Once upon a time … remember back in 2017, and then 2019 when we shared with you our personal lower level reveal? In phase one, we split the utility room in half and added in a basement bathroom, and phase two we added in a bar by repurposing our kitchen cabinets. Fast forward a few years, and here we are in phase two (or three!) of its transformation. Let’s just say, we’ve given it a little refresh – one we hope will stick for a while this time! You can find all of the details behind adding in our basement bathroom HERE and HERE.

When we added in the bathroom, it was a simple half-bath built from a storage and utility room. The plumbing was plumbed in so we knew it was always the intent to add in a bathroom here, so that’s exactly what we did. Fast forward to now, and while we loved the original design, we wanted to embrace a lighter, more cohesive vibe that still reflects our love of Scandinavian-inspired design with a touch of Anthropologie wallpaper charm.

Table of Contents

Before

After, Phase One

Why the Update?

After living with our original design for a few years, I realized the one accent wall style wasn’t doing it for me anymore. I wanted all the walls to feel intentional, and I was ready to let the space fully embrace the wallpaper love. Plus, the darker tones we had previously, while cozy, started feeling a little heavy.

So, out went the single accent wall and in came all the wallpaper! We kept the same Scandinavian inspiration but opted for a lighter, brighter pattern and chose this Rebel Walls wallpaper. The Swedish Forest design feels fresh while still grounding the space with its intricate details—it’s a design we adore so much, we’ve used Rebel Walls wallpaper in other areas of our home, like the kids’ rooms!

What Stayed & What’s New?

This wasn’t a full-scale renovation—it was more of a thoughtful refresh. We kept:

The sink, a porcelain console sink with a brass stand that we’ve loved since day one.
The flooring, which still ties the space together beautifully.

What we updated:

Wallpaper: Rebel Walls Wallpaper: Swedish Forest in White. It’s a game-changer for brightening up the space while keeping it visually dynamic.
Lighting: New sconces that add just the right amount of charm and warmth.
Mirror: A clean, timeless design that complements the brass sink stand.
Decor: A mix of boho-inspired pieces like pampas grass, rustic vases, and Anthropologie-style candle holders to give the space an elevated yet relaxed feel.