It’s one of those spaces that tends to get ignored, but with a $100 budget, our basement staircase makeover begins today. The goal is functional beauty so that this area of our home works for us and also looks good too.
We’ve lived in our home for two years and there are countless trips down to our basement every single day. This home was built in 1915, so the basement will never be a finished living space. And that’s okay because we need it for storage.
But why does the walk down these steps have to be cringe-worthy? It doesn’t! Today begins our $100 Room Challenge: Basement Staircase Makeover!
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BASEMENT STAIRCASE MAKEOVER
We all have those spaces that tend to get ignored. This is one of them for us. Since moving in, we’ve just made the best of the storage that was here.
But I’ll be honest: it’s not working for us! And once I realized that, I have decided to do something about it…with a $100 budget.
TAKE A TOUR
STORAGE PLAN
We are up and down these stairs many times a day. With all of our tools, a deep freezer, home project supplies, and much more stored in our basement, we’re bound to need something down there.
The goal for this basement staircase makeover is functional beauty. I want it to work for my family. And the shelving that is currently here just doesn’t. The plan is to reconfigure the limited storage in a way that is more helpful.
MAKE IT “PRETTY” PART
The beauty part of functional beauty recognizes that a space can work for you and also be a nice looking space. A staircase that leads to an unfinished basement doesn’t have to look awful.
Clearing out the space will be first. Followed by a deep clean and lots and lots of paint!
DON’T IGNORE THE STEPS
I’m almost too embarrassed to share these pictures of our steps. They’re really gross. We’re gonna go with it was like this when we moved in. Ha!
We do have to wear shoes in our basement so the steps tend to get dirty. After a good cleaning, I have an idea to freshen them up. And a few thoughts in mind on how to solve the shoe dilemma.
There you have it: our basement staircase makeover before! I’m excited to transform this space and no longer cringe every time I have to go down to our basement. Be sure check back next week for the update.
And a huge thank you to Erin at Lemons, Lavender, and Laundry for hosting this amazing challenge. Pop over and give her a hello! {Click HERE!}
If you like budget makeovers, be sure to check these out:
- Farmhouse Mud Room $100 Makeover
- Full Bathroom Makeover $100 Makeover
- Entryway and Staircase $100 Makeover
- Hallway and Linen Closet $100 Makeover
$100 ROOM CHALLENGE: BEFORE / WEEK ONE / WEEK TWO / REVEAL
PIN IT FOR LATER
Check out these other bloggers also giving a space in their home a $100 makeover!
I couldn’t agree more, these small spaces in our home that we look at every day should be pretty! I can’t wait to see all that you do here.
Thank you, Wendy. My kids tend to leave the door open all the time and it’s right off our kitchen. I am looking forward to not being so annoyed by the open door. 😉
I am so excited to see what you do with this space! I have absolutely loved ALL your $100 Room Challenge makeovers and I’m sure I’ll love this one too. We are looking for shoe storage ideas, so I can’t wait to see what you come up with for that… maybe I can steal the idea 🙂 So happy you’re joining the challenge this month!
You are so sweet and encouraging, Erin. A little pressure about the shoe thing though… 😉 Just kidding! Thank you for organizing this.
What a great idea for a space to makeover. I love all the old architecture in the space, so many little details that could be fun.
Thank you, Christina. Yes, I hope to pull out some of the character and charm of an old home. ♥
I love that you’re doing this — I’m doing the challenge too (our office closet) but want to do our basement stairs in the future, and I know you’ll have some great ideas!
Yay! Excited you are participating in this too. Closet makeovers are so great!
Curious about what looks like a window opening (on left side) that has wood slats covering the back of it …… was that to provide light into a stairway adjoining room? Can’t wait to see what you do!
Oh, there is a story about that. I meant to chat about it…maybe in the next update. There is definitely a weird story to it. 😉
Such a fun space- an old home staircase. I can’t wait to see how this comes together
Thank you, Jackie! Old homes do make things a bit more fun.
What a neat area! I can’t wait to see it all come together. This will be one hard-working area for sure!
This looks like the perfect small space to makeover! I know it will make a huge difference, being such a big part of your life and so close to your kitchen. Can’t wait to see what you do with it!
Looking forward to seeing the finish result – especially what you do with the actual stairs!
What a great choice for the makeover Leigh! We don’t often think of staircases but this space is so much more than just a staircase. I can’t wait to see what you do 🙂
Thank you, Lisa! It wasn’t quite on my radar until a month ago and I’m so glad we are tackling this space.
Loveee this cute little space. Can’t wait to follow along!
Thank you, Elizabeth! This $100 room challenge is one of my favorites.
What a great space to makeover! These spaces are so often neglected but passed by so often and in need of a refresh! Can’t wait to see what you do!
Thank you, Rebecca! I had been figuring this staircase would always just look bad, but when I was thinking about this $100 room challenge, I knew I had to go for it.