Basement Update|Family Room and Stairs

It is long overdue – but here is where we are right now when it comes to our Basement….more than half way done, but still a long way to go in my book. I’m needing help with the details and would LOVE to hear what you think! To see a full idea of where we started from, visit here!  Before’s on the Left, After’s on the Right.

We are happy with the progress so far.  Here are a few of the details:

• We chose the Trafficmaster Allure Vinyl Plan flooring in Iron Wood from Home Depot.  Pros: SO easy to install.  I was able to do the whole basement in a full day.  Cons: The off-gasing (gross word and process) was a bit overpowering for this pregnant mama.  We aired it out as much as we could in the heat of the summer, but there were days where I couldn’t go down there without having to run back upstairs – nauseous.  Fortunately, NO ONE ELSE said they could smell anything so I’m hoping that this is short lived for my hypersensitive nose.  I can already tell it is better once we ran more fans and the dehumidifier.
• We went with the MANSTAD sofa from Ikea.  We did this for a few reasons: Our hallway is so narrow going down stairs we can only get in pieces that come in pieces.  A full couch just wouldn’t work around that corner.  Also, with the sleeper sofa option, we could sleep extra people downstairs if we need to.  Not the most comfortable couch, but for what it is going to be used for, it will be perfect.
• We painted our ceiling BLACK!  Our contractor thought we were nuts but it is by far my favorite part of the basement!  The ceiling just blends in and you don’t even notice it anymore.  Pros: Seriously, LOVE LOVE IT.   Reminds me a loft, not a basement.  Cons:We lost some noise reduction when we took down the ceiling tiles.  It does make anything you are doing in the basement more clear to hear when you are in the living room above so we will need to come up with alternative solutions for that.

Well, here is where we are right now!  If you remember our plan, we are on our way!