Catherine and Nick were struggling to sell their two-bedroom home in a market full of three- and four-bedrooms. To make their property more competitive, we packed as many value-adds into this renovation as the couple’s budget would allow. We turned the unfinished basement into a versatile living area with its own bathroom (complete with statement floor tile, a quartz slab shower, and a custom vanity). Upstairs, we prepped the kitchen for sale with shiny new appliances, countertops, and paint, as well as stunning sliding glass doors in the adjacent dining room. Finally, we staged the entire home with furniture that ensured a great flow for welcoming friends, family, and—most importantly—potential buyers. By the time the reno dust had settled, we had a real contender on our hands!
Shop the Look
Check out the decor, furniture, and more seen in this episode–and get it for yourself!
BSS08E01 Catherine Nick
Click below to see all of the items featured in this episode!
wdt_ID | Room | Product Type | STYLE | Product | Company | Product Code/Sku |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Bathroom | Custom Vanity | Black | Black | 511 Custom Vanities | N/A |
2 | Bathroom | Dryer | Titanium | Titanium | Electrolux | EFMC627UTT |
3 | Bathroom | Washer | Titanium | Titanium | Electrolux | EFLS627UTT |
4 | Bathroom | Custom Cabinet | Custom | Custom | Celtic Finishing | N/A |
5 | Bathroom | Cabinet Hardware | Mod Hex Knob in Flat Black | Mod Hex Knob in Flat Black | Emtek | 86458 |
6 | Bathroom | Mirror | Duke Rectangle Gold Metal Wall Mirror | Duke Rectangle Gold Metal Wall Mirror | Wayfair | MCRW6882 |
7 | Bathroom | Counter abd Shower Walls | Valente Pearl | Valente Pearl | Corian Quartz | N/A |
8 | Bathroom | Stone Fabricator | N/A | N/A | OK Granite | N/A |
9 | Bathroom | Shower Glass and Hardware | Custom | Custom | Cascade Glass | N/A |
10 | Bathroom | Floor Tile | Combined Hexagon Carrara Nero | Combined Hexagon Carrara Nero | Saltillo Tile | N/A |
DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS
GETTING PLASTERED
The original bulky fireplace didn’t make sense—it jutted out from the wall and took up too much space in the living room’s tight quarters. We turned it into a floor-to-ceiling feature wall with a plaster finish, modern linear insert, and eye-level niche for a large flat-screen TV.
SLEEP ON IT
Another space-saving measure: To maximize the small footprint of the basement, we transformed it into an open, multipurpose room. We removed walls and installed a Murphy bed to create a pop-up bedroom for overnight guests. When the bed is folded up, the basement can be used as an office, playroom, or bonus area for entertaining. This setup proved to be an incredible added value for the listing!
A COUNTER OFFER
This kitchen was need of a simple refresh—not a major reno—to get it ready for sale. We painted the existing cabinetry in fresh neutral colors (the uppers are Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace, and the lowers are Benjamin Moore Grey Owl). But the biggest impact was made by installing a new backsplash and countertops. Using the same quartz for both provides a sleek, cohesive feel that proved to be well worth the investment.
Bring It Home
Love the look of Catherine and Nick’s finished basement? Items inspired by this multifunctional space are just a click away!
SPECIAL THANKS
Local design support: Hella Design Studio
Local contractor: Rocky Mountain Exteriors & Interiors
Patio door: NovaTech
Door installation: Alberta Vinyl Windows & Doors
Custom vanity: 511 Custom Industries
Cabinet refinishing: New Look Cabinets & Interiors
Painters: Wow 1 Day Painting—Calgary