49: basement bliss

I have a ridiculous affinity for alliterations in titles.  I can't help myself.  Sorry, you'll have to deal.  

Well, here it is, the big reveal:

Yes, that's right, the basement playroom I've been working on for over a year is finally done.  woo hoo!

I hope you're not sick of hearing about it by now.  But, even if you are, these before/afters should impress.  I mean check out that ceiling.  Talk about a mess.

 

So here's the lowdown:

It was a mostly finished basement (minus the very low and very messy ceilings) that wasn't being used for much other than storage.  My husband's brother wanted a cool place for his 3 daughters to call their own.  (They're so lucky).  He and his wife pretty much gave me free reign over the design after an initial consultation and went along with whatever I said.  Though I did most of the design, I didn't do the actual construction and painting myself (yes, I've been known to do that).  They hired people.  Thank God.  I couldn't even imagine tackling that ceiling and it looks great.  But I did do pretty much all the sewing and crafty stuff.  

The idea was for it to be a fun and somewhat girly space, that would grow with them.  Their current ages are 8, 6, and 4.  So I wanted it to be a cool "tween" hangout.  And with the awesome TV, amazing arts and crafts desk, and even mini-fridge, it should fit the bill.  Heck, I want to have a slumber party down there!

It wasn't a huge space, so there were challenges fitting it all in, but I think they got everything they wanted.  We took out a wall that separated the art room from the rest and that really helped open things up.  And, if you look, nestled under the stairs is a two-level "book nook".  It's not really a playhouse per se, but they do love climbing around in there. 

For your reference, some of the sources are as follows:

the big tree print - Art of andrew Daniel

the leaf chair - Home Decorators Collection

the rug - Pottery Barn Teen

the couch - IKEA

solid color bins - Land of Nod

patterned bins - Pottery Barn Teen

rolling "train" table with bins - Land of Nod

tree lamp and mini fridge - Pottery Barn Teen

most of the fabrics - Tumbleweed Quilts

So, before any of you start gushing that you don't know how I do it all and have 2 kids, I would like you to note two things: 1. The amount of time this took me  2. The complete lack of even a single picture hanging in my own kids playroom which we've been in almost 4 years.  (yeah, now I'm feeling guilty about that one...)

JT

Comments

[Rebecka]

Wow! It looks wonderful! What a great place for creating and getting inspired! :)

[Sam]

I'd love a playroom like that for myself, nevermind my kids :-)

Now you've got plenty of time to start on the playroom for your kids. Lol.

[Sandy]

I'm speechless - you took my breath away!!!! The color combinations are perfect and I love all of the detail work. Well done!!!!!

[Michelle@Everyday Celebrating]

Well, I'm gonna gush anyway because it's FABULOUS!!!!! And you deserve it! Good job!

[amylouwho]

Jessica, seriously, this is amazing!! I want my house to look like that! You did such an amazing job with the colors and everything. I love that rug too. And the couch, chairs, desks, well pretty much everything. Very inspirational!

[Becca]

Love your blog! This room is truly stunning! I want it!

[Jen Borley]

HOLY COW!!!! You totally rock! That is fantastic. I'm inspired! Thank you! Of course, I need boy themes. . .but then again, I could plan a ME room, right? Thanks:)

[Sarah]

It's always easier to do things for someone else.

You've inspired me to tackle the studio in my house though! I've just been putting it off and now I want to make a real plan and whip it into shape!

The girls will love that room for a long time, it's very clever and long lasting.

[IamSusie]

This is absolutely fantastic! I want my entire house to look exactly like this! What a lucky family. You did a wonderful job with the lighting. It doesn't look basementy dim at all.

[Katie]

Looks awesome!

[Nancy J.]

Wow, I am so impressed, it's like you reached in my brain and pulled out my dream basement. Seriously, bravo! So cute. Okay so I've never commented on your blog before, but had to give you props for this. Awesome.

[Janna]

I love it! I want to hang out there...

[Stacey]

Wow..that is AMAZING!! You should enter those pic's to the Kids magazine! You have some really great ideas that were brought to life!

I am loving that leaf chair...it just makes it all fit together! :) Job well done!

[Blakely]

WOW! I Love it! Your Nieces are lucky.

[Amy @ parkcitygirl]

Jess it looks great! And I love alliterations :)

[Fawndear]

I'm Speechless! It's too perfect for words!

This room could make the cover of a magazine Easy-Peasy or an entire show on HGTV!

I'm now wishing I had a basement to re-do.

[Amber]

I definitely agree with Fawndear - you should submit this to a magazine. It is sooo cute - what a fun play space. Just beautiful!

[Lisa G.]

I am in awe. That is it... just in awe.
L.

[Lisa]

That is spectacular. I just emailed it to my husband in hopes that it inspired him to paint our basement.

[Angie]

This is absolutely adorable! (I love alliteration too...ha!) Well done!

[holly*]

i love it! i dont care how long it took or what you neglected, ITS FABULOUS!!!

[Julie @ Letter9]

wow.

[M]

Ummmmmmmm you totally rock!!!!

Thank you for sharing. I hope my girls have a cute space to play when they get older....what inspiration.

[Jan]

Really beautiful! Lucky girls!

[holly]

i have just stumbled upon your blog and you are amazing. truly. i am just getting into my own house and wish i had you near for a consultation!

that room is the coolest room. really, well done!