Why Basement Suites Deserve Great Design, Too

I recently had the opportunity to fully design and furnish a basement suite, and I absolutely loved the project. The goal of the renovation was to create a comfortable, cozy, and welcoming space despite the limited natural light, all while staying within a reasonable budget.

I started with a beautiful green IKEA kitchen paired with a simple light grey recycled glass countertop. While most of the kitchen elements were budget-friendly, we decided to invest in a stunning handmade oak shelf instead of upper cabinets. Because the kitchen is small, the open shelf feels lighter and takes up less visual space, helping the room feel more open. A simple vertical textured white tile was selected for the backsplash, adding interest while remaining understated. To tie everything together and bring warmth to the space, I incorporated touches of gold through the faucet and cabinet hardware.

For the bathroom, I wanted to create a bright, fun, and unique space, so I chose a fern and floral wallpaper for the walls. While this was one area where we splurged a little, we balanced the budget by using an IKEA vanity and storage cart. One feature that was especially important to us was heated flooring. Basement floors can often feel cold, so we wanted to ensure this small room felt warm and comfortable for the feet.

As with any project, there were a few challenges along the way. The biggest was lighting. Pot lights are great for providing brightness, but they can sometimes feel harsh, especially in a suite that sits partially below ground. In this case, the pot lights felt a little too intense, so I softened the space by adding a decorative dining fixture using vintage Edison bulbs and plug-in sconces in the living room to create a more inviting atmosphere and layered lighting throughout.

Another challenge was a large window that looked into a storage area underneath the back deck. Instead of providing a view outdoors, it created a dark focal point where only shadows and stored items were visible. Since the suite was already limited in space, I decided to close off the window and create a feature slat wall with hand-built coat hooks instead. The result was both practical and beautiful by providing additional storage for jackets and bags while eliminating an awkward visual distraction (and somewhat scary!).

To complete the space, we sourced a mix of new and second-hand furniture, artwork and accessories. A Luonto sofa bed was chosen as a splurge item because comfort was a priority, while pieces such as the dining table and chairs were sourced through Marketplace. Mixing investment pieces with pre-loved ones allowed us to create a stylish and functional space without overspending.

The final result is a warm palette of green, terracotta, pink, and grey that completely transformed the look. Basement suites are often treated as secondary spaces, but they deserve just as much thought and care as any other home. I was proud to help create a space where future tenants can feel comfortable and at home, while also ensuring the owners achieved their goals without breaking the bank.