Basement Step 1 - Utility Sink Area

Here's a refresher on the area I'm talking about here:

While certainly not the prettiest space in the basement, it certainly is one of the most often used spaces - I'm always filling up buckets, rinsing paint brushes, and doing all sorts of things over this area.  Here's a close up of the old kitchen cabinet that sits next to the sink (after I took the door off), a remnant from the previous home owners:

I figured that by replacing the counter top, giving it a coat of paint, and adding some hardware, that I would have not only a functional storage solution for cleaning supplies, but also a pretty one!  I think I was right - check out the "after" shot:

I laid a couple of spare ceramic tiles across the top for now to serve as a counter top - I may come up with a more permanent solution down the line, but it works for now. 

I then attached a cut of fabric (with velcro) around the bottom of the utility sink to skirt it, added a rug, and created some cheap "artwork" with a discarded window screen and some old license plates we had hanging around (I attached the license plates to the screen with paper clips through the screen).  I also created a paper towel holder out of a curtain rod which I attached to the window screen with wire.  After adding a few more decorative accessories, and a plug in cheapo hanging light from Ikea, I had a revived utility area that makes me smile whenever I head downstairs into the basement (sorry for the less than desirable pics - license plates weren't meant to be photographed!):

I'm currently now working on the workout area of the basement - photos to follow soon!

The Basement...

Over the course of the past several months, our unfinished basement has fallen victim to my numerous projects, in addition to neglect in general, which left it looking like this right after New Year's:

Tool bench/work area

Laundry area

Utility sink area

Pantry & general storage area

Paint storage area

Furnace/water heater/more storage area

Workout/project area

Cat's bathroom - 'nuff said

Cardboard box storage area

As you can see, we have a rather large basement, but it currently has zero aesthetic value.  I'm currently in the midst of changing that, one "area" at a time.  In future posts, I'll show you how I tackle each area, on basically a ZERO budget (it's really hard to convince my husband that an unfinished basement warrants a cash investment).  In the meantime, let me share with you the basement laundry room image that has been my inspiration for my basement makeover:

Image source

Isn't it hard to believe that room is in a basement?  Better yet, check out what the room looked like BEFORE:

Image source

Looks pretty similar to what I'm starting with!  Wish me luck.....