Tips for Making Long Lasting Decisions in your Renovation

MCM basement suite kitchen, walnut veneer cabinets, quartz, vertical subway tile backsplash

A basement suite doesn't have to look like a basement suite

I am a big believer that if you’re investing in a renovation, you should do your best to make thoughtful, cohesive decisions since you’re spending the money anyway. 

  • Buy the cabinets that work with your Mid-Century Modern vibe, rather than just a standard shaker front. 
  • Position your subway tile vertically to create a more modern feel. 
  • Get some cool stools and pretty lighting, knowing those pieces are the jewelry in the ensemble! 

These decisions all matter, they all need to relate to each other, because if they don’t it throws off the harmony in the space and devalues the investment you’ve just made.

We are on a mission to make sure that doesn’t happen for you, so read on for 6 tips to create a cohesive space!

Before

In this project, we were called in to design and build a rental suite in an unfinished basement for the loveliest couple.  They wanted to keep budget in check, but knew that they only wanted to do the work once (and not make updates in 5 years), so wanted to make thoughtful, timeless choices in their space planning and finishes.

After receiving a few bids from a few different contractors, they hired us appreciating the value-add of our in house design offering to help them to that end.

The end result?  A basement suite that looks like it could be a main kitchen!  Bright, stylish and durable.

The Kitchen

MCM basement suite kitchen, walnut veneer cabinets, quartz, vertical subway tile backsplash
Unfinished basement suite potential

The clients had initially considered another location at the back of the space, tucked under the stairs for the kitchen (see above), but after plugging dimensions into our software and trying various configurations, we settled on the exterior wall for the kitchen as it allowed for a window over the sink, and a full run of upper cabinets without having to work around the stair bulkhead above.

That original location became the perfect place for a laundry closet – which hid the stair bulkhead behind closed doors and kept their laundry out of site as well.

Tip #1 in making the most of your renovation – Be sure you hire someone who has a knack for space planning and the skills to sketch it out to scale.  Poorly thought out locations will permanently limit your function and enjoyment.

Basement Suite Space Plan
Kitchen Moodboard

The next step is seeing the plan the builder has created, both in 2D and 3D, as well as some moodboards to show selections together.

Tip #2: If you don’t have a designer on the job, use a moodboard software like Canva to see how your accessories and finishes look together.

The end product is only as good as the design, so be sure your pro does not rush this step!

The Bathroom

A below-grade window was going to blow the budget in this particular case, so we opted against it, but were still able to create a warm, cozy bathroom nonetheless! 

We did that by choosing warm tones such as a wood vanity, a greige tile and a creamy wall colour.

Tip #3: Choose your paint colour last, after all your other finishes are selected.  While there are a million paint colours, there are not a million tiles that you love, and it’s much easier to choose a paint colour that works with your tile than the other way around.

A MCM vanity in a warm basement bathroom

Little details can really elevate a space, like the countertop on this vanity.  The thick quartz top makes it look very generous, but it was created using a mitred cut and therefore totally affordable!  I love the open storage below for extra towels.  Storage is key in small-space living, and a basement suite is no exception!

Tip #4: Study the undertones of your tile to identify which paint colour will work best.  Or hire us to spec the perfect paint colour for your space if you’re feeling lost!

A MCM vanity in a warm basement bathroom with thick quartz top
A MCM vanity in a warm basement bathroom with thick quartz top, black hardware
A MCM vanity in a warm basement bathroom with thick quartz top, black hardware, Dove Wing Benjamin Moore
Custom tile shower with linear niche and bench
Custom tile shower with linear niche
Toilet with artwork, Benjamin Moore Dove Wing

Tip #5: Do not underestimate the power of accessories and artwork.  If you’ve come to the end of your project and it falls a little flat, I can all but guarantee you it’s missing artwork, plants, decor pieces and throw pillows! 

But before you run out to the store, take a photo of your room, pull out Canva again, and plug pillows, artwork, lamps etc into the space.  This will ensure everything is working well together before you pull the trigger on that “last layer.”

MCM basement suite kitchen, walnut veneer cabinets, quartz, vertical subway tile backsplash
MCM basement suite kitchen, walnut veneer cabinets, quartz, vertical subway tile backsplash, with puppy

Even your pup will thank you for putting the extra thought and care into your new space!

We don’t have photos of the living/dining and bedroom as our lovely client’s father arrived in town and needed to move in and get settled, but suffice it to say that the city’s toughest inspector let us know that this was “the nicest looking basement suite he had seen in all his years.”  We’ll take the compliment! 

But the biggest thing is that the clients are delighted.  In the end they were so glad they decided to spend a bit more to get the design support for this project, knowing that the outcome wouldn’t have been the same without careful planning and selections. 

Tip #6: Don’t believe the myth that you need a high end budget to create a luxe look.  It’s all about creating and testing your plan, sampling your materials together, and don’t forget the styling!  It truly finishes a space.

I hope you enjoyed touring this stylish, Mid Century Modern basement remodel!

If you need help with your home renovation, whether that’s floorplanning or design consulting in order to maximize function and aesthetics or to hire a renovation contractor for the work itself, check out our renovation page on our site and book a Free Discovery Call below to get started today!

Live well my friends!

Meghan

Juxta Interior Design

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