If you’re a regular around here you know that I don’t share our basement bar very often. And by often I mean like never. Actually, I think I’ve shared it maybe two or three times over the past few years, but that basically feels like nothing in comparison to the 3931 times I’ve blogged about our living room. Or the 2712 times you’ve seen my front room. But count this as a big day my friends because I’m finally sharing a little update on the progress we’ve made in our basement bar. I honestly hesitated to share this with because there’s still several things I want to do here and it’s definitely far from being done, but baby steps, right? And as my husband likes to kindly remind me: we can’t do it all at once! But we’re moving in the right direction and that’s a good thing. OK, so here’s a little look at what we’ve done so far. But first, let’s start with an old (and really bad) before photo just for fun.
Ummm. I don’t even know what to say about this photo other then WOW. Just wow. There were several poor decisions made here, CLEARLY, but let’s try to avoid looking at the awful wall decor and focus on the bar area, okay? YES. All right, now here’s how it looks now:
So as you probably noticed, we switched out that hideous light fixture for this gorgeous wooden one. I’ve been wanting to make this change for a long time now, mostly because I didn’t like the look of the old one and it just felt too small for this space. Anyway, I’m so happy we finally swapped it out. I got this light when it was on a big sale and I LOOOOVE it. And yes, I still need to get lightbulbs!
I also decided to chalk paint our barstools black. (I used Blackboard by the Magnolia Home Chalk Paint line.) I wasn’t digging the country green anymore, but I didn’t want to spend a fortune on new barstools right now. Have you seen the price on barstools lately? Sheesh. It’s highway robbery. These painted ones will work for now until I can find some on sale. I currently have my eye on these.
Painting the barstools and changing out the light has made this space so much better already, but there’s still several things I want to do. First up is to replace that old tile countertop. I’m not a fan, as you might have guessed. I’d like to try doing a DIY wooden top, so I’ll be sure to blog about that when it happens. I’d also LOVE to do something different with the floor tiles. Again, not a fan. But I’m not sure yet how I want to do that. Maybe paint them? Or do one of those fancy stencils? Lastly we will definitely be doing faux shiplap on the lower section of the bar, which is probably what we’ll do next because that’s the easiest! (check out my tutorial here to see how we do it.) We’ve also been working on sprucing up the living space in the basement too, which you can see a little peek of in the last photo. I’ll be blogging about that area sooooooooon.
Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today! I hope you enjoyed this little progress update on our basement bar area. Be sure to let me know if you have any questions! xo
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It looks great! I love the new light fixture. I’m actually thinking of getting the same one for my bar area. THANKS for sharing!
Oh it’s awesome Shannon, you will love it!
love your taste, is that an ikea white couch? thanks for sharing love the world cite you are buying from but I live in toronto ,dana
Yep, that’s an IKEA couch Dana. We just got it a few weeks ago but we are loving it so far!
Where did you get the round place mats? Love them!
Hi Robin! Those are actually fair-trade placemats from 31 Bits: https://31bits.com/products/woven-grass-placemat-set?variant=252975251468
Your bar stools look great with that paint..no need to replace these. Save your money for other things like the tile you are thinking about.
I know Im sounding like yr hubby!!š
haha that’s exactly right Lorri, my husband would agree with you!
LOVE it! I also LOVE the bar stools in black – they look great!
I look forward to reading your blog each day. Thank you so much for sharing your ideas with us. š
Cely
Ah Cely, I am so glad you enjoy it and I am grateful to have you here! xo
OH if my husband would actually allow me input on the basement bar. It’s his space! I don’t think I will like it one bit!
I do love the light fixture and the metal plates. He might like those! we’ll see. We haven’t even framed the basement yet!
Oh Donna, I hear you on that struggle. Thankfully my husband doesn’t really seem to care much about how I do the bar area. Well, just as long as it’s not too “girly” hahah!
Just a couple changes and it looks great! New light fixture is perfect. I agree with several other comments that your stools look great and definitely donāt need to be replaced.
I eagerly await your post MWF and, if weāre lucky, an extra weekend one!
I would like to share a few photos with you, but not sure how!
Aw Dot, you are way too sweet. Thank you SO much for being here and reading my blog, it means so much to me!! And you can always email me photos or anything else at sarah@sarahjoyblog.com. xoxo
Wow what a difference! Looks fabulous!
Thanks Donna, can’t wait to finish this space!
You are so good! Amazing!
Ah Sally you are too sweet, thank you! xo
I have similar or maybe the exact same stools and they are so torn up from shoes etc. that I think I just may paint them black. I love yours. Adore everything about your changes.
Oh yes, give them a new coat of paint. They’ll be brand new!!
I adore the light fixture! Great choice and I think the barstools look great. When you applied the chalk paint on the barstools, did you use a brush or a sprayer? Thanks.
I used a brush! Easy peasy.
I got to go the Silos a couple weeks ago. It was one of my best experience. I think that is why I enjoy your blog. Your style has a essence of what Chip and Joanne put into their homes, warmth.
Aw WOW, thank you Carol. That means SO much to me!! xo
I love your current bar stools. The World Market ones are very similar. Do you mind my asking where you got the ones you already have?
You know what, those barstools were a yard sale find a few summers ago. I got them super cheap–I think it was like $40 for the set of four!
As usual it turned out great! I love the lighting and your bar stools. Funny how just a couple changes can make such a difference in a room. I look forward to your finished project sounds like you have some great ideas.
I just finished caulk painting my Dad’s old 1940s desk. A lot of homework was done on that old desk.
I’m now in the process of repainting my 1990s oak cabinets for the 2nd time. I went with very shabby chic the 1st time, which turned out great but decided to change to white on the top and gray on the bottom. I forgot just how much work it was.
Keep up the great work. I look forward to your blogs. You inspire all of us with your talents.
Oh wow, you have your hands full with that painting project Carol. Good luck, I hope it goes quick for you! And how fun that you painting your dad’s old desk, I’d love to see a photo!
That light fixture looks amazing there!! Just love your blog!
Thank so much Robyn! xo
Oh wow! what a difference Sarah! looking great…
Thanks Teresa!
Love the light and think the barstools look awesome especially because they have the same X pattern as the light does. I like the idea of using the shiplap on the bar. It’s fun to have another area to work on.
It’s funny how the chairs and the light ended up kind of matching with the X, I definitely didn’t plan that!
Sarah, WOW! That looks really amazing! I love that light fixture – it’s perfect for the space and again – with those black accents, like the chairs. GIRL!!!! And I’m crushing on those galvanized chargers.
Thanks girl, I am so happy with how things are coming along in here!
Hi! The chairs are more striking looking once you painted them black. Great call! š I wouldn’t complain about getting to take a nap on that cute couch, either. Lol! It is nice to be able to do the best with what you have when you still have wishlist stuff (like the bistro barstools) you can’t quite say yes to yet. I had to make do for a while with a tiny, beaten up little loveseat that the thrift store ended up rejecting as a donation in the end, until I could get my pretty sofa (a floor model on a $200-cheaper than normal price at Pier One). I hope you can seize just the right moment on the bistro ones you are dreaming about and get an awesome bargain, too. š I think your switching from the old, small light fixture to the one you chose really adds a lot, it really makes the space appear larger, too.