2018

      Hi it is a commercial carpet that we had bound. They have three boys and they all come in from the garage through the basement so the carpet had to be durable. It is made by Shaw flooring

      • Reply

        Antonia

        May 19, 2020

        Hi. Do you remember the name of the carpet. I love the color.

        • Reply

          memehillstudio

          May 20, 2020

          Hi Antonia- The rug was bought at HomeGoods a few years ago. I tried looking online and this one on Amazon is close to color and size. https://amzn.to/2TnwAhQ Hopefully soon the stores will open or I can get over to the the basement and see if there is a manufacturers name or tag on the backside.

        • Reply

          memehillstudio

          May 20, 2020

          Here’s another one! https://amzn.to/3dVvhi2

  10. Reply

    Shakeela

    June 30, 2018

    Hi
    I love it
    How much it cost to finish the basement with one full bathroom
    Thas

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      July 3, 2018

      It cost around 25K. It all depends on what finishes you choose.

  11. Reply

    Gwen

    August 24, 2018

    I love this basement! May I ask what the height and width of the table behind the couch?

    Thank you

  12. Reply

    Jessica

    September 11, 2018

    What is the height of the ceiling?

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      September 23, 2018

      Hi They are around 8 1/2 feet.

  13. Reply

    Dianne

    September 27, 2018

    Hi. I love the two matching grey/blue? chairs. Are they swivel/gliders? If yes who are they made by and how much and where did you purchase them? So many questions I know but I think they’d be perfect in my small sitting room. I can’t have any large chairs or they’ll crowd and take over the room. Many thanks. The transformation is awesome.
    Dianne

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      October 4, 2018

      Hi Dianne- Sorry for the late response. Here is the link to the chairs. I think that you will love them. They are swivel gliders. Let me know if this link works…. https://amzn.to/2IBzWXO

  14. Reply

    Doreen

    September 30, 2018

    I love this remodel!! It’s beautiful! We just did a remodel and our basement looks very similar. I’m very interested in learning more about the counter height table behind the sofa. Is it custom made? Or did you purchase it somewhere? If so, where?

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      October 4, 2018

      HI Doreen- The table was custom made by our carpenter and the stools were from Raymour and Flanigan. I believe there is a link to the stools. I am actually heading to that remodel this afternoon and will take some dimensions if you need any. I will be posting an additional post this weekend on smart space saving solutions. Stay tuned… Amie

  15. Reply

    Katy

    November 11, 2018

    How big is this tv?

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      November 11, 2018

      HI its a 56 inch TV.

  16. Reply

    Cheri

    November 11, 2018

    Is there a link for the area rug used with the sectional?

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      November 12, 2018

      Hi the rug in no longer in stock. Here is a similar one…. https://amzn.to/2POUJ0j

      • Reply

        Bethany

        January 28, 2019

        Hi, any chance the area rug might be back in stock?? Or if you can say what the name of the rug is or where purchased?

        • Reply

          memehillstudio

          January 31, 2019

          HI Bethany the rug from HomeGoods is made by Luxury Cosy Rugs. a belgian rug the style umber is 50083/060. the size is 7’10” by 10′. I tried finding it online with no luck. I will still keep an eye out for it.

  17. Reply

    Gina

    November 11, 2018

    I love the rug and blue ottoman! Where can I find?!??

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      November 12, 2018

      HI Gina- There is a ink in the blog post. all my purchases are highlighted in blue but here it is…. https://amzn.to/2JXNBsX

  18. Reply

    Brad

    January 3, 2019

    I’d like information on the ceiling of this remodel. Is it drywall with wood accents? What is the finished height of the ceiling? Any details you can provide would be great!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      January 6, 2019

      The ceiling application is simple. We staggered 4 by 8 sheets of drywall and used simple flat stock to cover over the seams. If there’s ever any issue with pipes we can pop it right off and replace any necessary sheets. Does that make sense? I believe the ceiling is just over 8 feet finished. Good luck and follow along Im working on three more basements right now. I will be posting blogs when they are done. Thank you Amie

  19. Reply

    Amy

    January 4, 2019

    Hi there! Your. Basement is BEAUTIFUL! I’m currently finishing ours and doing something very similar under the stairs. What did you use for the drawers under the mattress? Thanks so much!

  20. Reply

    Dominica Kopp

    February 12, 2019

    Hi There,

    I was wondering if you could share the details of the doc portrait? Just love what you did with this basement. We are currently rebuilding ours and this has been a great
    Inspiration! Thank you!

    • Reply

      Dominica Kopp

      February 12, 2019

      Sorry dog portrait

      • Reply

        memehillstudio

        February 12, 2019

        HI I actually found that at HomeGoods. Its so cute and they have golden retriever!

  21. Reply

    Bridget Hurley

    February 19, 2019

    Hello, we love what you did here!! We are remodeling our basement along the same look and feel. Can I ask the dimensions of your room? I think we are bit smaller to fit all of these awesome details 🙁

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      February 19, 2019

      Thank you so much Bridget! It is roughly 18 by 30 feet.

  22. Reply

    Rachel

    March 11, 2019

    What a beautiful renovation ! I was wondering if you could provide me of the name and store you purchased the horizontal dark gray plank shiplap on the wall near the stairs? I love it !

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      March 11, 2019

      Hi Rachel! It was purchased at Artwalk Tile in Rochester NY. If I did not mention it in the blog post I dont have it in my notes. I am sure that they have the name on file. If not I will be there in the next week so I can check. Thank you Amie

      • Reply

        Wendy

        March 24, 2019

        Do you have the name of the plank shiplap near the stairs? I really like it too and was also curious about what you used on the and the walll behind the tv. They both look great!!

        • Reply

          memehillstudio

          March 24, 2019

          Hi Wendy it is an Armstrong flooring . Castletown Luxury Vinyl Tile – Silver Mine. Thank you so much. It helps with all the traffic going up and down the stairs at all times.

          • Wendy

            March 24, 2019

            Thank you so much! I appreciate it. Do you happen Ronnie the name of the one for the wall behind the tv too?

            Thanks again!
            Wendy

  23. Reply

    Jun

    March 17, 2019

    I love your basement! What’s the color of the recessed lighting? Soft white or bright white?

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      March 24, 2019

      HI ITs bright white. Never too much lights in basements! LOL

  24. Reply

    Jessica

    April 3, 2019

    What wood did you use for the wall?

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      April 5, 2019

      Hi Jessica it is an Armstrong flooring . Castletown Luxury Vinyl Tile – Silver Mine.

  25. Reply

    Claire

    September 18, 2019

    Hi! This amazing remodel sure has legs. So glad you posted it! I was wondering where you found that sectional? It’s perfect for my project. Hoping it’s readily available (still – lol!)

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      September 23, 2019

      Hi Claire! It is from Bassett a few years ago but still available I believe. Super comfy!

  26. Reply

    Brad

    July 14, 2020

    Hi! Love the remodel! what are the dimensions of the TV room? we’ve got a column that’s impacting our remodel (similar to yours – would butt up to the end of the sofa, but closer to where the TV would be..about 9.5′ away from the TV wall), but if we can get it to look as great as yours, we may just do it!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      July 15, 2020

      Hi there! That room is roughly 25 by 20 and the column is closer to the stairs. You would be ok with a sectional that butts up to the column for sure! Just put a small end table or coffee table near by. Send over pictures!

  27. Reply

    Cassie

    October 26, 2020

    Hi!! Where did you find the wrap for the pole?! We are working on our basement remodel and can’t seem to find any wraps we like!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      November 10, 2020

      Hi There! The contractor made it from scratch.

  28. Reply

    Julie

    November 14, 2020

    This is amazing! I’ve been looking for a fireplace like that, do you recall where you got it from?

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      November 15, 2020

      Hi if the highlighted text is not taking you to a link then its discontinued unfortunately. Here is one similar on my Amazon shop https://amzn.to/38Hcwj3

  29. Reply

    BeTh

    November 30, 2020

    Such an amazing joB❗️ Love your eye for detail every space and future use thought oF‼️ I have similar set up for space and was able to show husband design thoughts perfectly‼️ Counter area to nook under stairs and most perfectly executed ceiling‼️ ❤️ a board and batton ‼️ Farm doors too❤️‼️

    Thank you for posting‼️

    Beth

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      December 7, 2020

      Glad it was inspiration for you! Thanks so much!

  30. Reply

    Ainslie Taylor

    December 29, 2020

    Hello
    I really love the TV/Fireplace console. Can you tell where you purchased it ?
    The renovation is gorgeous by the way !
    Thanks

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      January 4, 2021

      Hi there! It was purchased at Raymour and flanigan but has been discontinued. Thank you!

  31. Reply

    Ainslie Taylor

    December 29, 2020

    Hello,
    Can you tell me where the TV/Fireplace console came from ?
    Thank you !

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      January 4, 2021

      Hi It was from Raymour and Flanigan but now is discontinued.

  32. Reply

    Wendy

    January 25, 2022

    I love the paint color. Would you happen to know the name of it?

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      January 25, 2022

      Hi Wendy. All the paint colors are mentioned in the beginning of the blog post.

  33. Reply

    Misha

    February 14, 2022

    Can you please tell me where you got the bar cabinets??

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      February 14, 2022

      Hi Misha_ The bar cabinets were custom made by the contractor. This was a closet prior so you can most certainly find pre-made or custom order cabinets without the glass tops and add the mesh.

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