The Ultimate Man Cave Makeover: A Stunning Basement Transformation
Welcome to the grand finale of the #SubspaceSwag makeover journey! After eight weeks of hard work, creativity, and a few unexpected twists, we're thrilled to share the stunning transformation. Many designers like to include only the after photos. But I think it’s important for people to understand where we started with this project. So the recap below summary a few “before” photos as well.
⚒️ In case you missed it ⚒️ Week 1 The Launch, Week 2 Sofa Saga, Week 3 Hiding Imperfections, Weeks 4 & 5 Tiles, Week 6 Dry Bar, Week 7 Fireplace build
It’s also worth noting that the One Room Challenge is a DIY challenge. Hence, with the exception of hiring an artistic painter to spruce up the artwork and paint realistic looking veins on the fireplace front, we did all the work ourselves. We are NOT contractors. Still, we think the results are incredible.
“The ORC is a DIY challenge...We did all the work ourselves... we are NOT contractors. But the results are amazing!”
The Foyer Landing and Walls
I’m secretly grateful for the whole sofa debacle. I was so over the drab gray walls that had been there for over a decade. And I was never a fan of the dark slate flooring. This once-tired foyer now boasts a fresh, inviting look with a mix of black, charcoal gray, and taupe-tan penny tiles. All of this is accentuated by walnut accents, creating a bold contrast against the freshly painted white walls. It’s the perfect welcome to our home.
To draw attention away from the wavy and crooked walls, I used common boards to create some architectural distractions. The walls were so wavy that some of the boards wouldn’t even lay flat. But I made the best of it, and it paid off.
Before: Foyer landing with outdated flooring and dull walls.
After: Refreshed foyer with striking penny tile and vibrant wall color. Photos: Olaniyi Swarn
Photo: Marcel Page Photography
New Railings and a Dry Bar for the Awkward Basement Bulkhead
Next up was the awful railings. The old staircase railing was so wobbly, my Mom refused to use it the last time she visited. The nail holes on the footing reveals how often we tried, in vain, to secure it. Addressing the prominent bulk head was a series of trial an error in an attempt to make it “go away”.
Before: Plain staircase with old railings. Plus unused space under a basement bulkhead.
Our new staircase now features sleek stainless steel railings that add a modern touch, seamlessly integrating with the revamped design of the basement. We turned an awkward bulkhead into a stylish dry bar, complete with elegant grasscloth wallpaper and a curated selection of wine and spirits. This area is now a highlight of the basement.
In the future we plan to enclose it in sliding glass panels, but this will work for now.
After: Modern staircase with stainless steel railings leading to the basement. Stylish dry bar under the bulkhead with grasscloth wallpaper and a selection of wine and spirits. Photo: Marcel Page Photography
Photo: Marcel Page Photography
“Masculine vibes, Feminine touch”
The New Living Space
I am amazed by how my design aesthetics continue to be refined. Working with clients has emboldened me become more daring with my design choices and solutions. Back in the day, I too was drawn in by the kitchy decor items, all in an effort to “make it work”. The image below is nearly 10 years old and shows how the space looked before a leak from the outside forced us to make a change.
There was a random window in the corner that was drafty during the winter, and provided no light whatsoever. You’ll also notice a random pipe, which I affectionately called “the wall nipple” protruding out of the wall. After confirming that it lead to nowhere, we removed it.
Before: Uninspired living room with old fixtures. After: Living room featuring a plaster fireplace, glossy white wall cabinets, and modern decor.
Before we get to the “after” photos, I want to bring your attention to a vintage mid-century modern back-rocker chair that I scored on OfferUp. In case you haven’t noticed, accent chairs are wildly expensive, and many lack interesting character. This chair was exactly what I was looking for.
We gave the mid-century modern chair a new life with contemporary fabric, creating a perfect blend of vintage charm and modern flair.
The centerpiece of our new living space is a stunning plaster fireplace (built by moi) designed to mimic black quartz or soapstone, flanked by glossy white IKEA wall cabinets. The wall cabinet in the far left covers the existing window, but the window is still accessible through the back of the cabinet. Smart right??! 🤯 The transformation is breathtaking. This place is like a swanky boutique hotel lobby!
Photos: Marcel Page Photography
The Husband’s New “Geek Chic” Office
The husband and I are both fans of Star Wars. So it seemed natural to feature some cool Star Wars artwork. This unique gentleman’s wall butler features a sleek black motorcycle helmet and jacket, styled to appear as if they're floating off the wall. It’s where my husband can hang his keys, hats, and jackets. It's both a functional and a statement piece that compliments the Star Wars vibe. This office is now both practical and inspiring, blending personal style with his professional needs.
Office with Star Wars artwork, blending modern and geek chic aesthetics.
I want to thank the One Room Challenge team and media sponsor Apartment Therapy for this wonderful event! Without it, none of the rooms of my home would never be completed in such timely fashion.
A special thanks also to those who loyally followed this journey on Instagram! The support and excitement kepts us going.