Our New Guest Bedroom in the Basement

After 3 years of living in our house we can't take not having a guest bedroom anymore. For some time now, we have wanted to remodel part of the basement into a bedroom, but for numerous reasons (heating ducts must be moved, plumbing, pouring concrete, etc.) it was just too big of a mission. This is where Jen says I need to explain something about Seattle houses: Most of the older houses have basements that range from 5-8 feet tall, and its the easiest way to convert unfinished space into decent living space. So we decided to do a little make-shift remodel. Eventually we will fully finish the basement, but for now we wanted a little corner to put a bed and for guests to have a place to sleep out of the dog hair and away from the alarm clock, coffee grinder, etc. So, its no 5-star sleeping arrangement but Jen's mom is currently testing it out, and she approves. So no more couch surfing for our guests -- you know have a bed to stay in :) Check out the pictures below.

This is what the basement looked like when we bought the house. While it doesn't look so bad in the picture, the carpet was nasty and the fake panels were rippled and paper thin.

Jennie's favorite part is always the demolition...she say's, "after all, I'm a demolitioner's daughter."

Gutted and stripped down to the bare concrete...time to start building now.

The new studs.

Jennie painting the Homasote panels. They are an alternative product to drywall for certain situations. Learn more about homasote panels here.

TaaDaaaaa! Eventually, the upper shelves will be more "built in" with doors. In the more near future, we will cover their contents with curtains or something. But not bad for a one week transformation, eh? The cool paneling we used is called Kirei. It kinda looks like cork, but its a mixture of sorghum and poplar waste among other things. Look here for more.

Pretty cozy looking, huh? Time to come visit. I'm talking to you Tami Clayton!