From Eyesore to Speakeasy: Transforming My Basement with the Home Depot
Published April 4, 2025
Iyonna of Iyonna Shannon is a DIY and home decor content creator with a passion for transforming everyday spaces into magazine-worthy moments. She believes home should be a place you never need a break from—a space that feels joyful, lived-in and deeply personal. Known for her eclectic yet modern style, Iyonna blends color, texture and creativity to make the best of what she has, proving that beautiful design is possible at any budget. Her mission is to empower others to reimagine their homes with confidence and heart.
A Note From The Home Depot
Transform your basement to create the perfect space. Follow along as Iyonna of Iyonna Shannon shows how she created a basement speakeasy.
Table of Contents
A Secret Entrance for a True Speakeasy Feel
Setting the Mood with Color & Lighting
The Bar That Started It All
Lounge-Worthy Seating
A Total Flooring Transformation
The Home Depot: The One-Stop Shop for Transformation
When I first purchased my home, my basement was anything but inspiring. With its bland beige walls and lack of character, it felt more like an afterthought than a space full of potential. But I saw something different. I saw a chance to create something truly special. I envisioned an intimate, stylish speakeasy lounge where I could merge my love for music, the ‘70s and rich textures into a one-of-a-kind space.
A Secret Entrance for a True Speakeasy Feel
What’s a speakeasy without a little mystery? To enhance the theme, I created a hidden entrance by installing wooden acoustic paneling on both the door and the surrounding wall. The panels were installed using a brad nailer and a miter saw to make the perfect cuts. This disguised the entrance and gave the space an exclusive, tucked-away feel—just like a real speakeasy. The before is a terror! But the after is a dream!
Setting the Mood with Color & Lighting
To bring my vision to life, I knew I needed deep, moody hues to set the tone. The most transformative elements of this project were paint and flooring. I drenched the walls in Behr’s Divine Wine in the Dynasty line, a bold yet inviting shade that instantly warmed up the space. Paired with uplighting and greenery, the room took on a sultry, lounge-like atmosphere perfect for entertaining.
The Bar That Started It All
Every great speakeasy needs a statement bar and I found mine in the most unexpected place—a reception desk from HomeDepot.com! With a little creativity, I transformed it into the ultimate serving station, proving that innovation is the key to great design.
To complement the bar, I added LED display cabinetry—a sleek and upscale way to showcase my glassware and record collection. This not only added function but also enhanced the ambiance, making the space feel high-end yet inviting.
Lounge-Worthy Seating
Comfort was a top priority and I found the perfect curved velvet couch on HomeDepot.com. Plush, stylish and the ultimate statement piece, it anchors the room beautifully. To complete the lounge vibe, I paired it with two café tables and four chairs, mimicking the feel of an intimate bar setting.
I also incorporated black velvet armchairs and a stunning marble side table to introduce natural materials into the space. The mix of textures—soft velvet, sleek marble and warm wood—added depth and sophistication.
A Total Flooring Transformation
The biggest game-changer? New flooring. The old, outdated floors needed a serious facelift, so I installed click-lock LVP flooring. As a beginner DIY’er, I was thrilled at how easy the process was! The result? A polished foundation that tied everything together.
The Home Depot: The One-Stop Shop for Transformation
From couches to cabinetry, bar essentials to lighting, furniture to flooring, accents to bulbs, The Home Depot had everything I needed to bring my speakeasy vision to life. With a little creativity and the right materials, I turned my once-forgotten basement into a moody, music-inspired retreat—complete with a hidden entrance!
This post was created in partnership with The Home Depot. The author may have received compensation for this article and associated images or video, potentially in the form of products and/or services. All expressed opinions and experiences are the author’s own words.
