A couple of weeks ago I posted photos from the mud room renovation, which was part of larger project to renovate what was once a garage, then a workshop, then a rec room. We built closets in the middle of the space, separating it into two distinct areas–the new mud room and the new den.

This new sunken den is intentionally dark, housing our oversized sofa, hutch with electric fireplace and a big TV for cozy movie nights.

Here’s what the space looked like before we bought the house:

When we first moved in, the room became a dumping ground for… everything.

We built a new landing and framed in the area that once housed a dumbwaiter.

And then there was a lot more framing work to do, and drywall to hang.

And the mud. Always outsourced.

Painting, concrete levelling and flooring.

A special door leading from the front foyer.

Custom-made doors for build-out cabinets.

And then with the trim and finishing touches complete, the final result:

So now that the lower level is done, we’ll be getting started upstairs, beginning with THE KITCHEN! Stay tuned.