My dear husband is creating my dream basement for me under a strict budget. We have alloted about $500 to complete the project.  Here are before pictures:

It wouldn't take much to improve this mess :P, but here's the plan.  1/2 of the 11 x 20 room is to be my Mary Kay spa studio, where I can give personalized beauty consultation in a beautiful environment!  The other half is to be my sewing studio, the heart of www.BlessedDesigns.net.  

Our color scheme is blue and brown with touches of white, cream, tan and orange.

I chose a beautiful blue paint called Sonata from Behr ($24), synthetic crown molding with an ivy motif ($144), and new door trims that remind me of the trim in the Kirtland Temple ($55).  We plan to paint all the doors and trim white (free paint leftover from my parent's remodel), prime and paint the ceiling to hide water stains (free paint–see previous), shampoo the carpets (free since my mom got me an awesome carpet shampooer from a garage sale for my birthday), and hang a cream sheer curtain ($6) from a ceiling mounted curtain rod ($15) to visibly separate the two rooms while still allowing light to pass.  We also purchased new ceiling mounted light fixtures ($75 for 2) and a HUGE beautiful mirror with dark brown frame.($100).  I bought a ficus tree off craig's list ($12), but I'm not sure I'll keep it.

The crown molding and mirror were splurges, but I love them and think they will make a big difference!

One of my favorite parts of the room makeover is my "new" couch.  My neighbor put it out by the side of the road and we rescued it.  The cushion fabric was shredded but the frame was solid and very comfy.  I bought a luxurious chocolate micro suede upholstery fabric from www.fabric.com ($140) and recovered the cushions, leaving the fabric on the frame as is for a nice contrast.  I bought enough to make a cover for my oak futon to match and am trying to decide if I should sew it like a fitted sheet, free motion quilt the top for interest and extra padding, or make a zippered cover with it.  Also in the air is whether or not to use piping.

I earned some beautiful wall plaques from Mary Kay's star consultant program that are going to look awesome down there.  My goal is to create a spa-like calming atmosphere that is elegant and classy. 

Phase 2 of our remodel (separate budget) will include new molded doors, new carpet, and a wall mounted big screen TV and DVD player.  I also hope to buy some beautiful iridescent orange silk for accent pillows and great smelling orange pillar candles to place on a long shelf under the huge mirror.

The bathroom is also in deep need of attention.  I plan to paint the walls (blue or tan?), paint the thrifted mirror over the sink (the opposite of what I choose for the walls) and to add more mirrors to bounce light.  I also want to paint the vanity white and get new hardware.  And the flooring needs replaced.  Tile would be ideal, but I'm waiting to mention that until Darren has recovered from everything else I've asked him to do ;).