Here we are on week 5 and we’ve still got a laundry list of things to do! I can remember back when the ORC was 6 weeks and this week we needed to be done with the space and ready to shoot. To say I am grateful for the extra two weeks would be a complete understatement.  

If you’re new here and finding us for the first time make sure you check out our week 2 of the ORC as we show you all our plans for this basement. Oh and week 1 shows the befores…they’re scary. I’m not gonna lie.

Last week we left you with a massive list. Let’s revisit that.

WHAT HAD LEFT TO DO

• Build Storage Built-ins
• Make Doors
• Paint Built-ins
• Build Laundry Room Cabinets
• Paint Laundry Room Cabinets
• Build Laundry Room Countertop
• Install Trim
• Install Door Casing
• Build Reading Nook
• Install Reading Nook Accent Wall
• Tile Laundry Room
• Build Floating Shelves
• Install Floating Shelves
• Brick Staircase Wall
• Paint Brick
• Install Lighting
• Install Furniture
• Style 
• Shoot

Here’s what we got done this week! 

• Build Storage Built-ins
• Make Doors
• Paint Built-ins
• Build Laundry Room Cabinets
• Paint Laundry Room Cabinets
• Build Laundry Room Countertop
• Install Trim
• Install Door Casing
• Build Reading Nook
• Install Reading Nook Accent Wall
• Tile Laundry Room
• Build Floating Shelves
• Install Floating Shelves
• Brick Staircase Wall
• Paint Brick
• Install Lighting
• Install Furniture
• Style 
• Shoot

Uuuummm… it felt like a really productive week. But now looking at this list we’ve got a lot left to do! Let me show you the progress. It feels so much better to see it than read it.

Build Custom Storage Wall

This part makes me so excited. The guys built these cabinets on site knowing they will never leave our basement. The storage cabinets are custom built to fit plastic bins for our kids toys! We want to make this as simple and easy as possible for our children to have access to their toys while still keeping the space clean and fairly painless to clean up. 

Once the built-ins were put together it was time to face and fill them. You are probably noticing we didn’t do backs on the cabinets. This was because our walls are 100% plumb and we were looking for a way to save on cost. That’s a lot of extra lumber in those backs!

Limewash Plaster

We’ve got the plaster done! I am so grateful Michael made the decision to mount the televisions before applying the plaster. It truly allows for the TVs to be flush. I am loving the color this brings out in space.

Laundry Room

It’s wild how this space is coming together so quickly. We’ve built the cabinet and installed our Elkay sink. Next week Michael will build us a custom countertop and Matt and Ryann will install tile. This space is going to come together before I know it. I brought in all the elements of the space so I could see how it was going to look together. I am getting really excited here.

Water Station

You guys I can’t believe I didn’t show you this yet! In our yoga, reading and meditation area we have installed this incredible water filling station! It’s so incredible. You know I can never get enough water! 

Brick

This just makes my heart so happy. We are using the same brick as we did in the dining nook. Now the big question is to paint it or not? The guys will grout this week and I will make an on the spot decision. Follow along over on IG and help me out. 

As you can see, we’ve still got a lot of work ahead of us. Not to mention the two minor challenges/problems we ran into this week!

Challenges

The first challenge or problem, whatever you’d like to call it, was when we realized we off placed a sconce light. Not a huge deal but we do have to move it and patch the hole and re-drywall! The next part I don’t know how we missed but we framed it to have a door going into our additional storage area that we are half finishing and leaving the rest for a later date. When the guys went to install the door we quickly realized it was going to hit the support beam and not be able to fully open. We ran through several options of what to do about this from reframing and making a small door entry to having a tiny full size door. Ultimately, we’ve decided to leave the space open which in turn will focus us to keep that back storage area clean! 

It’s wild to think we’ve only got 2 weeks left before we’ve got to style and shoot this space. Hangout with us over on instagram and tiktok as we give you a behind the screens look and some fun tips and tricks of the trade. 

Oh and don’t forget to check out all the other guests participating in this season’s ORC.

Till next week!

Much love-

Danielle