When I retire I’m going to do this once a week for fun (and a little extra spending dough) – pop into a home, edit, curate, and restyle, then “BYE”! Like a fairy god-Styler (??). It’s INSANELY satisfying. Nic and Curtis were stumped with how to hang all their art down in their new dark basement (for their almost teen girls) and I assured them that I could do this in my sleep. So Gretchen and I went over one day, took inventory, ordered some new sconces, poufs, pillows, and a fake plant then came back and redid it all in one day.
The Basement Before:
Here’s where they started – a huge dope leather sectional, white lacquer furniture, and a vintage chair. Everything was leftover from their old basement and I knew that we could make them work (and this is not where they wanted to invest any real money). Also how rad is that wall-to-wall carpet??
They had a pile of art for us to play with (and we ended up stealing from a few other rooms, too). All really fun, graphic, youthful pieces that are perfect for a tween hang space.
And because videos are so fun below is a cute little video Gretchen put together to show you the space and a little bit of the process (just wait for the ad to play first:))
One Day Later…
Wall Color | Scones | Art (the homeowner’s) | Carpet
Oh, she is moody and dark and oh so cozy!! The trickiest part was hanging those sconces – we wanted to integrate them into the gallery wall, but without symmetry. Once they were up we hung, the rest of the art in between, balancing the shapes, colors, and orientations. The poufs were added for extra seating for kids and to fill out the space (the TV is opposite the sofa) and I kept them low, wide, and tonal so they felt balanced.
Art (the homeowner’s) | Credenza (similar) | Table Lamp (similar) | Coffee Table (similar) | Woven Round Tray (similar) | Ottoman
Then above the credenza, we styled more art (keeping the room balanced) and then used what they already had to style out the credenza. We found a bunch of board games which helped, but in general, it was pretty minimal.
Pink Pillow | Round Pillow (similar)
The sconces can articulate all different ways and since they are plug-ins they could be moved if need be. They are more mood lighting, wall washers versus a super bright light but they have other lamps for that reason.
Side Table (similar) | Chair (vintage) | Burgundy Pillow | Faux Tree (similar) | Black Planter (similar)
It’s dark and cozy and then all these huge pops of pink and white are youthful and wild and I think they have a memory with each piece, so it’s a room of nostalgia as well.
Leather Sectional (similar) | Berry Velvet Pillow | Ball Pillow | Printed Pillow (similar) | Round Pillow (similar) | Pink Pillows
At first, I had a ton of wild pillows on the sofa but pared it back to these which felt less messy, and slightly more refined (but still playful with the ball shapes).
Also if you want to see the basement before they moved in here you go:
Wild, right? It’s such a personal preference, but I personally love a dark room to be dark like this one because without any natural light, it feels dead so you may as well lean into the vibe and make it cozy. Who is next??????
*Styled by Emily Henderson
**Photos by Kaitlin Green
This makeover is such a great example of how creative styling and a fresh perspective can completely transform a space — without spending a fortune! I love how you pulled everything together using items they already had. The colorful gallery wall adds so much personality and fun — perfect for a teen space. It’s amazing what can be done in just one day with a bit of vision and heart. So inspiring!
Really loved this – thank you for showing a redesign that’s so impactful but achievable. My main question is about the sconces – I’m looking for plug in wall lights but it’s so hard to know if lights are plug in or hard wired. What are the key words to look out for in a description to know?? I couldn’t see anything obvious in the listing for these gorgeous lights? Thank you!
I am looking for a similar thing, the unicorn: pretty, giving proper light, plug-in, of course not too expensive … these are cool but pricey. I look on the lighting sites for sconces or wall lights, and then often you can filter for plug-in. Good luck!
If you find one you love, it’s not super expensive to have an electrician re-wire it to be plug in! (in my area it’s less than $100…but I know that varies)
looks great. and I have to say, the paint on the walls… that blew my mind. it looks SO GOOD. almost like a fabric? how smart to do a rich, flat paint on textured walls. *filing that away in case I ever need it*
Love it! Can I be next?!
This is inspiring to see, as we think about the next move for our playroom for teens. Can you relink the sconce, please?
It’s the Leif by Troy Lighting. They have a one and two light version, both available in Sand or Soft Blue.
It looks so good! I love the sconces! and of course the art!
Oh, yeesss! I exclaimed as I opened the site! I have a basement that wants to grow up to be similar to this one! While I have a ways to go … framing, electrical, sheetrock, my mind is much more interested in the paint color and vibe, and dark is my plan. This is so very helpful to see a short ceiling, small window, not custom wall textured basement re-style, thanks to you and your friends!
Would they share some info on the window? Did they purchase a new dark window, or paint a pre-existing window? It looks like a usual basement vinyl window. Thanks in advance.
Oh, BTW, my hat will always be thrown in for a ‘who’s next’ offer here!
Is that high gloss paint on the ceiling the same color as the walls?
Looks fabulous. I’d be interested to see what you did with the fireplace and that side of the room. I didn’t realize there was a fireplace until you showed the before, before pic!
There was a brief glimpse of it on Insta. Looks like it was just painted out, same F&B Railings color.
The carpet link goes to the Harbor color, but that looks navy blue. This carpet looks more like a charcoal color, possibly the Shady color. Curious if your friend really used the Harbor?
Good question. The ottomans are Shadow Blue and the sconces are Soft Blue. Order a sample of both colors?
Delightful – and if you ever want to scratch that itch in Minneapolis lemme know :). I’m here to say YES to the dark and cozy basement, especially if it’s for TV viewing. Especially love the bright, fun colors in the art. Your ability to keep the rest restrained but not stuffy is spot on. That leather sectional is stunning but for those who have something more like the original grey I think the overall effect can still be achieved by leaning into the dark palette and maybe adding leather or faux leather pillows…Lastly I wanted to say the two things that surprised me that work so well are the white table/console. I would have been inclined to stay dark but I think they add a nice crispness like a white shirt under a suit that I am thinking a lot about that. Also the sconce placement. I love that they are not symmetrical but realize it is not what I would have done. Haven’t watched the video yet, but I am thinking that the asymmetrical window likely contributed to this decision – but it also helps an asymmetrical gallery wall make sense… anyway really great take aways here so… Read more »
That came out so good! Big kudos to you on this one.
Me!!! I’m next!! Please come do this at my house. 😄 I have all the pieces but am struggling to bring it all together and make it look curated.
This is SO FUN!! What a great space. Those sconces make such a big impact, and I love the way you laid out the art. Amazing to see what a bit of styling can do.
This is what I’m here for. Well done!
I wish there were 30 minute shows on how to do this! Shopping, rearranging, etc. Much more accessible in this economy, and frankly, I get tired of watching reno shows.
I love this! The before and after is so insane! Way to get it done. I love the lamp and artwork.
ummmmm…want to come do my house? lol. I can’t figure out our bedroom. We’re in North Portland 24’x24′ room with 18′ barrel ceiling. And I’m so lost on how to lay it out and style it.
This is so inspiring! Would the home owner be willing to share the source for the great art with the grid of colorful squares? We have such a similar basement with the strangely placed little window to work around. I love how you made it work around the window.
just happened upon your website (from a rabbit hole I went down about choosing the correct size coffee table for my couch). I love your design style and what you did with the basement. wow! I’ve recently renovated my 1 bed/1 bath condo in the SF bay area. now trying to style it, but I’m clueless. wish you could come help me! I like the darker grey walls.. thinking of painting one of my living walls that color to help blend in the big tv. I wonder though, if accent walls are still a thing!? anyway, keep up the great work!!
Welcome to the comment section 🙂 I read yours and was like the great think about EHD is they’ve written about everything at least once and I’m pretty sure I remember a post about accent walls recently. Turns out its not quite as recent as I remember (2019 can’t be THAT long ago ?!?!?) but sure enough there is one https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/how-to-make-accent-walls-work The verdict falls more on the side – accent wall yes, but only if you actually make it a feature (esp. to highlight fun architecture), but I also really like the comment section on this one which is filled with a few more accent wall just because lovers if you want to check it out 😉
Oh and from even deeper in the archives: https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/target-chapter-7-navy-blue-accent-wall-bedroom-makeover 🙂
Delightfully wild! I want to hang there, too.
Was the sofa oiled or dyed? It looks darker in the after photos.
Also any recs on the actual extra width chaise leather sectional?!? We ordered one from West elm that was a hot mess and can’t quite justify the pb version
That looks like the Hastings Sectional Chaise Leather Sofa From Rejuvenation.
I love posts like this! Very little money spent, huge impact, so fun and inspirational!!
Pick me! I’d love to be next! You are so good at what you do! I have 11-year-old and 15-year-old sons who are constantly asking me to redo rooms in our house. I just need someone magical, like you, to style it up a notch (or five)!
🫶🫶🫶
no words, mind blowing!
Is it possible to know where the skate deck is from on the wall? We are a house of five sporty girls and this piece is perfect. Thank you
Nevermind, you can delete my comments. I found it. Thanks!
Ok those sconces just make this wall! I don’t see a cord hanging down from the upper sconce on the left – was it shopped out or hard wired? I would love to replicate this look on my gallery wall but don’t want a cord hanging all that way down to the outlet. Thanks!
Love the changes, but too dark for my taste unless it is only used for hanging out, vibing, and watching TV. Seems like a dimmable floor lamp would help. Or lightening the wall color.
Please tell me you used the amazing Virginia Chamlee “Too much” “Not enough” artwork somewhere!!!