This blog post may contain affiliate links for your convenience.
Sunday, November 20, 2016

Basement Progress: Completed Bar


I feel like it's been forever since I shared an update on our basement makeover.  Unfortunately, it's currently still a disaster thanks to a major garage project that forced us to move everything to the basement.  Thankfully, the garage is now complete and I can finally focus on getting our basement back in order.  

The bar had been piled with project materials, tools and odds and ends and I finally had enough.  I cleared off the counter, grabbed a can of spray paint, gave the handles an update and finally decorated and finished the space. 
small and stylish basement bar
If you have been following along on our basement progress than you might remember what the bar area looked like before. 
studded out basement bathroom and bar
We gutted the original bathroom down to the studs and moved the entire bathroom down a few feet in order to create a little bar area.  You see that old wall mounted bathroom sink and the wall to the right?  That's where our current bar area is.  We used the original bathroom plumbing for the bar sink and ran all new plumbing for the new bathroom. 

(Affiliate links have been used.  You can find more information on my disclosure policy.)

We built the bar using inexpensive unfinished cabinets from Lowe's that I stained using Minwax Ebony stain.  Saving on the cabinets then staining and installing them ourselves allowed us to splurge on the granite counters and travertine tile.
small and stylish basement bar makeover
I recently updated the space even further by installing a subway mosaic tile backsplash.  Although it made a huge difference the space was still missing something.  

I didn't dislike the original brushed nickel pulls, but I always knew gold would pop against the ebony stained cabinets and add a touch of sophistication.  

dark bar cabinets with gold hardware
I'm always amazed at the difference a can of spray paint can make.  One of the easiest ways to save on home improvement projects is to try and work with what you have.  The original pulls were bought on clearance and were extremely affordable.  I could have went out and bought all new pulls, but I knew I could update the ones I had without splurging on new ones. 

That doesn't mean I don't ever splurge.  If you are able to save in some areas it frees up more of the budget to splurge in others.  
Dark cabinets with gold bar hardware

chalkboard cocktails sign
Does anyone else have a thing for hand soaps and towels?  I love finding decorative bottles and inexpensive turkish towels.  The best part is once the bottles are empty you can fill them with store brand soap and no one will know the difference.  

gold hardware on dark cabinets
I'm thrilled with how this mini bar area turned out and look forward to getting the rest of the basement cleaned up and back in order.






Love what you see? Subscribe to Little House of Four here!

* indicates required


Would you like to comment?

  1. super cute!!!! Love the pulls with the granite & the simple decor touches!!

    Paige.Rose
    from
    www.TheQuaintSanctuary.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Paige! It definitely looks better than before :)

      Delete
  2. Love this update! It's looking fab. And you know I have a thing for hand soaps ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks girl! Hand soaps and pretty towels get me every time :)

      Delete
  3. I could have went out and bought all new pulls, but I knew I could update the ones I had without splurging on new ones.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I absolutely love before and afters. This bar is so charming. Looks great!!!

    ReplyDelete