I can’t believe it’s reveal day! Boy, these six weeks have flown by, and to say this was a challenge is somewhat of an understatement. To recap, we tackled a basement room while I was in the first trimester of pregnancy thank you all so much for your kind words! and finishing up our kitchen renovation. Turning this dingy, windowless cave into something my husband loves was a test to my design skills in so many ways he doesn’t usually get as much say in this process, but I think we managed to create a really wonderful place out of the worst room in the house. Micah has a great place to relax i.e. hide in and for us to spend time together as a family. We started off looking like this…
And now the space looks like this…
When I started concepting this “mancave” I knew what would be important to me and what would be important to Micah two totally different things. Because the space is small and dark I was worried about creating interest and warmth. So we made the paneling out of Metrie trim and added a graphic punch on the floors using Karastan’s Woolston Plaid. Farrow & Ball’s Elephants Breath covering the walls, ceiling, and trim helps blur the lines between the walls and the low ceilings and create warmth while still feeling open and light.
Micah was worried about having something comfortable to sit on and a good entertainment system. The Garner sectional is the perfect combination of beauty and comfort and the Klipsch sound system is out of this world. Not only is that copper stunning, we watched Star Wars this last weekend, and it sounded and felt like we were at the movies. You can literally hear the sub from the street!
Just because time was of the essence didn’t mean that I couldn’t include some items that felt personal. I wanted some accessories that spoke to Micah’s interests, and this vintage bat ties his love of baseball in with the number he wore as a receiver in college: 80.
Micah’s been doing crossfit five days a week for several years now. Yeah, I feel lazy… These old wooden weights are a little light for him ha but the nod is fun.
The antique contractor square might come in handy on the job site or here at home…
A little dry bar is perfect for snacks during baseball games or to hold drinks for movie night. G+Ts and Jack + Coke’s are personal favorites around here…
Maybe more important than man’s approval is his best friend’s, and I think Jake approves…It was a lot of fun to do something for the guy who makes all of my visions possible. Micah certainly has his own sense of style and it was fun and challenging to put his wants and desires at the forefront. Now, let’s just hope he doesn’t hole up in there…we’ve got lots more house to renovate!
Below are the sources, but please let me know if I missed something you’re interested in!
THE BONES OF THE ROOM –
Moulding | Baseboard | Doors | Door Casing by Metrie
Elephants Breath Paint by Farrow & Ball
Woolston Plaid Carpet by Karastan
Surround Sound System by Klipsch
Allen + Roth Black Tie Countertop via Lowes
Light Switches and Wall Plates from adorne by LeGrand
FURNITURE –
Garner Sectional Sofa by Arhaus
Accent Chair by Lazzarro Leather
LIGHTING-
Floor Lamp made by Micah and Me
ART –
Mountain Charcoal by Phillip Cason
Balloons by Jerome Romain via Balibart
Playing a Game of Football via photos.com
Gesturing Man by Derek Overfield via Minted
Inky Blue Abstract by Lindsay Letters
Trumpets at Noon by Andrew McClintock via Minted
ACCESSORIES –
Blue | Leopard | Floral Pillow by Arianna Belle
Plaid | Gingham | Cream Blanket via IKEA
Ombre Blanket via Homegoods
Decorative Box by Nate Berkus via Target
Need to catch up?
Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5
Be sure to check out the other participants reveals, and thank you again to Linda for including me in this wonderful experience!
Gwen! It looks so good, and such a transformation.The paneling makes such a difference and I love the seating. And I think my husband would never leave the house if we had those speakers.
Ha, yes, that’s what I’m afraid of here too. 🙂
WOW! Truly, impressive job.
Thanks, Kari!
Basement of my dreams! That art and gallery wall are exquisite!!! Even the speakers too…I’ve never seen more beautiful speakers!!! Congratulations!! xx
Thanks, Elise, yes, the speakers surprisingly ended up being one of my favorite parts too!
It looks amazing Gwen! I love the paint color and the gallery wall. So classy, yet you can completely see the guys loving hanging out in there! I love the fur stool, too. I got a similar one from Target last fall from the Nate Berkus line and I absolutely adore it. They are so fun.
Thanks, so much, that’s definitely what I was going for! And you’re right, a little piece like that stool is just so versatile!
So so good Gwen. So chic and perfectly goes with the rest of your house! My husband would have serious TV and sound system envy. I can’t show it to him. And I finally get my puppy photo 😉
Thanks, Julia! Yes, the surround sound is quite incredible!
Gwen, this room is SO cool. Quite the transformation. I love everything.
Very sweet, thanks Erin!
I love love the Metrie trim…their millwork is heaven and along with the FB paint, it looks so beautiful. The art wall is amazing- those pieces are just so perfect and I also adore that little bar area! I’m about to start work on my basement and would love to end up with something as cozy and inviting as yours. Beautiful job!
Oh, thanks Christine, means the world coming from you. Can’t wait to see your big reveal tomorrow, I know it’s going to be insanely good!
Love it! Congrats on super reveal. The speakers are amazing. Where is the piece of art (mountains) from that hangs above the couch?
Thanks, Whitney. It’s by a local artist and his website is http://casestudios.com/?/page/6041/artwork/.
Love that painting. He does not have it on his site though. Is it one of a kind or does he do reprints? Price range?
It is one of a kind. I’d contact him if you were interested, he does excellent work!
Wonderful transformation. Nicely done, Gwen!
Thanks, Rosie!
Knocked it out of the park. Not a cliche in sight. LOVE that you took on a room not often done in an ORC. Congrats, Gwen!
That’s really sweet Alison, thanks so much!
WOW!!! This room blows my away! You did such an incredible job! And the photography is soooooooooo good, too. Bravo!
Thanks, Carrie! First time using lights and it was definitely a lot more work but worth the effort I think!
My husband would go bananas! This is such a fun space now.
Congrats!!!
xo
cristin
Thanks, Cristin! I think mine’s pretty excited. 😉
Amazing!! What a beautiful job! I love everything about this space. It is so elegant and manly. The music equipment is so good. I especially love the trim, the rug and your artwork! Congratulations on a fabulous transformation!!
Thanks, Albertina! Can’t wait to see yours tomorrow!
It looks amazing, Gwen. Scott would die. Those speakers look insane! But really gorgeous too with the copper bits. It came together really beautifully 🙂
Basements can be soooo hard and you hit this out of the park! That trim definitely redefines the space and I can’t wait to show that sound system to my husband. Hoping it will have a place in our soon approaching basement finish (fingers crossed). Thanks for all the inspiration you continue give us Gwen..your sophisticated timeless style is always a fave!!!
That’s sweet and you’re totally right – this was quite the challenge. Yes, I can’t recommend it for style and sound enough! Thanks for following along, it means more than you know!
This is incredible, Gwen! The carpet + wall color and moulding is just genius and pairs so well together. I hope you guys can relax now!!! You are such a power couple!!!
I’m looking forward to doing a bit more relaxing that’s for sure, I’m certain you are too!
It turned out awesome! You may never see Micah again ? I’m surprised the leg lamp didn’t make an appearance though ?
I don’t think I will! Ha, we got rid of that when we moved from our old house. I mean, it’s funny but I can’t say I was sad to see it go… 😉
Love have you were able to make the space cool but elegant at the same time, so good!
Thanks, Gaby! Looking forward to seeing what you’ve done too!
What a fun space. I just love the carpet and all of the details.
Thanks, Tiffany, the carpet is definitely a favorite!
Gwen, this is just beyond! If this was a room in my house, my husband would never leave! The dry bar turned out amazing! I’m so impressed with everything you accomplished in such a short amount of time- AND with baby on board! I hope you’re feeling good! It’s such a relief to have the space finished and photographed so beautifully!
That’s what I’m afraid of, that Micah will never leave!!! Ha. Thank you!
Oh my goodness! This is gorgeous, Gwen. I can’t show my husband. He will be so jealous. Like Megan said, I adore the dry bar area, too. Such gorgeous styling. Well done, mama.
Ha, thanks. 🙂 I think Micah is pretty proud to call it his own!
I’ve never seen a basement so chic before. It is the perfect balance of design and masculinity. Really a stunning space, excellent work!!
Thanks, Krystle, I appreciate it!
This is the chic-est man-space I’ve ever seen! An inspiration when I get to re-do mine someday! Good luck with your pregnancy Gwen and fabulous job!
Ha, thank you very much for your kind words and well wishes!
This space is perfect…masculine and stylish, sporty and posh. You did an amazing job here!
Thanks for that, Julie!
That is the most elegant man-cave I have seen in a long while – it’s like a Mad Men Man Cave! Love it! Congrats on an amazing transformation.
Very kind, thanks Jenny!
This is officially the man cave to end all man caves! From the perfect panelling to the edgy mix of art to the killer speakers to the floor lamp you and Micah MADE and the little hints of pretty in the pillows, I love how this space reflects your love for your husband. It also serves as a reminder that you are officially THE dynamic house renovation duo. Well done, my friend!!
xx Sarah
Thanks so much, you’re sweet and it means the world coming from you! It’s been fun to see how our relationship has grown throughout this process of this home renovation thing. 🙂
My husband is jealous. this is one killer space.
Thanks, friend. Hopefully this will keep Micah happy for a while. 🙂
What a great space! I still can’t believe those are 7′ ceilings. You make the whole space look light and bright. Fab work!
Thanks, Emily! Yes, they don’t feel nearly as short now though!
Gwen this is such a cool space! Love all the attention to detail like the surround system with gold, the masculine accessories, and some beautiful art! That rug pulls the look together with the leather sectional! I’m ready to come over and watch some football and have a beer! Bravo on a job well done!
Come on over! 😉
SO dope Gwen! You killed it!
Means a lot coming from you, thanks, Jessie!
What a handsome, sophisticated space any man would feel comfortable sharing with his friends. Outstanding design!
Thanks, Merlyn!
Beautiful. I absolutely love everything about it. The molding is incredible, the carpet is amazing and of course the furniture and art are perfect. I’m especially in love with that leather lounger. This is going to serve as major inspiration when we finally get to tackle our basement. Bravo!
Thanks, Emily! Yes, the lounger is super cool and comfy too!
If you can see me now I have a grin from ear to ear and am clapping like a crazy person!!! Bravo!!
Oh, that’s so sweet, thanks Sarah!
Impressive! Where is the natural light coking from?
*coming
It’s actually photography lights. It was my first time trying to use them. 😉
Fantasitc space! I love how you used the Metrie trim. Totally makes the room feel hip and adds dimension to what was a flat space.
Thanks, Leslie! Yes, the trim is a small detail that adds so much!
I must never let my husband see this post. He wants a sound system like that in our LIVING ROOM! and it’s little! And our only living area. But you’re right, the copper is magnificent! The room looks great!
Ha! This room is small too. They are super pretty. Thank you!
Unbelievable! You are incredibly talented!!
Thanks for your sweet words, Lori!
I’ve never seen molding done like that before & it’s just gorgeous. Love all the personal touches in the room. You did a fantastic job making the space feel both masculine and warm.
Thanks, Leslie, we’re really happy with it!
Wow! It looks like an upscale New York apartment. I love the color and that rug is to die for! You did a wonderful job. I’d have a hard time not invading that man cave. It’s just an absolutely stunning space! Well done Mama, well done!!!!!!!
Thanks, Mary! It’s really nice and I had some girlfriends over the other night and we found ourselves hanging out down there too, ha!
I love everything about it! The details are amazing. My husband would never leave this room 🙂
Thanks, Allie! My husband hasn’t left much…;)
Wowsa Gwen it’s amazing! Love the woodwork – it doesn’t even look like a basement, such a hip & inviting space! The art choices, well everything is so good! Bravo, lady!
Thanks, Jana! I appreciate your kind words!
Wowzers! You killed it. Best man cave I’ve seen. Under stated yet very guy chic. Great job Gwen.
Really sweet, thanks Stephanie!
Your husband is the envy of all men with this room. Love all of it. Just amazing with your attention to detail. I hope you are relaxing on that yummy sectional. Great job and feel well.
Thank you, Linda! We’ve spent a few nights down there so far ( my husband has spent every evening…) and we just love it!
This is so cool, Gwen! I have a feeling Micah will have a hard time keeping this room to himself… I’m sure it will be the favorite new hang out spot!
He is, but he’s doing his best! 😉
I never imagined a basement could be so incredibly chic! I absolutely love how you considered the masculine elements without losing the elegance of the space! You balanced form and function so well in this room and I am so impressed by all of the custom elements.Fabulous job 🙂
So sweet of you, Kevin! I appreciate your kind words and it was so great participating along side you!
Wow, this space is beautiful! I love the molding and carpet and those speakers are pretty sexy, which is something I never thought I’d say about speakers.