The pictures in this post aren’t pretty, since they are taken in a dark basement, so I thought I would preface it with some pretty shots with my newest lens. (And my last newest lens for while!) I’ll share more about it in another post, but after much research I decided to buy a refurbished 24mm f/1.4 lens. It arrived yesterday, so I snapped a couple of quick pictures with it this afternoon of some flowers in an ironstone pitcher that the lovely and talented Traer of Traer Loves brought for me. She came to my house to take some excess paint off my hands (a result of cleaning out the basement), which was a huge favor to me AND she even brought me this gift!
Anyway, they were a perfect subject…
The 24mm is a wide angle lens, so it’s not one I’ll use for a lot of closeup stuff. I bought it mostly for room & furniture shots, but I look forward to seeing all it can do. I’m loving how sharp it is so far and I can’t wait to do a proper shoot with it.
Onto the basement.
For about a year now, I’ve been thinking and talking about how I need more space. It’s not that I want a bigger house. We could actually do fine with a smaller house. I just need more room for my business. I’ve thought about renting a commercial space, which would open up a lot of opportunity, or perhaps even looking for another house or building a custom home with an outbuilding or something, but we’re just not ready to pursue either of those options. We want to keep things simple and work with what we have, so I had to figure out how to make the most of every square foot.
As I’ve been working on organizing my house, it occurred to me that I have a lot of square footage that’s being underutilized – the “old part” of the basement. Our basement workshop is under the new (er) addition and it has high ceilings and doors to the outside and it’s bright and very functional (it’s messy at the moment, but we’re working on that.) The old part is under the 1940’s part of the house, so it’s dark with low ceilings and pipes and wires running overhead. It just not a nice space to be in. Over the years, we’ve been working on that. We replaced all of the old wood and mismatched metal shelving with matching, metal wire shelves. We’ve done a lot to waterproof the space and we run fans, dehumidifiers and a dust filtration system to keep the basement clean and smelling nice. This past summer, we hired one of our youth guys to paint the walls and floors, which immediately made the space look brighter and more like a usable space.
After the painting project was completed, I never really got the basement put back together, so it became a dumping ground until there was hardly room to walk. High-stepping around boxes to do laundry was stressing me out, so my organizing frenzy finally made it to the basement. And I had the best secret weapon in the world to tackle a space like this – my mom. We both have a machine-like approach to projects and we like the satisfaction of being done with something, so we get a massive amount of stuff done together. We worked Wednesday night, all of Friday evening and almost all day Saturday and got the old part of the basement organized and cleaned.
Here’s what it looked like before…
(And that’s after tidying things up a bit, so we had room to walk!)
This is what it looks like now…
I’ve cleaned out my basement before and I’ve even purged before and I always say, “This time I’ll keep it clean.” Things always seem to get out of hand and it gets away from me. I do feel like this time is different. This time, I didn’t just organize the stuff we had and get rid of obvious trash and junk. I went through everything and got rid of anything we don’t use, want/love or need. Everything. I don’t care if someone really sweet gave it to me or if it is valuable or if we might need it someday. If we don’t use, want/love or need it, it’s outta here. We took two truckloads to the thrift store, plus put freebies on the curb and gave things away through Facebook and Craig’s List. We hauled out about 10 contractor bags of trash, rolls of old carpet, broken furniture and at least 20 product/shipping boxes that were taking up space.
We organized every little thing in every box, so everything has a place. We even have a packing station set up with envelopes, boxes, peanuts, etc. and my t-shirts and books, so I can open my online shop! And, I have a farm table that I haven’t been able to sell and some extra chairs that I want to keep, so we set those up as a work table. My basement has become a graveyard for rugs, so I rolled them all out to add a bit of comfort underfoot.
I had an extra chandelier from my office, so I hung it up over the table for fun. I think we actually will run wiring to it. I know it’s going to get all dusty, but that’s okay. It really does make the space look a little prettier.
We still need to install some florescent shop lights (we have a stack of 12 waiting for a day we can do it) and that will brighten the space even more and make it better for work and taking pictures. And we’re going to make some sort of hanging screen to hide the “guts” of the house – water heater, boiler, etc.
The space is still a basement and we’re not ever going to finish it, but all of these changes have given me the additional space I need. It’s at least enough until the timing is right to move or rent a space or whatever we decide whenever we decide it.
For now, we have a new space we can use and enjoy.
…and we already are.
65 Responses
Way to go! I am super impressed with how organized it is.
So funny that you posted this today…I was up to my chin in boxes and projects and clutter in my project room this weekend. My fiance calls it my “hoarding room”…anyways, I know how sometimes spaces like this become the “dumping grounds” when you get so caught up with other projects. It is such a great feeling to actually make the dumping grounds a project of its own, and when it’s finished, you can sit back and admire the space and organization! If only Texas homes had basements 🙁
And, I must say, I loved your photography before, but you are doing a phenomenal job in the photo department with your new fancy schmancy camera! ….I think I know what I will be asking for Christmas this year haha
i would live in your basement. *:)
what a wonderful gift … now preserved with a great new lens.
Oh, that is so awesome! I have a very under-utilized basement space, too. And a garage I can barely walk through, much less park in. I’ve always known the basement had the potential to be great work space, and after seeing this I think it’s time for me to tackle my garage mess and get things organized into the usable space downstairs. Thanks for the inspiration!
What an amazing space! I’ve never had a house with a basement. The houses here have neither basements nor attics, unless you have a custom home and you’ve built one (and even then it’s not real common). I grew up with the same situation as well. What a lot of space!
Your before looks so much better than my before in my sewing room! I think you’re very blessed to have your mom helping you. It’s just me and it’s taking me quite a while to finish it. I don’t have a place for everything that we’ve been given (a LOT of fabric that I will use) and so I am still trying to figure out what to do with everything. I couldn’t walk though there either and what I’ve done so far is huge help, but the rest of the mess is in another room, so that doesn’t help!
I covet your basement! It is just amazing!
You are truly amazing! I am in awe of you! I have tried to clean and organize my basement for 15 years. It just seems impossible. I am so wishy washy when it comes to deciding what to keep. I have a plan for every item and it is always “someday I will get to it”. You give me hope. Thank you for being such an inspiration.
Dear MMS, Your basement is looking sooo great! You’ve got some really cool stuff on those shelves too. The chandelier is a lovely touch. Hugs, Anne Boykin
You and your mom are amazing organizing machines! My basement (dating from the end of the 1800s) is the very least place I want to spend any time, however, as my need for more space is increasing I need to bite the bullet and finish organizing down there. I just need to figure out what I can use to paint the stone walls and keep the rest of the parsing from deteriorating. Have you any experience with that?
Great job in your basement. I think you can make any space fun! Your shelves have some great looking things on them. Love your website!
Wow! I’m so impressed – it looks great. I love that you set up your farm table and chairs, with the chandelier and everything. What a perfect place for organizing and working on projects – and keeping it all out of view of the main part of the house. I’m excited for you. 😉
Would you consider selling that “extra” chandelier from your office?? I would be VERY interested!!
Marian, you discovered the TRUE meaning of “organized.” If you don’t use it, need it, love it….get rid of it. That is tough to do…but life is soooo much simpler when you live by those rules. Every square inch of your home should be free of “maybes, what-ifs, somedays.” Just like your life. Keeping those things in your life, whether thoughts or actual items, just causes stress.
My “junk drawer” stresses me out! It gets cleaned out regularly but it is one of the few spaces I allow clutter.
The only exception I allow to this rule are things that are heirlooms or are family memorabilia…but even then I try to figure out the best way to store or display those things so that they aren’t just stuffed in a closet or piled in a corner.
My biggest challenge right now is what to do with all the empty storage containers that held stuff I didn’t need, want or use…lol!!!
Wow, what a change! It’s such a welcoming work space now. May I please borrow your mother for my sewing room?
Amazing change!!! What a treat for you and thank you mom! I have to say we are not a fan of drop ceilings but we did use them in our laundry room. We have a tri-level home (really love it) and the laundry room was beams, cement block and a ceiling of wires and wood. My husband installed a dropped ceiling and it looks great. It brightens up the space with all the white and provides access if needed to all the wires (for who knows what!). Two pot lights were added and it is great. This all came after beadboard on the walls and a table for folding laundry. The before and after is incredible. May want to consider it–the “room” feeling it provides vs. boards and wires is great! Otherwise, you must feel so relieved and like a weight has been lifted!
Way to go!…love it. You’re going to need more room soon, I think. 😉
So jealous of all this storage space. (aka the city dweller lament) Swoon.
don’t ya just love getting one of THOSE projects done!!!! so much satisfaction. my laundry craft room is packed . My husband was calling me a horder until he actually saw the show and had to apologize ha ha.. But I could help you out and take some of the items off your shelves but Az is a tad far ;). We don’t have basements here so I have every closet, drawer and a smaller attic space full of projects to be. It’s pretty overwelming just not enough time/space. Your projects are always inspiring and your photography has come a long way . I am so glad for you that your mom is so supportive[she is a treasure] Keep up the good work
Beautiful and inspiring! Makes me want to head downstairs to my basement and do the same thing!
Wow! Fantastic job on the basement. You have gained extra space for “free” …..
Love it! And, I love your blog 🙂
You have inspired me! We have a basement that is 3/4 finished and is our family room that we use daily. Then there is the 1/4 that is not finished! It houses our furnace, water heater and other “ugly” things needed for daily life but it also serves as my laundry room. I often thought about giving it a coat of paint to brighten it up. This little room becomes a dumping ground for all those things I think I’m going to need someday. So much that I’m not sure what is even in some of the boxes. I’m also pretty good at stepping over the stuff to get to the washer/dryer. I might try and recruit my teenaged son to help get us organized and maybe even look for a chandelier! Anyone have any suggestions on what would be a good paint to use on bare cement basement walls? Thanks for sharing, Marian.
we used White Drylock on our basement walls. It’s think and meant for cinder block – to penetrate the porous texture. It actually helps with keeping moisture out.
Love it and looks like your son does too! 🙂
Oh I am coveting all that extra space . . . no basements in my neck of the woods. Just stuff piled high in my garage.
WOW Marian, well done! You and your mom are such hard workers!! It looks fantastic, and quite functional.
wow! huge difference and huge investment in your sanity! impressive. i applaud you for staying put and finding ways to work with what is already there. admirable. you and your mom remind me of my daughter and me…two women sharing the same soul :-). any news on the new drapes you are getting? my guest room is FINALLY ready for drapes…took all summer. suzi
It looks great, Marian!
Apparently, your boys think the same. 🙂
I have a three car garage that I need to clean up! Since you are warmed up at your house, maybe you can come for a visit. I “promise” it would only take a day…PROMISE! ;D {hehehehe…uncross fingers now}!
Your basement is so impressive, and the speed at which you finished this is amazing! This is inspiring me to do the same to our basement.
Oh, what a feeling! Oh, what a space! I know EXACTLY how you feel, so accomplished after such a project! Kudos! I am on my way in similar fashion, albeit just slower, as per my post last week (titled, “this post is ugly…..”, lol) I just need to buddy up with my sister (she to help me and I to help her in return) to knock it out much quicker, and to have another set of eyes to make the calls as to which pile. Looks great!
Could you and your mom come to stay with me for a few days? That’s all it would take, I promise. And I’ll cook for you. Please. I beg of you.
Isn’t it exciting when you come up with a plan that was there all along?!! What a lovely place to work in. I can’t believe that table didn’t sell. Your little boy’s enjoying stretching his legs too haha. What a cutie.
I am so envious of your basement. Our old house had a wonderful basement and it was my work room. Now we have stuff stuffed everywhere. I had to give up oodles of sewing supplies because this house couldn’t contain it. You are a wonder and your photos are great. Since you have inspired me to learn how to use my wonderful camera, I ready every word about your camera and lens.
Are you sure this is your basement? I’d swear it is mine…some of the same stuff on the shelves even….
What an amazing transformation! I wish you and your mother lived near me. 😉
Looks great – I’ll take that rug in the basement under that blue table off your hands – LOL
And, I am not the only one who says “it will stay that way”!!
Nice gift and giving!
Marian,
Your organized basement looks wonderful! Does your mom hire out?!
As with many other readers, I too have to get organized but its my garage since our basement has a dirt floor..so no storage there. Will just have to keep working at it.
Looks great!! I bet it’s so nice (already) to have a cleaned up work space. I’m trying to get to that point. It’s taking forever! Your photos with your new lenses are turning out amazing!!
Wow! Great looking “new” space for all your work and fun needs! I really need to rent you or your Mom. Everything here needs whipping into shape. Plus, I can never part with anything. I do have a new rule (which I don’t always follow), I can’t purchase anything OLD or new unless I know exactly where it will fit or what Ican manage on my own to repurpose it. I have unfinished projects in just about every room right now, and it’s weighing down all my incentive to get anything done just looking at it.
Enjoy your space. My messes are calling me, LOUDLY!
INSPIRATIONAL! We tackled our garage this weekend. Still more to do, but now I am eager to do the basement. Thanks for the incentive.
That is so awesome. I have plans to finish cleaning my basement this fall and this post has certainly given me the inspiration to get on it, sooner rather than later. I have high hopes to also be able to use the space I will be freeing up from “letting go” of a lot of STUFF! So that I can create in a better place….thanks for all the inspiration you give to us on a regular basis!
Well, if this milkpaint and decorating blog thing doesn’t work out, you’d have a great future as a professional organizer!
Not trying to jinx you–I truly enjoy your work.
Jill
Great job creating space in the basement! I just did the same in the garage (now called my “studio space”). The extra space is such a GIFT! Enjoy!!!!
Great job on the basement organization. We have a 3 story 1917 era house that has a basement with a stone foundation Moisture can sometimes be a problem with stone, so we covered the walls with white Drylock. We painted the walls and ceiling white and the floor gray. Then, protected the floor paint with polyurethane. It’s amazing how much brighter and cleaner the space looks with the wood ceiling painted and I recommend it since you’re not going to finish the basement. With enough space in the rest of the house, it’s great to have a “work” basement. Now, I need to get back to working on mine…thanks for the inspiration.
Peace at last!
love everything you did with it
Wonderful – inspirational – I like that you just left the basement – the basement. We could all have a great basement with an extra $40K – but most of us would put that $40K above the ground! Cheers to a bright, clean organized space!
I am so impressed and envious of all the wonderful space you have. Everything at your fingertips. Can’t imagine anything better..Happy Monday..Judy
I am a VERY senior citizen and I LOVE reading your blog Your organizing skills are awesome. Keep up the good work/fun.
Your basement looks so nice and organized. I desperately need to borrow your mom. 🙂
Uh oh! That striped wool rug didn’t last long upstairs, did it? lol Never stopped shedding? Love your basement space, Marian. Good job on the clean up!!!
LOL…actually, I really like it still, but I found a rug I loved on Joss & Main, so I switched it out. I didn’t want to get rid of the striped one, since it’s so nice and comfy, so I have it in the basement for now.
Oh, how sweet it is to have your mom there to divide tasks and multiply joy! So happy for you & your family that they made the decision to move closer ~ these years are golden.
“The Table” ~ best kept object in your newly organized basement … you will be able to do so many projects on such a pretty space without having to put away every night when tidying up. Also, that table will change the way you organize your laundry: Sorting, treating stains, folding, and organizing into piles becomes a zen homekeeping pleasure once you’ve got your space set up.
Good work tackling a task that ALL of us have on our “To Do” lists. You are always an inspiration, M ~ thank you!
I’d like to go shopping in your basement.
Awesome!! Proof that you don’t have to have an HGTV-worthy basement to have it clean and functional!! Mine looks like yours… except for all the cool stuff 🙂
Isn’t it nice to feel “clean all under?”
Blessings,
Melodye
For what it’s worth . . . paint the ceiling, rafters and all white!! That look is so cool and will make you cheery even more.
Wow, what a change! Congrats! Now, can you come to my house and do this?:) I am out of energy at the end of a day watching my little grandson…;) I don’t know where you get all your energy!
Awesome makeover!
Smiles, Cyndi
Wow, you have given me hope – my 1927 basement looks far worse than that, but maybe there is hope!
Really love how functional this space is for you now (even in it’s “unfinished” state). All the little touches make it work so well. I’d love to create in that space!
LOVE it!!! Great job on the basement and definitely worthy of a pictorial!!!
I have a spare bedroom that has turned into a place for extra furniture (that I can’t part with!), craft room, exercise room and, now, nursery for my Grand Daughter when I babysit…..SO…… I spent last weekend finding a way to reorganize this small room so it doesn’t look so junky (one must teach the grands about manners, decorum and decorating after all!! :))
So, I devised a plan to hang a neutral curtain, ceiling to floor, about 2 and a half feet from the wall to hide all the craft things stored on an extra buffet and work table…. I think it will serve to really clean this space up and I did it for about 30.00 (once the fabric arrives!)
Anyway…. so wishing I had your basement!!! (and so glad I uncovered the piano and my mom’s hope chest!!)
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Yeah, clean basement, new workspace! That is super awesome that your house could fit the bill. I love it when my house can bend to my needs. I hope it suits for the duration.
The Other Marian
You haven’t posted in here in awhile….
After having grown up in Michigan , I really miss having a basement…not the “finished” kind, but the kind where you can stand up in and see what is there….Our attic just doesn’t cut it, little head space and no light and it’s very hot up there during most of the year in GA.