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Basements often get a bad rap thanks to the lack of windows and colder temperatures. But having a beautifully finished basement area not only adds massive resale value to your home, it can be a great way to add extra living space and functionality, too. That's what Hilary proved to one couple on Love It or List It, as she transformed their unfinished floor into a great space perfect for entertaining and more.
Love it or List it
Hilary Transforms a Dingy Basement Into An Entertaining Haven
February 21, 2017
Basements often get a bad rap thanks to the lack of windows and colder temperatures. But having a beautifully finished basement area not only adds massive resale value to your home, it can be a great way to add extra living space and functionality, too. That's what Hilary proved to one couple on Love It or List It, as she transformed their unfinished floor into a great space perfect for entertaining and more.
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Added Warmth
1/17Added Warmth
1/17A fireplace isn't just pretty to look at -- it can be a great way to add automatic warmth to a room. Hilary did exactly that with this swanky mantel, complete with a mounted TV overhead and faux bricks that add a little extra texture to the space.Love it or List itHilary Transforms a Dingy Basement Into An Entertaining HavenAdded Warmth
PHOTO 1 of 17READ LESS -A fireplace isn't just pretty to look at -- it can be a great way to add automatic warmth to a room. Hilary did exactly that with this swanky mantel, complete with a mounted TV overhead and faux bricks that add a little extra texture to the space. -
Build-In Shelves
2/17Build-In Shelves
2/17Hilary took advantage of the great length available to her in this living area and installed custom shelves and cabinets along the wall to ensure maximum storage. The bright white finish helps reflect some of the light from the windows and pot lights above, keeping the area bright and airy.Love it or List itHilary Transforms a Dingy Basement Into An Entertaining HavenBuild-In Shelves
PHOTO 2 of 17READ LESS -Hilary took advantage of the great length available to her in this living area and installed custom shelves and cabinets along the wall to ensure maximum storage. The bright white finish helps reflect some of the light from the windows and pot lights above, keeping the area bright and airy. -
Pretty Pillars
3/17Pretty Pillars
3/17The rest of the living area in this basement has been painted a neutral, warm colour and treated with extra thick baseboards to give it a polished look. The warm floors help keep the space flowing, while some of the structural necessities, like the support pillars, have been artfully encased to match the decor.Love it or List itHilary Transforms a Dingy Basement Into An Entertaining HavenPretty Pillars
PHOTO 3 of 17READ LESS -The rest of the living area in this basement has been painted a neutral, warm colour and treated with extra thick baseboards to give it a polished look. The warm floors help keep the space flowing, while some of the structural necessities, like the support pillars, have been artfully encased to match the decor. -
A Lounge Area
4/17A Lounge Area
4/17Sometimes when you're entertaining you don't want to just be vegging out on the couch. That's why Hilary added this extra seating area complete with oversized armchairs and a couple of decorative coffee tables. Now it's the perfect spot for long conversation or a good old-fashioned board game.Love it or List itHilary Transforms a Dingy Basement Into An Entertaining HavenA Lounge Area
PHOTO 4 of 17READ LESS -Sometimes when you're entertaining you don't want to just be vegging out on the couch. That's why Hilary added this extra seating area complete with oversized armchairs and a couple of decorative coffee tables. Now it's the perfect spot for long conversation or a good old-fashioned board game. -
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
5/17Where Everybody Knows Your Name
5/17What's a basement without a bar to entertain in? This little nook is maxed out on function thanks to a built-in fridge and sink, not to mention the extra storage and countertop -- complete with a tap.Love it or List itHilary Transforms a Dingy Basement Into An Entertaining HavenWhere Everybody Knows Your Name
PHOTO 5 of 17READ LESS -What's a basement without a bar to entertain in? This little nook is maxed out on function thanks to a built-in fridge and sink, not to mention the extra storage and countertop -- complete with a tap. -
Decorative Details
6/17Decorative Details
6/17Just behind the bar area Hilary made use of the extra space by adding this small unit. It's pretty and helps the space flow, but it also serves as a great area for storing extra knickknacks, glasses, blankets, magazines or anything else the couple needs to store away.Love it or List itHilary Transforms a Dingy Basement Into An Entertaining HavenDecorative Details
PHOTO 6 of 17READ LESS -Just behind the bar area Hilary made use of the extra space by adding this small unit. It's pretty and helps the space flow, but it also serves as a great area for storing extra knickknacks, glasses, blankets, magazines or anything else the couple needs to store away. -
Sliding Doors
7/17Sliding Doors
7/17On the other side of the sitting area Hilary made maximum use of the floor plan by installing sliding doors. Not only do they save space but they add a decorative, farmhouse detail that catches the eye.Love it or List itHilary Transforms a Dingy Basement Into An Entertaining HavenSliding Doors
PHOTO 7 of 17READ LESS -On the other side of the sitting area Hilary made maximum use of the floor plan by installing sliding doors. Not only do they save space but they add a decorative, farmhouse detail that catches the eye. -
Office Space
8/17Office Space
8/17This couple, who both work from home quite often, were banging into each other in their old office. Thanks to this new nook that Hilary created, the couple can be happy co-workers once again. Separate desk areas means both parties get their own space, while the corner unit leaves the rest of the room feeling more open.Love it or List itHilary Transforms a Dingy Basement Into An Entertaining HavenOffice Space
PHOTO 8 of 17READ LESS -This couple, who both work from home quite often, were banging into each other in their old office. Thanks to this new nook that Hilary created, the couple can be happy co-workers once again. Separate desk areas means both parties get their own space, while the corner unit leaves the rest of the room feeling more open. -
Guest Bathroom
9/17Guest Bathroom
9/17New tiling, a small floating vanity and a simple glass shower are all Hilary needed to add to make this bathroom another great space for guests. The bright finishes and soft grey tiling keep the area gleaming, while the soft wood on the vanity gives it a cozy finish.Love it or List itHilary Transforms a Dingy Basement Into An Entertaining HavenGuest Bathroom
PHOTO 9 of 17READ LESS -New tiling, a small floating vanity and a simple glass shower are all Hilary needed to add to make this bathroom another great space for guests. The bright finishes and soft grey tiling keep the area gleaming, while the soft wood on the vanity gives it a cozy finish. -
Hidden Storage
10/17Hidden Storage
10/17We're always a fan of transforming awkward nooks into great, utilized spaces. Hilary did that here with a small set of shelves that are perfect for extra towels, face cloths, toiletries and laundry.Love it or List itHilary Transforms a Dingy Basement Into An Entertaining HavenHidden Storage
PHOTO 10 of 17READ LESS -We're always a fan of transforming awkward nooks into great, utilized spaces. Hilary did that here with a small set of shelves that are perfect for extra towels, face cloths, toiletries and laundry. -
Be Our Guest
11/17Be Our Guest
11/17Who wouldn't want to stay in a guest bedroom like this? Although the space itself isn't overly large, it's warm and cozy thanks to neutral paint, those oversized baseboards and a defining but not overbearing headboard. Bonus points for all of the natural light flowing in from the windows.Love it or List itHilary Transforms a Dingy Basement Into An Entertaining HavenBe Our Guest
PHOTO 11 of 17READ LESS -Who wouldn't want to stay in a guest bedroom like this? Although the space itself isn't overly large, it's warm and cozy thanks to neutral paint, those oversized baseboards and a defining but not overbearing headboard. Bonus points for all of the natural light flowing in from the windows. -
Creature Comforts
12/17Creature Comforts
12/17Small night tables with lamps for extra lighting and a touch of extra storage help to complete this look. Don't forget the fresh flowers for when guests are indeed staying over!Love it or List itHilary Transforms a Dingy Basement Into An Entertaining HavenCreature Comforts
PHOTO 12 of 17READ LESS -Small night tables with lamps for extra lighting and a touch of extra storage help to complete this look. Don't forget the fresh flowers for when guests are indeed staying over! -
Sitting Area
13/17Sitting Area
13/17Once again Hilary made great use of an awkward corner in the guest bedroom by transforming it into a small sitting area. Now it's a perfect spot for reading or even just to sit in when getting dressed in the morning.Love it or List itHilary Transforms a Dingy Basement Into An Entertaining HavenSitting Area
PHOTO 13 of 17READ LESS -Once again Hilary made great use of an awkward corner in the guest bedroom by transforming it into a small sitting area. Now it's a perfect spot for reading or even just to sit in when getting dressed in the morning. -
Laundry Room
14/17Laundry Room
14/17Last but not least, Hilary made sure that these homeowners -- who would also soon be new parents -- had a fully functioning laundry room downstairs for all of the laundry they're about to be doing. Soft wood flooring and bright white appliances work with the rest of the space, keeping it open and airy.Love it or List itHilary Transforms a Dingy Basement Into An Entertaining HavenLaundry Room
PHOTO 14 of 17READ LESS -Last but not least, Hilary made sure that these homeowners -- who would also soon be new parents -- had a fully functioning laundry room downstairs for all of the laundry they're about to be doing. Soft wood flooring and bright white appliances work with the rest of the space, keeping it open and airy. -
Organized Cleaning
15/17Organized Cleaning
15/17The fully functioning sink and cupboards on the other side of the room allow for lots of storage and laundry of the hand-wash variety. Meanwhile the large counters allow for maximum folding space.Love it or List itHilary Transforms a Dingy Basement Into An Entertaining HavenOrganized Cleaning
PHOTO 15 of 17READ LESS -The fully functioning sink and cupboards on the other side of the room allow for lots of storage and laundry of the hand-wash variety. Meanwhile the large counters allow for maximum folding space. -
Clean and Organized
16/17Clean and Organized
16/17Glass jars in a variety of sizes aren't just pretty, but they're a great way to store all of your laundry supplies. This way you can always see what's running low, in a beautiful, artistic way.Love it or List itHilary Transforms a Dingy Basement Into An Entertaining HavenClean and Organized
PHOTO 16 of 17READ LESS -Glass jars in a variety of sizes aren't just pretty, but they're a great way to store all of your laundry supplies. This way you can always see what's running low, in a beautiful, artistic way. -
Littles Touches
17/17Littles Touches
17/17Finally, Hilary added this cool chalkboard so that both homeowners can always decipher complicated laundry tags. She should have added a little heart for "Love It," though, since that's what this couple decided to do in the end.Love it or List itHilary Transforms a Dingy Basement Into An Entertaining HavenLittles Touches
PHOTO 17 of 17READ LESS -Finally, Hilary added this cool chalkboard so that both homeowners can always decipher complicated laundry tags. She should have added a little heart for "Love It," though, since that's what this couple decided to do in the end.
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