Average But Inspired

Inspiring creativity with crafts, DIY, and home decor projects.

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A BIG Basement Living Room Makeover

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser.  All opinions are mine alone.  #ICantEven #BigLots #CollectiveBias.

Almost two years ago, we finished our basement – adding, among other things, a room that functions as a living room, office, and guest suite.  Having spent a lot of money to actually finish the space, there wasn’t anything left over to decorate it immediately.  With friends and relatives visiting soon, the time had come to make this space bright and stylish as well as functional.  The makeover I gave this basement living room with beautiful home decor products I purchased at Big Lots has more than accomplished that!  Make your small space work for you! A small basement got a BIG makeover and now functions as a beautiful living room, office, and guest suite! #ad

So let’s be clear about something.  I was not exaggerating when I told you that this room was essentially a blank slate when I started.  It was drab and dark with no personality.Make your small space work for you! A small basement got a BIG makeover and now functions as a beautiful living room, office, and guest suite! #ad
Because it’s a basement with two small windows, I knew it needed to be brightened up, so I decided that a mirror and some light-colored accessories would be good purchases for the room. I was super excited to find out that I have TWO Big Lots nearby, so I headed over to check out their selection of home decor items and see if they carry what I had in mind.

As soon as I walked in the door, I was greeted by a friendly employee who showed me where their wall art aisle was.  Not gonna lie – I couldn’t believe the selection.  There were great quality canvases, metal and framed artwork, as well as some gorgeous mirrors.  Make your small space work for you! A small basement got a BIG makeover and now functions as a beautiful living room, office, and guest suite! #ad

I almost did a cartwheel when I spotted the perfect mirror for my room at an unbelievable price.  Of course I immediately grabbed it so that no other shoppers could scoop it up before me.  I’m selfish like that.

Then I made my way over to the pillows, window coverings, accent furniture, home accents, and seasonal aisles.  I seriously had the hardest time figuring out what to buy – there was so much to choose from, and all with the fresh and updated look I was going for in this room.  Make your small space work for you! A small basement got a BIG makeover and now functions as a beautiful living room, office, and guest suite! #ad

After much hemming and hawing, I made up my mind and left Big Lots feeling incredibly excited to whip my basement into shape!  Make your small space work for you! A small basement got a BIG makeover and now functions as a beautiful living room, office, and guest suite! #ad

Honestly, I cannot believe this is the same room!  It is so beautiful now and works even better as a living room, office, and guest suite!  Make your small space work for you! A small basement got a BIG makeover and now functions as a beautiful living room, office, and guest suite! #ad

Big Lots Room Makeover-2

Make your small space work for you! A small basement got a BIG makeover and now functions as a beautiful living room, office, and guest suite! #ad

Take note of how I put my room together so you can easily replicate it when you refresh a room in your home!

Check out the incredible mirror I added over the sofa. It is stunning with its carved details and rich color.  It helps reflect the light from the two small windows in the room, brightening the entire space.  (See why I didn’t want anyone else to grab it at Big Lots?)  Make your small space work for you! A small basement got a BIG makeover and now functions as a beautiful living room, office, and guest suite! #ad
I also added some luxurious pillows from Big Lots to the sofa. I just love how their texture adds so much interest to a plain piece of furniture, as well as a soft, comforting feeling at the end of a long day!  The light colors also help brighten the room, which is so important in creating an inviting space!Make your small space work for you! A small basement got a BIG makeover and now functions as a beautiful living room, office, and guest suite! #ad
I really think they help tie the entire room together and make it look “finished.”
Make your small space work for you! A small basement got a BIG makeover and now functions as a beautiful living room, office, and guest suite! #ad
I also picked up a flameless LED candle (with a timer!), and this beautiful candle holder at Big Lots.  It’s perfect for adding a little ambiance while watching TV at night, or for when guests are using the space as a bedroom.
Make your small space work for you! A small basement got a BIG makeover and now functions as a beautiful living room, office, and guest suite! #ad
Speaking of guests, to help make their stay even more enjoyable and hassle-free, I purchased this cute frame at Big Lots to display our wireless network information. This way guests can check their email or Facebook without using their data (or having to ask me for our wireless information, which I can never remember!). Make your small space work for you! A small basement got a BIG makeover and now functions as a beautiful living room, office, and guest suite! #ad
Now in case you’re wondering how my newly-beautified living room also functions as an office and a guest suite, let me show you!  That little cabinet where my new picture frame sits opens up to a fully-functioning office center.  The perfect spot for getting a little blogging done, don’t you think?

Make your small space work for you! A small basement got a BIG makeover and now functions as a beautiful living room, office, and guest suite! #ad
As for the guest room, roll the coffee table on casters to the side . . . Make your small space work for you! A small basement got a BIG makeover and now functions as a beautiful living room, office, and guest suite! #ad

And the sofa with its lovely pillows unfolds to a super-comfy king sized bed.  Guests will definitely want to snuggle up here!Make your small space work for you! A small basement got a BIG makeover and now functions as a beautiful living room, office, and guest suite! #ad
Close the pocket doors and the room becomes a private suite!  (To see the guest room and office combo space in my new house, click that link to see the post!)

Make your small space work for you! A small basement got a BIG makeover and now functions as a beautiful living room, office, and guest suite! #ad
My family and I just adore our refreshed basement space, and I’m wishing I had done this makeover sooner! If you have any rooms in need of a new look, definitely check out Big Lots for quality home decor and furniture at unbeatable values. Styles and assortment vary by store, so you may want to check out a couple locations!  Also, be sure to follow Big Lots on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to stay up-to-date on their latest products and promotions.

Now that you’ve seen my BIG makeover, tell me which room you’re going to refresh with Big Lots!

-Bre

Comments

  1. Katie @ Little House of Four says

    What an incredible space with so much function! The minor updates make such a big difference and really pull the space together. I love the idea of adding the mirror over the sofa and flanking it with smaller art, it’s perfect! I have two Big Lots near me that I can’t wait to visit. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply

    • Bre says

      Thank you, Katie! I am so happy that it all came together. Definitely check out Big Lots. I am not kidding – I had no idea they had so many great home decor products. It is definitely a new stop in my shopping rotation!

    • Bre says

      Thank you, Jess! Ah, I know – I love the mirror!! I was seriously so pumped to find it there! Thanks for stopping by!

  4. Leia @ Eat It & Say Yum says

    Great job, Bre! I had no idea there were so many cute things at Big Lots! I’m going to have to go check it out for myself. 🙂 The room looks great, and I love the idea of putting the wifi info in an easily accessible place, like a cute frame. 🙂 Pinned.

    Reply

    • Bre says

      Thank you, Leia! Oh gosh, yes with all of your new home projects, you should definitely check out Big Lots. I’m not kidding you, they have awesome products! I had never been there before but it is now a stop on my regular errand rotation! 🙂 Thanks for your nice note!

  5. Sydney @ Tastefully Frugal says

    I LOVE it! I mean the before was way cute too but I love all the extra touches you dded from Big Lots. We were there last night for the first time in years and I was pleasantly surprised at how much better quality of things they carry.I want that mirror now too!

    Reply

    • Bre says

      THANK you, Sydney!! So fun that you were just there! And I hear ya, I also did not know that Big Lots has such awesome stuff for the home. I am pumped to do some Christmas decor shopping there! The things they were putting out when I was there last were so cute!

    • Bre says

      Thank you, Amanda! Aaaah I know – I feel so lucky to have gotten it! Thanks for your nice note!

  8. Sharon says

    It looks great, Bre! I love the ivory textured pillows you added–very pretty and unique! I’m impressed you were able to find all of this at Big Lots. The basement looks very bright and inviting!

    Reply

    • Bre says

      Thank you, Sharon! Oh the basement is SO much better! I should have shown the before renovation photos – they were truly scary! But I appreciate your nice note. We are all so happy to have that space looking bright and cheery now!

  9. Amanda @ Dwelling in Happiness says

    I love how it turned out Bre!! That mirror is so pretty, and I love that the space is so functional. I wish we had a basement!!!

    Reply

    • Bre says

      Thanks, Heather! I love the pillows, too! I couldn’t decide which color to pick! 🙂

    • Bre says

      Thanks so much, Amy! I know – I had never been to Big Lots before writing this post, but now I am going to be a regular! They have amazing seasonal decor, too! Definitely check it out if you have one near you. 🙂

    • Bre says

      Thanks, Summer! I am so happy with how everything turned out! Cannot wait to do some holiday decor shopping at Big Lots!!

    • Bre says

      Thank you so much, Sarah! WE are so lucky to have this space. Before we finished it, it was a disgusting dungeon. Now it has added a whole new life to our home! I’m so glad it’s finally “pretty!” Come visit! 🙂

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