Our Downstairs Makeover with the 2026 Colors of the Year

Doug Gamblin
11 minutes ago
2 min read

Frank the shihtzu
enjoying the downstairs sofa

A Fresh Start for 2026: Our Downstairs Makeover

Dianne and I are officially on a mission to refresh our downstairs living area with some simple DIY projects and the 2026 Colors of the Year—and it’s been fun.

But first, a trip down memory lane.

When we bought our home in 2011, the lower level was only accessible by an outdoor staircase. A 2012 renovation expanded the living area to encompass the staircase and voila! We added 1100 SF downstairs!

We did a few basic things — new windows, paint, and carpet.

For years, this space has been a full-on grandkid mecca, which we’ve loved. But as the kids get older, it felt like the right time to reimagine the room and create a space that works for everyone. Our lower level is a walkout set against a hillside, so we’re lucky to have great windows and natural light. However, because it wasn’t part of the original house, it definitely needed some updates.

One of the biggest changes in our downstairs makeover was fixing the wall texture. Originally, they were finished with plaster against the foundation—not exactly cozy. We replaced that with wood and paneling treatments that add texture, warmth, and significant visual interest. It immediately transformed the room's feel.

We now have a big-screen tv viewing area, a comfortable conversation area, an office space, and a game or dining table. There is also a large bedroom and a huge storage area, which are still works in progress.

Let's Talk Color

For color, we leaned into the Colors of the Year—using Cloud White (or a similar shade) for the walls and trim, with Warm Eucalyptus layered in through pillows, furniture, plants, and accents. Since we’re set on a beautiful Walnut Creek hillside, the goal was to bring the outdoors in, and these tones feel perfectly at home here.

We also added an electric fireplace and installed rustic redwood beams that I built from salvaged old fencing boards. It’s one of my favorite details—simple, personal, and full of character.

Don't Forget to Look Down

Another major upgrade: new laminate wood flooring in a color that complements the upstairs Brazilian. It looks a thousand times better than the old carpet and will handle moisture far more gracefully—an important consideration for a lower-level space.

We’re not quite finished yet, but overall, we’re thrilled with how it’s coming together. It feels fresh, warm, and ready for the next chapter of our home. And Frank approves.