One week down, only five more to go! Last week I left you with some rather depressing befores and this week I’d like to show you the initial plan for Micah’s mancave and cave it feels like at the moment and some of the items that will get us there. I’ll also update you on the work done so far. Not the shortest post I’ve ever written, that’s for sure, but it’s a quick six weeks and I hate to leave anything out.
Esthetically speaking, there were two things that came to mind when I started concepting this space: carpet and moulding. In a room with bad bones these two elements have the power to overcome the unfortunate. Now, I am not usually a fan of wall-to-wall carpet give me hardwoods all day but a basement media room is different. You want cozy, sound absorbing surroundings and carpet is the obvious choice. But not any plain carpet would do. Keeping your eyes entertained underfoot could help distract from the low ceilings. I knew a pattern was the way to go.
This Karastan Woolston Plaid was the clear winner. It’s graphic and masculine, traditional yet fresh and a great neutral ground in the Stone Manor colorway. The fact that it’s 100% wool means it will clean up like a champ when someone gets a little excited watching the Royals and knocks over their drink.
Now to the walls. With not a window or architectural interest in site one could feel defeated. Or one could create interest. I’m choosing to do the latter. This is where micah says “you mean you’re choosing for me to do it.” My traditionalist heart longs for some moulding. Instead of the classic layout like our dining room, we’ll do floor to ceiling panels to create length on the walls and use this simple screen mould from Metrie for a more modern, clean look.
After a lot of thought like, a lot I’ve decided to go with Farrow & Ball’s Elephants Breath for the walls, trim and ceiling. I initially envisioned the space to have glossy, chocolate walls, but the more I contemplated, the more difficult that seemed in a windowless basement. I love our black dining room, but the big bay window and doorway to the west-facing kitchen keep that space from feeling like a black hole. This is a completely different situation, and while it would be perfect for watching movies, I don’t know that it would be enjoyable to entertain in (never mind trying to photograph it). The grey is warm and will be a beautiful backdrop to everything going in the space.
After addressing the bones we started looking into the two things we needed most to have a media room we thankfully already have the TV. My obvious thought was seating and Micah’s obvious thought was a sound system. Ha. So I set out to find the sectional, and he set out to find the speakers. When it comes to sectionals I had a pretty clear idea of what I wanted: comfortable, modern, low to again trick the eye with the ceilings and rich looking – preferably leather. The Garner from Arhaus checked all of those boxes, and because we have another sofa of theirs I knew the quality would be exceptional so important when you’re buying something you lounge on. I may not be getting chocolate walls, but this luxe, chocolate sofa more than makes up for that.
Speakers. The thought made me cringe. I mean, not exactly an esthetic dream, but it’s his space, not mine, right? So I was completely and pleasantly surprised when he showed me what he wanted. The Klipsch theater system is sleek, minimal and that pop of copper is really great, something I’ll be highlighting in the space. Here’s a mock up of some of the elements I’ve shared with you today.
Since showing you the befores Micah’s been busy.
Last week he ripped down the ceiling, and roughed in the electrical for the can lights, wall lights and speakers.
When I was picking the sectional I realized that it probably wouldn’t fit down the stairs. It’s a really narrow landing and where some might have chosen something different, I saw it as an opportunity. The room is pretty small and feels very closed in, so I convinced Micah it’s always like pulling teeth to take out the door and widen the opening quite a bit. I knew that this would allow us to get the sectional down there, but it would also visually help the space. And it definitely has. The room already feels more open.
Micah wanted to soundproof the ceiling from the get go, and opening the door up made his case even greater. After running the electrical he insulated the ceiling and re-sheetrocked. Yesterday our favorite drywall guy showed up to tape it all and will be making everything smooth and pretty by the weekend. We’ll get the moulding and trim and be adding interest in time for the next post fingers crossed!
In case you missed week one, you can find that here.
Be sure to check out the other participants updates, and thank you again to Linda for including me!
This room is going to be gorgeous without a doubt! And that carpeting is fantastic. We have a dark chocolate basement man cave and I have to say we LOVE it! We even covered the one small window with chocolate faux leather drapes 🙂 Everyone wants to hang out down there and having can lights in the ceiling does help lift the darkness when needed.
Oh, I love hearing that Erica! So glad you like it. It was a tough call but at the end of the day it would have been really hard to photograph well…sometimes the blog thing plays into the overall design I guess. 🙂
Love it!
Oh goodness…the design plan ALREADY looks like the perfect hangout spot!!! xx
Thanks, Elise! Here’s to hoping the room looks this good too. 🙂
Yay Gwen! This is going to be great! I love that you have all of that equipment down there, you guys are legit! 😉
Love you.
Ha! Well, Micah is anyway… 😉
What a great start! My husband would love a room like this–maybe someday. I have a very nitty gritty question. Are you doing any texture on the walls when the drywall guy muds and tapes? We’re building a new home and getting drywall in a couple weeks. I think I’d like to do smooth walls but it seems nearly unheard of around here–most everyone does some kind of texture on the walls. Just curious. Great work!
Oh, please don’t Cathie! 😉 Unless you live in Tuscany or something, I think smooth walls and ceilings are the way to go. Most people have texture to save money. That orange peel is cheaper to spray on then having someone actually mud and sand the seams of the drywall down. It will cost more but I PROMISE you will never regret the choice. We’ve been scraping popcorn off our ceilings room by room and I can’t believe how it instantly un-dates the house and gives it a classic look. Congrats on the new home!
Wow! I’m really impressed. Micah seems like a pretty talented guy for sure. Can’t wait to follow along!
He’s definitely learned a ton along the way!
Love the design! Such a great man cave, with a touch of sophistication : ) It’s going to be a great space to hang out in, can’t wait to see more, have a great week!
Thanks, Michaela, I’m excited to see it come together!
I LOOOOOOOVE these One Room Challenges!!!! I love hearing your thought process and watching it unfold! Can’t wait!!!!!
Thanks for following along (and reading that lengthy post 😉 ) Renee!
I love your plans I’m sure your husband maybe a bit more excited to this project than the others, at least I know I would if I got a space all to myself! I have no doubt this is going to be amazing!!!
It’s true, he hasn’t complained as much. 😉 In all seriousness, it feels like a breeze coming off the kitchen, hopefully I’m not saying that too soon, but it’s just a lot less work so we’re both feeling pretty good about the timeline!
What a difference it made to open that wall. So great! I can’t show any of this to my husband because I am a terrible wife. Love the rug, love the sofa, and would definitely watch tv here.
Ha! If I would have had another space that was a clear choice we probably wouldn’t have tackled this, but I’m hoping I’ll get the chance to do another round of this and do something a little more selfish. 😉
You and Micah are the ultimate reno team. Seriously, your home is such a testament to your talent and perseverance, and I have no doubt this room will be more of the same gorgeousness! I love your heart to want to reward Micah with a man cave, which will really be the fam jam cave no doubt. Can’t wait to see your beautiful plan come together, my friend! xx Sarah
Oh, that’s so sweet! It’s been fun to see how we learn from each other and grow together doing this over the years. It’s not always easy, but we always come out better for it!
Ok this is going to be the most elegant basement ever. I love the plaid rug and I’m digging the modern twist to the moulding!
Thanks, Kevin!
I can’t wait to see how that trim is going to look! and I love all your furniture choices and those speakers are so attractive!! I love it already!
Love the ideas for this room! You are one of my favorites!! Thanks for sharing so much of your journey. Could you please tell me the colorway of the carpet above the stone manor? The plaid is great.
I believe it’s called Refined Khaki. Thanks for following along, Ashley!
Lucky man! And this carpet is gorgeous!
I look forward to see the progress of this “cave”…!
OMG What a beautiful design!! I can’t wait to see it all come together 🙂
What a fun carpet choice! And Farrow & Ball has the most incredible paint! Thanks for sharing your progress!
Cheers! xo the Waiting on Martha team
Oh my gosh this room is going to look so amazing. My husband would die. I love the carpet selection. Good luck in week 3! I am linking up as a ORC participant visiting from Twelve On Main. Love seeing all the great inspiration. Have a great weekend!
Good luck to you too, Sara!
Love the carpet and that sofa is sexy!
Looking good. I live in KC and would love to know who you recommend for dry wall finishing!
Sarah, we use Tim Ferguson. Shoot me an email and I’ll get you his number. themakerista at gmail dot com.