a basement hangout gets a hefty makeover

i worked with a fun client on a dumpy basement that was in desperate need of a dose of freshness.  you'll find i was able to sneakily use a lot of the original things from the room by giving them a fresh coat of paint, moving them around, or just giving them some friends to hang with.  you get extra style points if you can spot the items that made it through the makeover.

the room only has one window, but that didn't stop me from painting it dark brown.  i'm sure you've heard you shouldn't paint a small or poorly-lit room a dark color, but guess what.  paint doesn't change size or the number of windows.  if the room is cozy, go with cozy.  make it a den.  make it a nook.  dark brown did that here, and by adding a beautiful icey-blue sectional, we brought the contrast up and kept the room lively.

the striped jute rug from dash & albert is a workhorse, and the cowhide ottoman from room & board is a staple i use with sectionals.  pillows are from furbish - john robshaw and a few one-of-a-kind vintage textiles.  the moroccan blanket is anthropologie and the desk lamp is west elm.

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photography by anna routh