When remodeling a cluttered, unused room for optimal functionality and coziness, it’s important to remember that not every change has to be drastic.
Eileen Schilling, owner of Abode Real Living, has perfected the craft of changing spaces, both for aesthetics and greater performance, without going over the top and breaking the bank.
Schilling’s most recent project was the family room, media room and kitchen of Andrea Hanson’s Powell basement.
“We wanted a more functional family space,” Hanson says. “We started to use the walkout basement after putting in our pool, but there was nothing down here. It was boring and very drab; it didn’t reflect us at all.”
In 15 weeks, Schilling developed a rustic luxury theme throughout the three rooms. One subtle change that made a huge difference was the switch from double French doors to an antique farm door from the Johnstown-based Reclaimed Barnwood Company.
“The company takes pieces of barns that have been torn down and makes beautiful things with it,” Hanson says.
The door separates the family room from the media room. To give each area its own element, Schilling switched up the wall color in the media room to complement the stone wall that was already in place.
“We wanted to make the colors pop with the stone,” Schilling says. “The family room was already a neutral color, so we kept it the same. Don’t change something if it already looks good, but you can add textures to make it unique.”
To add new consistency, a letter wall – complete with each family member’s initials – an
d custom refurbished barn wood shelves were put in place throughout the basement.
Each shelf is full of artifacts to fit the theme.
Schilling stresses that accessorizing a room doesn’t have to be a high-budget task. In fact, you may have a number of compelling pieces already.
“It’s as easy as moving things from space to space,” she says. “Pieces don’t have to stay in the same place. Shifting can make your room change from night to day.”
Though a good majority of the changes were painless, structural alterations were made to ensure a more protected area for Hanson’s family when they come inside from the pool.
“Our kids were slipping, (but) it’s much safer now,” Hanson says. “We took up the tile, put sisal down and added a cubby system,” Hanson says. “That area always seemed separated. The change brought the room together.”
When remodeling a room, or even an entire home, it’s important to remember what the goal is. Going in with a plan based on your lifestyle makes the process run smoothly, Schilling says.
“I ask clients if they have kids, pets, parties and gatherings,” she says. “After those are answered, I add a lot o
f built-ins to a room to hide everything. I have three kids and I don’t like to see everything everywhere. If there’s a perfect space, add a built-in and make it yours again.”
Stephan Reed is an editorial associate. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
