Goodbye 1970s...Basement REveal

Finally, it was time for the fun part of this basement REdo.  It was time for the decorating!  

We were ready to make this basement a family room.  

However, we all know this costs money, so my client lived with just freshly painted walls and new carpeting for over 6 months to be able to save up for furniture.  Her boys loved the open space to play for hours upon hours of shinny hockey with their friends!

Bean bags, a flat screen, a whole lot of empty carpet space to just PLAY!  (Perfection for two young boys!)

During the spending freeze, we did research on lots and lots and lots of sectionals.  We were looking for DURABLE, inexpensive, and cute.  No such luck.  We found tons of durable and cute...but none of them were inexpensive. 

And then SWAP and SELL came to my rescue...again.  (If you do not know what SWAP and SELL is, it is an online garage sale in the community that you live in that can be accessed through your FB feed...and it is pretty great if you are patient and a hustler, like I am.)

I found an Ethan Allen 3 piece sectional, less than 3 years old, barely used...originally paid $5000...but the seller was asking only $800 for it.  

Ummmm, YES please!

And the best part?  My client did not have to pay a dime.

Why?  Because she negotiated...and SWAPPED her incredible photography services for a family photo session for the sectional.

Boom...there's the HUSTLE that I love!

So, here is her "new" sectional in her new and beautiful FAMILY room.

Coffee table and side table also purchased for under $30 on Swap and Sell.

Crate and Barrel table and chairs are off Swap and Sell, as well. The table had just been freshly refinished...bonus.  

This table was a freebie off the curb...

A fresh coat of white paint spiffed it up to just blend in the space.

Pillows with texture were a must...thank you I O Metro.

This cute white cabinet was purchased at HomeGoods and helps to anchor and balance the left side of the fireplace underneath this small window.  It is a great focal point as you walk down the stairs.

Bright and cheery while feeling warm and cozy at the same time.  

We are thinking of changing the toe kicks of the stairs.

Maybe a stencil or wallpaper?

See how the pieces on either side of the fireplace balance each other out?

The boys are thrilled to still have space to play shinny hockey!

GOODBYE 1970s!