Basement makeover
Basements are often used for storing things we should throw away, and are rarely a place we put a lot of energy into, purely in terms of interior design. If you have a basement that you dream of making usable, functional AND cosy, read along here to get inspired for your next project.
Several years ago, when Lars and Vivian lived at "Tjørnegaarden", they dreamed of making the small basement room a little more inviting for pleasant moments, and using it as a storeroom. However, the budget was not for the big trip, but when you are full of ideas, creativity and courage like Vivian, it was no problem.
The ceiling and walls were painted white. The lower part of the walls was cleaned of plaster and then left completely raw, as it gives charm and authenticity. The built-in cupboards that were already there were also painted white, and finally a layer of clear wax, to make the surface more durable and easy to clean.
Old wooden boxes with wire mesh, wicker baskets and large metal baskets fit in perfectly. Kitchen utensils found at flea markets, old scales, trays, whisks, apothecary bottles, enamel signs create a cozy southern wine room atmosphere. Old apple boxes were used as a wine rack. An old iron table and matching chair from the garden, with a skin in it, was the icing on the cake.
Beautiful stone floor of old bricks
The stones on the floor are old bricks that were first cleaned and then laid in a layer of sand. The sand layer was laid on top of the old, cast floor and is approximately 5 centimeters thick.
With a batten on each side with approximately one meter in between and a smaller batten to pull off the excess sand, the surface was levelled. To be on the safe side, you can put a spirit level on it. The brick is laid in the pattern you want. It can be a bit of a puzzle, but the desired look was rustic, so a little misalignment here and there didn't matter. After the stones were laid, beach sand was poured on top and swept down between the joints with a broom.
There are some big, ugly heating pipes running under the cabinet. They were camouflaged by a home-built bench. The lid can be opened to access the pipes. In the front is a metal grid of the kind used for radiator covers. An idea that can easily be copied to other rooms in the house.
Before the big transformation, the room was boring and devoid of coziness. If you have the courage to throw yourself into projects - even if you are not a professional - you can create fantastic little gems where you want to stay in. Hope you were inspired, and have fun with your own makeover project.
