Basement Reveal…for Now

I am a bit obsessive in nature, and this personal trait is a double-edged sword.contentment during home improvement projects I have been driving hard to get the basement project finished, which means progress. Then I simultaneously struggle to come to a place of contentment through the phases of the project.

Getting Creative and Industrious

To me, the basement is not really done, but since funds and time are low, we start a new phase of the project. This phase is called slow and steady. There will be DIY projects each week, saving money over time for some larger pieces I know I want to get, and improving little by little. This phase is actually pretty fun because it requires us to be creative and industrious. For those of you feeling bad because you don’t have the funds to get things for your home, start to think outside of the box. Look around your house and see what you already have, or think of projects that are low cost and more time-intensive if you have less money and more time. No matter what, there are things you can do to make your spaces better. Don’t stop!

Finding Contentment

I had grandiose dreams of having a near perfect room and having every detail in place before I showed you, but then I decided that transparency throughout the project might give others hope in their dreams to make changes. There has to be other people like me that have lots of plans that do not come together overnight. Are you out there, friends?

I am certain that some day in the future I will be able to show you a polished room, but for now it is functioning as a space for me and the girls to be happy in, and that is really what it is about. Fall is pretty much here, and I am glad to have a bright and cheerful space to enjoy during the cold months ahead. I am finding a place of contentment that allows me to enjoy what we have been able to do, while still planning for the future with hope.

When I found the before picture of the basement, it also helped me to see the positive changes that we made: new flooring, new paint, new furniture, new rug, and clutter reduction. Everything that has been added to the room brings me joy and it took getting rid of everything to make it so. Sometimes we forget how far we have come until we reflect on where we were. Truly, the journey doesn’t have to be miserable. I want to enjoy the process AND the end result.

Future Plans

As for the future, I am eager to finish a long list of smaller projects to help the space function and look better. We plan to add more trim and baseboards, make shelves on each side of the desk, create a reading area for the girls, create a play kitchen area and of course add a coffee table, side tables, wall art, flowers, more pillows and throw blankets, task lighting and smaller style accessories. Just a few things, right? 😉

AFTER

Check out the room since.

Here is a list of shopping sources for the room so far:

Find the nuLoom Traditional Distressed Oriental Blue/Gray Rug at Overstock.com (8X11)

Find the Better Homes and Garden 8-cube Organizer at Walmart.com

I hope all your projects are going well, whatever they may be. May we find the good and be content together.

Best,

Lucy