When it comes to home renovation projects, sprucing up a basement falls low on most people’s priority lists. To some degree this makes sense: What could be more satisfying than having a long open room designated for hucking boxes into? And on Cape Cod, basement mustiness can be hard to banish. But so is that steady stream of summer visitors.
Those who are lucky enough to have with a walk-out basement here might be surprised by how livable even a small basement studio space can be — not just for your aunt’s best friend’s cousin but for you and yours. Creating a relaxing space for guests to have autonomy and privacy away from your household will get everyone through their vacation peaceably. If you can include even a simple, small kitchen and bathroom, you might even start to look forward to the season.
The name of the game in a basement space is light. With windows at one end, this 350-square foot space held promise. To make that light seem to reach farther into the rooms, a whitewashed vinyl plank floor with grey hues suggesting driftwood replaced old industrial carpeting, and a dilapidated drop ceiling was swapped out for a clean expanse of drywall.
A bright shared entryway provides a welcoming spot for guests to drop their bags and not feel in the way as they settle in. Don’t be afraid to have fun with it, adding splashes of color and pattern. Here, the blue and tan are an unconventional way to adopt coastal hues.
In the windowless kitchenette, white subway tile running all the way to the ceiling reflects light, while black grout pulls the eye in different directions, widening the view. For the opposite wall, an earthy green connects the room to the outdoors. Natural wood countertops enhance that organic feel.
When you’re working with a modest makeover budget, a few splurges on higher quality small but frequently used items, like the Stagg teapot and the mini-induction range go a long way to adding a feeling of luxury.
Space for lounging is tricky in a small studio like this. But offering two different spots for sitting is a good trick — make them comfy. A padded bench at the foot of the bed provides a practical perch. The cozy oversize accent chair invites guests to make the most appealing, light-filled corner in the space their own — at least for a little while.
