Makeover moxie

Home + Garden Style

June 1, 2020



A basement redesign shows you don’t have to spend a fortune to create an inspired living space.

by Catherine Ruth Kelly 

photographs by Justin Driscoll

Drawing inspiration from an array of local artisans, a SouthPark homeowner recently refreshed the basement of her three-story townhome. By mixing their works with family heirlooms and vintage pieces, the remodel highlights the homeowner’s signature bohemian style while keeping the budget to a minimum.

“My vision was to have a cool hangout for my boys and their friends, as well an area for me to entertain — a multifunctioning, beautiful space for our family that didn’t break the bank,” explains the mother of two.

Through her work in the local fashion and design sectors, the homeowner has met a variety of artists and designers, and she used her basement project as an opportunity to showcase their work.


“I’ve met so many talented artists in Charlotte who have inspired me, and incorporating their work helped create a special, meaningful space for my family,” she says.

The homeowner’s first calls were to her interior-designer friend and neighbor Ashley DeLapp and her vintage furniture-loving friend Ariene Bethea, who owns Dressing Room Interiors Studio. DeLapp and Bethea collaborated on the wall color, a deep purple called Acai Berry by Benjamin Moore.

The gold velvet curtains from IKEA accent the amber-toned lucite chairs and round table, which interior designer Ashley DeLapp, a friend of the homeowner, found on Modway, a midcentury modern furniture distributor. Another family friend, Steven King of FirstRate Home Improvement, installed the artwork and lighting, including the retro globe pendant fixture. The vintage Turkish rug is from Krazy for Rugs.

“Painting is the quickest way to update a room,” Bethea says. “The dark purple is a perfect complement to many of the pieces [the homeowner] already had and a versatile backdrop for the multipurpose aspect of the space.”

Amanda Moody’s custom “Sugar Skull” wallpaper, installed by Vicki Turner of Vicki’s Custom Walls, transformed the utilitarian half bath into a glamorous powder room. The homeowner painted the cabinets dark blue to match the countertop and added brass hardware by Addison Weeks. The design was completed by a capiz shell mirror, monogrammed hand towels by E.F. Chandler Linens and flowers by Shelly St. Laurent of Foxglove Fine Flowers.

Much of the existing furniture and accessories in the home were hand-me-downs or repurposed items, including many items found in thrift stores. Blending new purchases with cherished collectibles creates a layered, curated look in a room, and it is often more affordable, the homeowner says. 


“You can surround yourself with beauty without spending a fortune,” she says. “I always gravitate toward items that have history or a special meaning to me.” She incorporates sentimental items such as family photographs, needlepoint pillows and monogrammed linens in her home decor.

“Decorating with meaningful things personalizes a room,” she says. “They add warmth and depth, and they are great conversation starters.”  SP

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