A New Home...A New Hangout

Since the basement has been finished (remember my last update way back here), we haven't stepped foot down there.  I occasionally pay a visit to do laundry or a bit of stretching, but other than that (even though I threw a few chairs down there) we never visit.  And with this elongated winter season I have been feeling especially claustrophobic in my own house.  Something had to be done.  And quick. 

Justin and I have been searching for a couch to go in the basement for the past month.  We searched locally but didn't find anything that we could both agree upon.  That's when we wondered into Paul's TV, conveniently attached to Art Van Furniture.  We became hypnotized by the bright flashing screens, offering 3D effects, spanning the length of a football field and claiming to be "smart."  Justin was in heaven.

Our original plan (a few months down the road) was to buy a new TV for the living room upstairs and move the old TV into the basement (if it lasted that long).  The living room got the most use so it made sense.  The basement would've then had an old TV, a new couch and new chairs (which you've already seen in the basement reveal).  After thinking about it (during the time period of staring at the massive screens covering three walls) we decided that if we went with our original plan, it wouldn't encourage any more usage of the basement than it was already getting.  We made a new plan, which ultimately saved some dough.  And I'm always up for that.

We found a new home for the sectional that was previously in the living room. 

The sectional is cozy and large, providing seating for at least 5 people comfortably.  It was just too large for the space and it made the living room feel even smaller than it is.  So - we repurposed it.  And moved it into the basement.  Which was the perfect addition to the home theater! 

 

All we did was set up the home theatre and move the furniture.  And I'm already loving the change! 


Here was the basement previously, and how it sat for 8 weeks since we never used it.

 

The basement is now the main hangout.  Which is great because Justin can watch his games and he doesn't have to worry about spilling a drink on a new couch.  He can have friends over to watch the game and I won't be on edge when they have pizza in their hand.  We still need to hide some wires, paint that buffet (which is now holding the TV) and add some comfy (but not girly) pillows.  

 

And those two chairs....we moved them upstairs.  

 

 

Which means that my living area has a ton of extra space.  I was able to move the rug about a foot further from the entertainment center, making the entry from the front door feel larger.  With the big, dark couch gone the room feels a lot brighter too! 

 

 

I can read in peace (or watch HGTV with out having to switch between two channels).  Both of the spaces are a little bleak right now. 

In the sitting area I plan to reupholster the ottoman, add some art to the walls, get a larger entry mat for muddy or wet shoes and replace those awkwardly short drapes.  That ottoman was a find that we snagged at the Potterybarn Outlet for $30 on clearance (because it didn't have a slipcover).  I'm really looking forward to reupholstering it for my new room!  I don't need additional seating in my sitting room just yet since this isn't the main hangout (even though I plan to add some down the road).  I like the way the room is so open with only those two chairs for now.

All it took to get more use out of the basement was a little furniture rearrangement that works best for us.  Oh, and Justin got his TV.

We already have a Kentucky Derby party in the works!  The basement will be a great spot for viewing it and there is a straight shot to outside (here's to hoping the weather gets a little nicer in the next month!)

Mary