Basement Pictures!

The basement is finished and ready to move in!!! We have been anxiously anticipating this day for approximately three years. Here's the blank canvas, all ready for toys and chaos!  :)

Here's a view of the back of the (soon to be) movie watching area. We found this little sectional for a steal, so we're not too worried about the inevitable forts and pillow mountains that will come from it.

We also found this wool rug for a great deal at the same place where we got the couch. I made the pillows from some fabric I ordered.

 And here's my favorite part- the built-ins! That bench lifts up, and will hold a lot of the toys. I'm going to make/find cushions to go on top of this to make it a comfy sitting area. The book shelves will soon hold many of the books that have been in boxes since forever. The little arched kid nook was original to the previously finished basement, and was cute, so we preserved it. I will probably paint the little walls inside with chalkboard paint, or maybe a mural. We'll see.

And here's looking at that area from the other direction. The two mismatched windows are original to the house, and are still kind of gross. But they do add much needed light. The area behind them is the bathroom that was also part of the previously finished basement. 

I'm not sure what to use this little space next to the bathroom for yet. I'm toying with the idea of a permanent home for my sewing machine and crafts, or more hidden toy storage. 

 Coming back to the other side is this long empty expanse, with the door leading to the unfinished laundry room. I found this near-perfect couch on the side of the road a few weeks ago, and promptly shoved it into my mini van. I was shocked at how pristine the cushions were when I pulled off the covers to wash them. Paul thinks I stole it. :) We still need to install a few wall sconces on this wall, which will flank a giant world map.

Across form the plaid "stolen" couch (which will probably move around) is the other built-in. The kids wanted to start moving things down first thing after breakfast, so we started with their books. I like how this wall is now partially open, and lets a little more natural light in from upstairs.

Here's looking at it straight on with the door to the new storage closet right behind it. Perfect for easy access.

And here's the empty shelves, which line the walls inside. I think we'll be able to fit a lot in here!

 So there it is! Our new finished basement! We feel so blessed. It's still sort of surreal when I remember how there's another giant room added to our house. I'm pretty sure I'll get used to it quickly though.