It took us a little longer than we had hoped, but we are finished with the kid’s new space, and I thought I’d show you what it looks like before it doesn’t look so orderly anymore. (It’s only a matter of hours before Xander works on his spelling all over my chalk art, and Milly takes every single thing off of the shelves and out of the baskets, while coloring on anything a crayon will write on.)
For a reminder, what the space looked like before…
and what it looks like now…
For a few hundred dollars and a windowless corner of the basement that boasts ceilings under 4′, I’m pretty happy with how things came together. I’ll be back with all of the details later this week, but please feel free to leave questions in the comments so I can make sure to cover what you’re interested in. Stay warm out there friends!
To see the details on the bones of the space, click here.
To see the decor details, click here.
Jennifer BNHblog says
What a sweet little space! I love the idea of special spaces for the little ones—makes for great childhood memories. I hope you include some photos with your kiddos in it. Not sure why but I feel like I've got the scale thrown off…
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Jennifer! I will definitely try to get a shot. With no natural light, I was running a 30 second exposure, so we'll see if I can get X to sit for a bit. 🙂
*Heather* says
There are no words, this is simply amazing- please come do my house 🙂
themakerista@gmail.com says
You're sweet lady, thanks!
Emily says
Too cute Gwen. We have a under step storage cubby as well. It's quite a bit smaller, but would be a fun reading corner for our little girl someday.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Emily! Hope you're feeling well!
Julia Konya says
Awesome functional and pretty transformation!
Janna McCalley says
This is adorable!
Ashley Brown says
Amazing
Trish Norris says
Very kid friendly space. It is amazing how you converted it. Great job.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, Trish!
sarah m. dorsey says
Gwen, it's perfect!! Love every detail 🙂
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Sarah!
Kristin Jackson says
Love love love!! And more power to you for doing all of that under 4' ceilings!!! Xo
themakerista@gmail.com says
I can't take too much credit…Micah did most of the hard work under there. He definitely had to take breaks!
Nichole Hamann says
What is the ceiling height? I saw under 4′ but we have 41″ in ours and I’m curious how close our height is to yours
themakerista@gmail.com says
I’m not sure, we don’t live in this home anymore. Sorry I can’t be more help!
Deb says
LOVE this space..you are so talented! So many great details!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Deb!
The Happy Type says
Holy smokes! This is amazing! I can't even get over how you transformed the little space and what memories your kids will make here!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, Crystal! And thank you for reading! Have a beautiful week.
emily says
darling! i love when unused space becomes something so enjoyable. i'm sure your kids are loving tearing that place apart…i know mine would! such a cozy little spot for the long winter days.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks for your kind words, Emily and thank you for reading!
Kristin@bliss-athome.com says
This turned out so great Gwen! I love every inch of it 🙂 xo Kristin
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Kristin!
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
Really great. Love that you took kind of weird space and turned it into something special. I bet the kids love the low ceilings, too – my girls love anything that makes them feel like giants!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, Jennifer!
lenabena says
absolutely phenomenal! the chalkboard silhouette project is my favorite but also the ephemeral nature of it (once your kids get a crack at it) is really appealing to me as well – it's not meant to be forever and that what makes it so special right now. plus i also tip my hat for creating all that awesomeness while you must have been scooting around under those 4' ceilings on your knees or bottom painting and installing shelves and such. bravo!
themakerista@gmail.com says
That's a great point! The hat tipping has to go to my husband for sure. He did most of the hard work! I tend to be the idea guy. 🙂
Christina says
What a great space! I love that even though you used lots of neutrals the space feel so colorful. I'd love to know where the rug came from.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Christina! The rug was something I had from Kohl's a year or two ago, but I've seen similar ones at HomeGoods lately. Hope that helps!
Autumn Beach says
LOVE this space, Gwen. It definitely has your touch…kid-friendly yet full of class.
themakerista@gmail.com says
I appreciate that, lady!
Tracy Laverty says
What a darling little space you created for your children! They must love it. I love the lighting you put in there and your chalkboard and art! Great job!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Tracy! The lighting was my husband's idea, and I was really happy how it turned out!
Kelly says
Adorable! It reminds me of the little cubbies that I had as a child in our 120 year old house. They really were magical because it felt like they were made just for us little ones. Your kids will have lovely memories around this space I'm sure!
themakerista@gmail.com says
That sounds lovely, Kelly! A big part of me has always wanted to live in an older home with character like that. Thanks for reading!
Chelsea says
Wow, looks awesome! An excellent use of space and kids love it when things are "their size". 🙂
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Chelsea!
Brittany Cramer says
SO darling! I absolutely love it! And I bet your kids do too 🙂
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Brittany!
Albertina M. Cisneros says
OMG!! Amazing! What a great space! Kids love those odd spots and if it is decorated like this even better. Pinning away…the photos are fabulous!
themakerista@gmail.com says
You're sweet. Thanks, lady!
Bethany DeVore says
What a great space! I'm sure your kids are having a blast with it!
charity says
You did such a good job of turning it into a fun bright space. Looks great!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, Charity! And thanks for reading, have a lovely weekend!
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says
It turned out perfectly. Love all the black and white. It is such a bring and happy spot, you would never guess it was in the basement. Such a great before and after!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, lady! I appreciate that, coming from someone with such an amazing basement herself. 🙂
Mindy Schaper says
Wow. Looks awesome.