Posted in Painting, General Decorating, Basements, Lighting |
I would like to make myself a place in our basement to do a little sewing, reading, etc.
October 24th, 2006
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Full question:
I would like to make myself a place in our basement to do a little sewing, reading, etc. It is kind of gray down there right now. I do have a cute round kitchen table which I plan to use as my sewing table. The floor is concrete, cannot paint because of water seepage after heavy rains or snow thawing (mostly in the spring). I have some outdoor furniture that I thought of putting down there? It does have windows. Any suggestions to make it cozy??????
My answer:
I would treat this area like an “outdoor” room without the sun. Before doing anything, though, I’d suggest that you check the area for any mold or mildew. That’s pretty normal to find in unfinished basements in our parts of the world. That can usually be controlled with a dehumindifier. I understand there is a mold test kit you can get at Lowes, although I have not purchased this myself.
Once you have a feel for that in the basement, here are some ideas for the space:
I have been able to have live plants in my basement all through the winter as long as they were under grow lights. I bought some of those silver round lights commonly used by contractors to put the grow light bulb in. You can even paint them a color to go with your theme or decor.
Since you have windows, you MIGHT be able to put plants in front of the windows, but ONLY IF they face the south. They will not get enough light facing any other way - and it will just barely be enough if facing the south.
Your outdoor furniture would work great down there, as would a little bistro table and chair set. So if you aren’t sewing on your table (and clean it up every time you sew) you might want to set it up like a little cafe table. I also have a mini refrigerator in my special area. If you are “in” to wine, usually you can store some in a basement.
You could use carriage lanterns that are normally wired with electricity, for tealight candles instead. You can’t ever use them with electricity again, but I didn’t care with mine.
There are a LOT of ways to use minilights - under a tablecloth, wrapped around a table umbrella (if your outdoor furniture includes one), on your beams, in clear glass vases, glasses or jars, etc.
I did find painting my walls white with water sealer paint lightened the area. It doesn’t keep all the water out, but it doesn’t peel when it gets wet (my basement walls are cinderblock).
You may want a fountain down there, if the sound of running water is something you find relaxing. It does the exact opposite for me! It sounds like there is a leak somewhere, which makes me crazy. I no longer run my fountains. I put potted plants in them instead. 
Have fun making a quiet place to escape to. Having one is SO worth it!
Your Frugal Decorating Diva,
Nancy
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