Our Basement Remodel Design Plan

We’re quite a few steps (read: all of the steps) away from being able to do finish work on our basement, but it hasn’t stopped me from dreaming about the design plan!

In case you’re new around here: we’re doing a full gut and remodel of our basement, including adding two bedrooms, a bathroom, a laundry room, living room, and more! We’re done with demo and now we’re planning the next steps which will include structural repairs, egress window installation, and waterproofing.

My goal is to keep it as bright as possible with a hint of “moodiness.” I’d love to have minimal decor and focus on the overall design of the space, from built-ins to lighting to wainscoting on the walls. Whether it’s board and batten or a picture frame moulding, wainscoting adds depth and interest to the walls without feeling too cluttered with decor. I am imagining warm white walls with olive/army green accents somehow- TBD!

Board and batten wainscoting by Studio McGee
Picture frame moulding via Ilaria Fatone

We’re going to install a gas fireplace, and I’m envisioning a tile surround with built-in bookshelves on either side. I’d love to incorporate white oak, whether it’s the entire built-in or just the shelving. We will have a small dry bar area that will match the fireplace built-ins and include a small beverage fridge, more shelving and built-in storage, and some wall sconces.

Dry bar area via Shelfology

I’m planning on keeping things fairly neutral with a few pops of color- greens and blues mixed with white, black, brass, and gray. The design below is a jumping off point for where I’d like to take this space- I’m sure these won’t be our final sources, but this is what’s inspiring me for now! I cannot wait to bring this part of our home to life for the first time in years (or maybe, ever)!

Shop Sources:

Sherwin Williams Paint colors: Isle of Pines, Black Magic, Greenfield, Pure White, Repose Gray

Double arm sconce light, Eclectic Goods

Door handle, Kwikset

Landscape watercolor, Dan Hobday

Abstract pair printables, Dan Hobday

Leather pull, Futeral

Rug, Turquality Rugs, Etsy (vintage- one of a kind)

Sconce light, Wayfair

Sofa, Article

Wood bowl, Hofcraft, Etsyb

Herringbone tile , The Tile Shop

Faux potted plant, CB2

Coffee table , West Elm

Modern planter, West Elm

Side table, Target

Fireplace, The Home Depot

Log insert, The Home Depot

Green candle, CB2

Skinny stripe pillow, Main Thread Textiles

Green pillow, Linen and Cloth

Kilim pillow, Main Thread Textiles

White chair, CB2

Author: Laura Sima

Hey there, I'm Laura- creator of Sima Spaces. I'm a home renovator, designer, and blogger based in the Twin Cities in Minnesota. When I'm not designing or renovating homes, you can find me working as a pediatric ICU RN, snuggling my dog or cat, skiing in CO, soaking up the sun on our boat, or enjoying a glass of wine on our patio!

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  • I love following what you’re doing in the basement. We are also in an early 50s ranch and are planning to do a huge overhaul of the basement. We’re playing around with the layout. Have you created a floor plan that you could share? Love following your designs!

    • Hi Susan! Thanks for your comment! I am so glad you’re loving it. That’s exciting for you guys!! We’re actually working on the layout this week, and I will be sure to share the before and after of the floor plan when it’s complete! 🙂

  • Hello there,

    My name is Aly and I would like to know if you would have any interest to have your website here at simaspaces.com promoted as a resource on our blog alychidesign.com ?

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