Jennifer from Making Pretty Spaces shared an amazing transformation of a once purposeless basement room into a cozy, multifunctional space.
She started with a blank slate—a bright basement with French doors and good natural light but no clear function.
After living in the home for a few months, inspiration struck, and she began reimagining the layout, despite challenging traffic patterns in the center of the room.
Jennifer had originally hoped for a single large archway, but discovering structural jack posts led her to embrace double arches instead—proving that flexibility is key in renovation.
She consulted with an electrician and explored gas vs. electric fireplaces, ultimately going with electric due to the structural limitations of her all-brick home.
She made the most of having open walls by running electrical where she needed it, a savvy move that saves money and effort in the long run.
One side of the space is designed for entertaining with a FRAME TV, while the other is screen-free to encourage conversation and winding down.
Jennifer even DIYed custom barn doors in Farrow & Ball Railings—a deep, moody blue that ties the basement together beautifully.
She added a simple but warm DIY fireplace surround and walked readers through the whole process.
If you’re planning a basement overhaul, you’ll want to check out Jennifer’s clever approach and cost-saving tips on her Blog at Making Pretty Spaces!
DIY Fireplace & Barn Door Project Summary
Materials Used
- Shaker slab doors (for barn doors)
- Farrow & Ball “Railings” paint (deep navy blue)
- Electric fireplaces (one traditional, one linear)
- Drywall and framing materials (for double arches and bump-out)
- Paint: Alabaster (walls), BM Collingwood at 75% (trim)
- Wood and trim for DIY fireplace surround
Steps Overview
- Demo existing basement wall and evaluate structural elements.
- Frame two arches around immovable jack posts.
- Create a bump-out wall for the fireplaces.
- Run electrical while walls are open (TV, sconces, fireplaces).
- Install and paint barn doors in Farrow & Ball “Railings.”
- Build and install the custom fireplace surround.
- Paint walls and trim for a subtle contrast and future flexibility.
Key Tips
Consult professionals for structural and electrical guidance—many offer free advice.
Use open-wall opportunities to run electrical or make other hidden upgrades.
Choose a timeless paint palette to give flexibility for future decor changes.
Screen-free zones can add a relaxing vibe and encourage conversation.