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Nicole Fergesen

June 26, 2017

Finishing the Basement: Done! (Well, Mostly)

This post contains affiliate links, which means, if you click the link on my website I may make a small commission for advertising this product to you. It does not cost you more, but it helps to keep my site running. Thank you for your support!

We have finally made it! The fastest renovation in history. While we aren’t completely finished (I will break that down at the end), it is done to the point where it is usable and contractors aren’t in our home every day. Sources linked at the end. So without further ado, the (mostly) finished basement!

Also, keep in mind that any decorating or furniture is simply placed there at this point. It is not decorated or complete in that aspect, merely finished. Mostly. Sorry, without further ado…

The view coming in from the garage. I still smile every time I walk through the door!

Turning slightly to the left. Where that giant TV is, I would like to put a smaller one and a full length mirror. This was the TV we had in the living room in our old house, but we upgraded when we moved in. So if anyone wants a giant TV, let me know 😉 You can see some of the workout equipment found a home in that little nook under the stairs. While that won’t be their home forever, it is nice to have them out of the way until we actually set up the workout area.

Here’s a little closeup of that under-the-stairs nook, sans equipment. Super cute, right?

I am picturing a ton of pillows, books, and some other toys for the kids when they want to hang out with me while I am working out.

This is the view standing in the guest room looking out. That little storage unit is a placeholder until my uncle installs our built-ins (praise hands!). I am picturing a storage closet on the left and right of that bump out, with a bench and cubbies in between. Check out my Pinterest board for the basement to see what I am brainstorming! I picture all our kid shoes and jackets (the kid stuff is out of control!), winter gear, and sporting equipment having a nice, organized home here. Eventually.

Now turning slightly to the right, standing in the guest room doorway. That is the door that goes out to the garage. I am planning on putting a treadmill in the corner, maybe a spin bike and a weight rack on the right wall.

Looking at the garage door, stairs to the first floor on your right. The built-ins would be on your left here. Can you picture it? My mind is racing with the potential!

You can see the area where the built-ins will go a little better here. (Pardon the orange. Not at all how it is in person!)

Now onto the guest room! This was taken before the trim was done or I mopped. But you get the gist.

We actually fit a queen bed in here! It is tight, but it fits AND we got two small nightstands. I can’t wait to show you more! That door there is the closet/AC unit.

Because of the tight squeeze, picture taking is difficult. Here is my attempt at an angle where you can see the other side of the room.

Onto the office! This is the room on the other side of the stairs. This is the hallway, with the office behind you. The door directly ahead is the water pump. Having the door there would give us easy access to change the filters and turn the water on/off if needed. The door on the left is where the mechanicals and storage is. I will spare you the horror of seeing that room. It needs some major work… We installed an oversized door so we can easily move in/out bigger object if needed.

If you did a 180 degree turn, here you are, in the office! Again, not styled, so don’t judge. Do you spot anything new? Maybe a WINDOW?! This was one addition I was adamant about adding, and I am glad I stuck to my guns. It lets in so much natural light! Since Marcus uses the office daily, it was important for him to have actual daylight. If you are ever considering adding a window, just do it. You will never regret adding more light!

This is the view if you walked into the room and turned around. This acts as a second guest room (hey, pull out couch!) so safety wise, I liked the idea of having a window for a quick exit in case of emergency.

Standing further back. You can see this is actually a pretty good size room! With the couch pulled out (because of course we had to break it in the weekend it was finished! Told you we have guests over a lot!) it fits right up to the desk. Of course you can move the desk back more, but we still have a little wiggle room which is nice.

We are almost done with the tour! If you’ve made it this far, congratulations. I am impressed! So remember how I said we aren’t completely finished? Well here’s one of the big ones to complete: we still haven’t installed the stair treads. The walls in this hallway (and a few other areas) need to be finished a little better and painted again. It isn’t super noticeable, just something that I notice and will drive me nuts #details. 

Excuse the cute little assistant.

You can also see the mess of wires from the TV. Wires are my nemesis!

This is the view coming down the stairs. You can also see the mess in the basement before I cleaned for pictures. Real life, right? (Also, if you are reading this and recognize those shoes, they were left at Eloise’s party. Please claim them!).

And now you are on the first floor looking down! That mirror is coming down (poor placement if you are using the powder room and the door is open. Not that I know from experience. I have kids, ok? You are welcome for that visual) and I think I will do a couple picture ledges.

So that’s it! For now. We are so thrilled with how it came out! Obviously we still have a lot of work to do to button it up, and a long way to go in terms of decorating. But at this point we can pick away at it slowly instead of rushing to get it done. See below for sources! 

Items that needs to be done still:

Stair treads

Install handrail in stairway

Add new light in hallway

Add built ins

Switch out TV

Add mirror in gym area

Finish sanding/painting rough areas

Finish out closets

Add picture ledge leading up to office

Organize mechanical/storage area

Thanks for following along 🙂

As a side note, the colors are hard to show exactly as they are in person. The gray is the perfect gray with no purple or green undertones. The floor is a true brown with little orange influence.

Walls: Grey Owl, lightened 50% (colormatched in Behr)
Floors: Red River Hickory COREtec Laminate 
Doorknobs: Schlage Gregorian style in oil rubbed bronze  
Contractor: CR Ayers (603)553-0517 and as side note, yes, he is my uncle. But his work is phenomenal and reasonably priced! I highly recommend if you live in the New Hampshire/Massachusetts area.

Affiliate links used. Thanks for supporting my blog!

Did you enjoy this post? Make sure to join the @nicolefergesen community on instagram! Follow me and shop me outfits here. Don’t miss out on updates and inspiration! You can also join my Facebook community and follow my current interests over on my Pinterest. Buy a copy of Marcus’ book here.

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Posted In: Home Decor, Uncategorized · Tagged: basement, basement reno, basement renovation, diy, do it yourself, family, finished basement, fixer upper, guest room, home, home improvement, home reno, house, interior design, office, reno

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Hey There!

About Me
I am Nicole Fergesen, mama to four, new Iowan and part time New Hampshire girl. I believe in Jesus, live on coffee, and love functional fashion. I also dabble in home design and relentlessly find beauty in everything. Wife to Dustin, widow of Marcus, blending a family and finding grace in the journey.

I WANT IN

nicolefergesen

We heard the heartbeat again today 😍 there’s We heard the heartbeat again today 😍 there’s nothing more miraculous and humbling than the creation of life. It’s such a precious gift from God! I can’t believe we are almost halfway there... and we haven’t thought about a single thing to buy for the baby 😅 we need to get on that since we don’t have anything anymore! AND we find out the gender in two weeks 🎉 
I’m bad about sharing updates on my actual feed so I’m trying to get better about that 🤣 We are working on a secret super fast weekend bedroom makeover for the E2 room, so make sure you keep watch on my stories! And our bigger renovation projects start in about two weeks 😱 All the things!! 
http://liketk.it/3915D photo by @bekahlee33 #liketkit @liketoknow.it #bonusbaby #heartbeat #partyofseven #bigfamily #blendedfamily #bump #midwestliving #iowalife #baby #genderreveal #happylife #godisgood #homerenovation #renovation #home
Life's so unpredictable And things might not be go Life's so unpredictable
And things might not be goin' my way
But it's gonna be a good day
Though things are goin' sideways
I got a smile on my face
And nothing's gonna bring me down
'Cause I know
Whatever happens, He knows
He'll never leave me alone 
I'll be okay
And it's gonna be a good day

Good Day by @strivetobe 

Our new school commute party song! Let’s have an amazing day everyone! 

Shop similar outfit here: http://liketk.it/38W1F Photo by @bekahlee33  #smile #happy #goodlife #positivevibes #positivelife #itsagoodday #ighappy #getit #liketkit @liketoknow.it #carparty #godsgotthis #heisable #motivateme #midwestliving #iowalife
Life is crazy, hard, chaotic, and messy. And there Life is crazy, hard, chaotic, and messy. And there’s no one in the world I’d rather do it with. Love you @dfergesen. 

Photo by @bekahlee33 #beautyinthechaos #embracethejourney #blended #lifeisgood #loveyou #secondchance #midwestliving #transplant #beautyforashes
When you see dad for the first time (since that mo When you see dad for the first time (since that morning) 🥰 #kidpile #handsfullheartfull
We are dedicated to raising good humans in our hou We are dedicated to raising good humans in our house. That means lots of time devoted to explaining what it means to have good character and how to be intentional with our choices and thoughts. @crafting_character was so kind of gift us the Grateful Gobbler, one of many award winning character developing systems for children. I was pleasantly surprised at the kids’ excitement and attention to the stuffed animal, book, and activity prompts. We are a few days into our activity but I can see a difference in their perception already, changing their mindset to gratefulness for even the smallest things. That makes me so proud as a mom! It’s also been a good reminder for me to slow down and look for all the blessings in our lives. Sometimes things get so fast and hard we forget how good we really have it! I encourage you to check out all the character traits at @crafting_character and begin the process of instilling solid character in your children. Check out some of our behind the scenes in my stories 😆

#craftingcharacterseries #raisinggoodhumans #characterbuilding #raisingarrows #fun #values #character #kidswithcharacter #grateful #gratefulhearts
Always and forever, Valentine. I couldn’t be mor Always and forever, Valentine. I couldn’t be more thankful for you, my best friend, amazing husband, and fantastic father. Love you more and more every day ❤️ 
@dfergesen
Valentine’s Day is almost here! It’s a wonderf Valentine’s Day is almost here! It’s a wonderful day to celebrate ❤️love❤️, but also a bitter reminder for those who are single. I want to encourage you to remember those who are widowed and mourning their partner, or those who are single and grieving the lack of a relationship. I wrote some ways you can make those single people feel seen and special on a day they’re probably feeling lonely and sad (check it out through the link in my profile). I challenge you to choose one or two single people in your life to bless on this holiday and fill their day with love too ❤️ http://liketk.it/389TG #liketkit @liketoknow.it #valentinesday #valentine #valentines #youngwidow #singlesday #youareloved #youarenotalone @neveralonewidows #neveralone #loveyou #grieving #griefjourney #celebratelove
I’ve never done an introduction before, so I fig I’ve never done an introduction before, so I figured now was a good time with some new followers here 👋🏼 
I’m Nicole! I’m a newly remarried widow, blissfully married to my second chance, @dfergesen, mom of four (and one on the way!) and I’m a professional excited person with way too many passions. I thrive on chaos (hello five kids!) and my goal in life is to lift up and inspire others, regardless of our circumstances. We moved from New Hampshire to Iowa last summer, so life in the Midwest is new to us! This is a journal of our crazy life, love after loss, blending a family, renovating a home, sprinkle in some fashion, Jesus, child grief, and the joys of life. Talk about a clear niche, right? 😆 you can shop my fashion and home favorites here: www.liketoknow.it/nicolefergesen. I also lead a virtual Bible study, so if you’re interested in that let me know and I can give you details! 
Nice to meet you! Share a little about yourself below 👋🏼👇🏼

Shop here: http://liketk.it/374Zu 

Photo by @bekahlee33 #positivevibes #positivity #thankful #findthegood #instagood #liketkit #ootd #outfit #passionate #positivity #nicetomeetyou #momlife #momstyle #intro #midwest #midwestliving #transplant
“Every day may not be good, but there is somethi “Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day.” We can always find something to be thankful for, no matter our circumstances. What glimmers of hope have you found today? Share below! ✨👇🏼

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

Shop my outfit here: http://liketk.it/3755z Photo by @bekahlee33 #positivevibes #allthingsthroughchrist #thinkonthesethings #positivity #thankful #findthegood #instagood #happy #happylife #joy #gratitude #keepyoureyesup #hope #philippians #philippians48
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Year in Review - 2020
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nicolefergesen

We heard the heartbeat again today 😍 there’s We heard the heartbeat again today 😍 there’s nothing more miraculous and humbling than the creation of life. It’s such a precious gift from God! I can’t believe we are almost halfway there... and we haven’t thought about a single thing to buy for the baby 😅 we need to get on that since we don’t have anything anymore! AND we find out the gender in two weeks 🎉 
I’m bad about sharing updates on my actual feed so I’m trying to get better about that 🤣 We are working on a secret super fast weekend bedroom makeover for the E2 room, so make sure you keep watch on my stories! And our bigger renovation projects start in about two weeks 😱 All the things!! 
http://liketk.it/3915D photo by @bekahlee33 #liketkit @liketoknow.it #bonusbaby #heartbeat #partyofseven #bigfamily #blendedfamily #bump #midwestliving #iowalife #baby #genderreveal #happylife #godisgood #homerenovation #renovation #home
Life's so unpredictable And things might not be go Life's so unpredictable
And things might not be goin' my way
But it's gonna be a good day
Though things are goin' sideways
I got a smile on my face
And nothing's gonna bring me down
'Cause I know
Whatever happens, He knows
He'll never leave me alone 
I'll be okay
And it's gonna be a good day

Good Day by @strivetobe 

Our new school commute party song! Let’s have an amazing day everyone! 

Shop similar outfit here: http://liketk.it/38W1F Photo by @bekahlee33  #smile #happy #goodlife #positivevibes #positivelife #itsagoodday #ighappy #getit #liketkit @liketoknow.it #carparty #godsgotthis #heisable #motivateme #midwestliving #iowalife
Life is crazy, hard, chaotic, and messy. And there Life is crazy, hard, chaotic, and messy. And there’s no one in the world I’d rather do it with. Love you @dfergesen. 

Photo by @bekahlee33 #beautyinthechaos #embracethejourney #blended #lifeisgood #loveyou #secondchance #midwestliving #transplant #beautyforashes
When you see dad for the first time (since that mo When you see dad for the first time (since that morning) 🥰 #kidpile #handsfullheartfull
We are dedicated to raising good humans in our hou We are dedicated to raising good humans in our house. That means lots of time devoted to explaining what it means to have good character and how to be intentional with our choices and thoughts. @crafting_character was so kind of gift us the Grateful Gobbler, one of many award winning character developing systems for children. I was pleasantly surprised at the kids’ excitement and attention to the stuffed animal, book, and activity prompts. We are a few days into our activity but I can see a difference in their perception already, changing their mindset to gratefulness for even the smallest things. That makes me so proud as a mom! It’s also been a good reminder for me to slow down and look for all the blessings in our lives. Sometimes things get so fast and hard we forget how good we really have it! I encourage you to check out all the character traits at @crafting_character and begin the process of instilling solid character in your children. Check out some of our behind the scenes in my stories 😆

#craftingcharacterseries #raisinggoodhumans #characterbuilding #raisingarrows #fun #values #character #kidswithcharacter #grateful #gratefulhearts
Always and forever, Valentine. I couldn’t be mor Always and forever, Valentine. I couldn’t be more thankful for you, my best friend, amazing husband, and fantastic father. Love you more and more every day ❤️ 
@dfergesen
Valentine’s Day is almost here! It’s a wonderf Valentine’s Day is almost here! It’s a wonderful day to celebrate ❤️love❤️, but also a bitter reminder for those who are single. I want to encourage you to remember those who are widowed and mourning their partner, or those who are single and grieving the lack of a relationship. I wrote some ways you can make those single people feel seen and special on a day they’re probably feeling lonely and sad (check it out through the link in my profile). I challenge you to choose one or two single people in your life to bless on this holiday and fill their day with love too ❤️ http://liketk.it/389TG #liketkit @liketoknow.it #valentinesday #valentine #valentines #youngwidow #singlesday #youareloved #youarenotalone @neveralonewidows #neveralone #loveyou #grieving #griefjourney #celebratelove
I’ve never done an introduction before, so I fig I’ve never done an introduction before, so I figured now was a good time with some new followers here 👋🏼 
I’m Nicole! I’m a newly remarried widow, blissfully married to my second chance, @dfergesen, mom of four (and one on the way!) and I’m a professional excited person with way too many passions. I thrive on chaos (hello five kids!) and my goal in life is to lift up and inspire others, regardless of our circumstances. We moved from New Hampshire to Iowa last summer, so life in the Midwest is new to us! This is a journal of our crazy life, love after loss, blending a family, renovating a home, sprinkle in some fashion, Jesus, child grief, and the joys of life. Talk about a clear niche, right? 😆 you can shop my fashion and home favorites here: www.liketoknow.it/nicolefergesen. I also lead a virtual Bible study, so if you’re interested in that let me know and I can give you details! 
Nice to meet you! Share a little about yourself below 👋🏼👇🏼

Shop here: http://liketk.it/374Zu 

Photo by @bekahlee33 #positivevibes #positivity #thankful #findthegood #instagood #liketkit #ootd #outfit #passionate #positivity #nicetomeetyou #momlife #momstyle #intro #midwest #midwestliving #transplant
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