Can there be too much of a good thing? When it comes to space, David’s cavernous basement wasn’t lacking — but it also wasn’t delivering as a party pad or as a functional guest suite. By adding structure and finding stylish solutions, designer Samantha Pynn and contractor Sebastian Clovis transformed the unfinished underground into a place to entertain and have guests (like mom and dad) come to stay.
Save My Reno airs Tuesdays at 9 and 9:30PM e/p on HGTV Canada and on HGTV.ca.
Save My Reno
Save My Reno Creates a Rustic Guest Retreat from an Unfinished Basement
March 18, 2020
Can there be too much of a good thing? When it comes to space, David’s cavernous basement wasn’t lacking — but it also wasn’t delivering as a party pad or as a functional guest suite. By adding structure and finding stylish solutions, designer Samantha Pynn and contractor Sebastian Clovis transformed the unfinished underground into a place to entertain and have guests (like mom and dad) come to stay. Save My Reno airs Tuesdays at 9 and 9:30PM e/p on HGTV Canada and on HGTV.ca.
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Calling on Country Charm
1/12Calling on Country Charm
1/12Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Homeowner David wanted a place to entertain and have guests come to stay, but the vast unfinished basement was overwhelming — and his renovation wish list was bigger than his budget. With his mother, Lynn, on hand to help channel his country-inspired design taste, David turned to the <em>Save My Reno</em> team to help stretch his $85,000 reno budget. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/basements/photos/most-popular-basement-design-ideas-pinterest-1934822/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Our 10 Most Popular Basement Design Ideas on Pinterest</a>Save My RenoSave My Reno Creates a Rustic Guest Retreat from an Unfinished BasementCalling on Country Charm
PHOTO 1 of 12READ LESS -Homeowner David wanted a place to entertain and have guests come to stay, but the vast unfinished basement was overwhelming — and his renovation wish list was bigger than his budget. With his mother, Lynn, on hand to help channel his country-inspired design taste, David turned to the <em>Save My Reno</em> team to help stretch his $85,000 reno budget. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/basements/photos/most-popular-basement-design-ideas-pinterest-1934822/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Our 10 Most Popular Basement Design Ideas on Pinterest</a>Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Unfinished Business
2/12Unfinished Business
2/12Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
While the unfinished <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/tags/basements/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">basement</a> space was dreary, the lack of substance was actually a time-saving blessing: When it came time for Sebastian and David to start the reno, demolition was quick and painless. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/save-my-reno/photos/adult-oasis-unfinished-basement-1924545/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">This is How to Create an Adult Oasis in an Unfinished Basement</a>Save My RenoSave My Reno Creates a Rustic Guest Retreat from an Unfinished BasementUnfinished Business
PHOTO 2 of 12READ LESS -While the unfinished <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/tags/basements/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">basement</a> space was dreary, the lack of substance was actually a time-saving blessing: When it came time for Sebastian and David to start the reno, demolition was quick and painless. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/save-my-reno/photos/adult-oasis-unfinished-basement-1924545/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">This is How to Create an Adult Oasis in an Unfinished Basement</a>Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Country in the City
3/12Country in the City
3/12Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
The goal for the basement <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">renovation</a> was to create a comfy space to entertain, while honouring David’s rustic aesthetic. In the new living room area, Samantha created a mix of city and country elements with a wooden coffee table and mid-century modern furniture. To tie the elements together, Sebastian hung incredible wallpaper for the statement-making look of a landscape mural.Save My RenoSave My Reno Creates a Rustic Guest Retreat from an Unfinished BasementCountry in the City
PHOTO 3 of 12READ LESS -The goal for the basement <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">renovation</a> was to create a comfy space to entertain, while honouring David’s rustic aesthetic. In the new living room area, Samantha created a mix of city and country elements with a wooden coffee table and mid-century modern furniture. To tie the elements together, Sebastian hung incredible wallpaper for the statement-making look of a landscape mural.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Power Posts
4/12Power Posts
4/12Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Initially, David wanted to eliminate the basement’s many beams to create an open-concept look — but the beams were structurally important, and tearing them down would ramp up the budget. Instead, the team incorporated the beams into the design for big savings. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/save-my-reno/photos/gym-workout-wonderland-1924323/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">See a Dingy Basement Transform Into a Workout Wonderland</a>Save My RenoSave My Reno Creates a Rustic Guest Retreat from an Unfinished BasementPower Posts
PHOTO 4 of 12READ LESS -Initially, David wanted to eliminate the basement’s many beams to create an open-concept look — but the beams were structurally important, and tearing them down would ramp up the budget. Instead, the team incorporated the beams into the design for big savings. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/save-my-reno/photos/gym-workout-wonderland-1924323/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">See a Dingy Basement Transform Into a Workout Wonderland</a>Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Mini Kitchen, Max Style
5/12Mini Kitchen, Max Style
5/12Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
David wanted some degree of food storage and preparation for his occasional guests, but didn’t need a full kitchen in the basement. By installing a kitchenette in the space, the team served up savings for the overall budget, while still giving the space the functionality it needed. Extra touches like a row of tiles (instead of a full <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/25-kitchen-backsplash-ideas-for-your-next-reno-1050210/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">backsplash</a>) provided a luxe feel that stayed on budget. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/backsplash-tile-cabinetry-top-kitchen-trends-2020-1931289/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Backsplash, Tile, Cabinetry: The 15 Top Kitchen Trends for 2020</a>Save My RenoSave My Reno Creates a Rustic Guest Retreat from an Unfinished BasementMini Kitchen, Max Style
PHOTO 5 of 12READ LESS -David wanted some degree of food storage and preparation for his occasional guests, but didn’t need a full kitchen in the basement. By installing a kitchenette in the space, the team served up savings for the overall budget, while still giving the space the functionality it needed. Extra touches like a row of tiles (instead of a full <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/25-kitchen-backsplash-ideas-for-your-next-reno-1050210/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">backsplash</a>) provided a luxe feel that stayed on budget. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/backsplash-tile-cabinetry-top-kitchen-trends-2020-1931289/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Backsplash, Tile, Cabinetry: The 15 Top Kitchen Trends for 2020</a>Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Stay Put for Savings
6/12Stay Put for Savings
6/12Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
While there wasn't a bathroom in the unfinished basement, there was a working toilet in the middle of the open space... which wasn't exactly inviting to guests. While the initial thought was to move the bathroom into the bedroom as an ensuite, the team opted to leave the bathroom in its central location to make it more accessible to guests (and to save big by using the existing plumbing). <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/save-my-reno/blog/sebastian-clovis-canadians-ready-for-bidet-1934350/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Why Sebastian Clovis Thinks Canadians Are (Finally) Ready for Bidets</a>Save My RenoSave My Reno Creates a Rustic Guest Retreat from an Unfinished BasementStay Put for Savings
PHOTO 6 of 12READ LESS -While there wasn't a bathroom in the unfinished basement, there was a working toilet in the middle of the open space... which wasn't exactly inviting to guests. While the initial thought was to move the bathroom into the bedroom as an ensuite, the team opted to leave the bathroom in its central location to make it more accessible to guests (and to save big by using the existing plumbing). <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/save-my-reno/blog/sebastian-clovis-canadians-ready-for-bidet-1934350/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Why Sebastian Clovis Thinks Canadians Are (Finally) Ready for Bidets</a>Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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A Beautiful Bathroom
7/12A Beautiful Bathroom
7/12Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Keeping the bathroom in its central location, the team built it up to include a huge glass-door shower, industrial details and black hardware. They painted the walls in a country-appropriate shade of green to connect the feel with the rest of the basement. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/basements/photos/basement-renovations-thatll-blow-you-away-1924212/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">30 Basement Renovations That'll Blow You Away</a>Save My RenoSave My Reno Creates a Rustic Guest Retreat from an Unfinished BasementA Beautiful Bathroom
PHOTO 7 of 12READ LESS -Keeping the bathroom in its central location, the team built it up to include a huge glass-door shower, industrial details and black hardware. They painted the walls in a country-appropriate shade of green to connect the feel with the rest of the basement. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/basements/photos/basement-renovations-thatll-blow-you-away-1924212/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">30 Basement Renovations That'll Blow You Away</a>Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Check Pattern Tiles
8/12Check Pattern Tiles
8/12Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
When it came to the flooring, Samantha found a cost-effective way to further the rustic-luxe feel underfoot. The team used inexpensive tiles — but arranged the blue, grey and white tones into a bold buffalo-check pattern for maximum effect. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/20-bathroom-floors-that-make-a-bold-statement-1895818/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Bathroom Floors That Make a Bold Statement</a>Save My RenoSave My Reno Creates a Rustic Guest Retreat from an Unfinished BasementCheck Pattern Tiles
PHOTO 8 of 12READ LESS -When it came to the flooring, Samantha found a cost-effective way to further the rustic-luxe feel underfoot. The team used inexpensive tiles — but arranged the blue, grey and white tones into a bold buffalo-check pattern for maximum effect. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/20-bathroom-floors-that-make-a-bold-statement-1895818/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Bathroom Floors That Make a Bold Statement</a>Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Reclaimed Barn Lumber
9/12Reclaimed Barn Lumber
9/12Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Incorporating an element of the farm into a city-living space, Sebastian found a creative way to use lumber reclaimed from the family's old barn in a custom <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/living-room-shelving-ideas-1919652/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">shelving</a> unit. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/photos/coolest-barn-and-church-conversions-canada-1918279/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">These Are the 11 Coolest Barn and Church Conversions Across Canada</a>Save My RenoSave My Reno Creates a Rustic Guest Retreat from an Unfinished BasementReclaimed Barn Lumber
PHOTO 9 of 12READ LESS -Incorporating an element of the farm into a city-living space, Sebastian found a creative way to use lumber reclaimed from the family's old barn in a custom <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/living-room-shelving-ideas-1919652/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">shelving</a> unit. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/photos/coolest-barn-and-church-conversions-canada-1918279/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">These Are the 11 Coolest Barn and Church Conversions Across Canada</a>Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Two For One
10/12Two For One
10/12Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Trading in two segmented spaces, the team built one ultra-spacious <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/tags/bedrooms/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bedroom</a> in the basement, complete with wall-to-wall storage and rustic touches. Adding to the bright feel? New egress windows make the basement bedroom safer while also letting in way more natural light. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bedrooms/photos/bedroom-decor-tips-better-sleep-1922306/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">6 Bedroom Decor Tips That Will Ensure You Get a Better Sleep</a>Save My RenoSave My Reno Creates a Rustic Guest Retreat from an Unfinished BasementTwo For One
PHOTO 10 of 12READ LESS -Trading in two segmented spaces, the team built one ultra-spacious <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/tags/bedrooms/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bedroom</a> in the basement, complete with wall-to-wall storage and rustic touches. Adding to the bright feel? New egress windows make the basement bedroom safer while also letting in way more natural light. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bedrooms/photos/bedroom-decor-tips-better-sleep-1922306/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">6 Bedroom Decor Tips That Will Ensure You Get a Better Sleep</a>Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Insulate Your Savings!
11/12Insulate Your Savings!
11/12Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
More than just being resistant to mold, mildew and rot, the newly installed wall insulation will help keep the home warm in the winter and cool in the summer — and it creates <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/mike-holmes/blog/9-small-upgrades-that-will-make-your-home-way-more-energy-efficient-1917539/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">energy efficiency</a> to save David money for the lifetime of the building. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/worst-to-first/photos/home-improvements-thatll-help-save-you-money-year-after-year-1931883/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Home Improvements That'll Help Save You Money Year After Year</a>Save My RenoSave My Reno Creates a Rustic Guest Retreat from an Unfinished BasementInsulate Your Savings!
PHOTO 11 of 12READ LESS -More than just being resistant to mold, mildew and rot, the newly installed wall insulation will help keep the home warm in the winter and cool in the summer — and it creates <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/mike-holmes/blog/9-small-upgrades-that-will-make-your-home-way-more-energy-efficient-1917539/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">energy efficiency</a> to save David money for the lifetime of the building. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/worst-to-first/photos/home-improvements-thatll-help-save-you-money-year-after-year-1931883/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Home Improvements That'll Help Save You Money Year After Year</a>Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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A Better Bench
12/12A Better Bench
12/12Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
One extra special piece in the bedroom? Tuning into Dave's country style, Samantha and Lynn refurbished a <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/thrifted-home-decor-second-hand-decorating-1936516/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">second-hand</a> bench – adding burlap and black-stripe accents to customize the look.Save My RenoSave My Reno Creates a Rustic Guest Retreat from an Unfinished BasementA Better Bench
PHOTO 12 of 12READ LESS -One extra special piece in the bedroom? Tuning into Dave's country style, Samantha and Lynn refurbished a <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/thrifted-home-decor-second-hand-decorating-1936516/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">second-hand</a> bench – adding burlap and black-stripe accents to customize the look.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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