basement | Tuesdays with Laurie

We’ve lived in the same house for 17 years and have never needed air conditioning before. Sure, we’ve had a few hot days, but nothing we couldn’t handle with a few fans and a nice cross breeze. But this year’s been different. Really different!

With soaring temperatures and humidity levels—89 degrees considered a “cold snap”—we’ve been somewhat like lobsters…steamed alive in our ground-level bedroom. Something had to be done.

Welcome to Camp Laurie! These creaky steps (the self-same steps I tumbled down and broke my ankle on 3 years ago) lead down to the basement which is easily 15 degrees cooler than the ground level. With a few strategically placed fans to create a circular flow of air (envision the Bermuda Triangle), and the liberal use of sandalwood incense, I created a pleasant smelling “cold zone.”

In the dark the jacket sleeves seem to reach out and grab you while you're making your way down the creaky stairs

Here’s what used to be our son’s bedroom. (Please don’t ask me if I presented the spiders with a friendly eviction notice because I’ll lie to you). I scrubbed this space to within an inch of its life.

It's easily 15-degrees cooler in what used to be our son's bedroom

With the simple placement of a futon, I created a comfortable reading area.

Up at a 45-degree angle, this futon and floor lamp make for a comfortable reading area

Another area on the receiving end of major elbow grease was the basement bathroom. No having to bolt upstairs if nature calls in the middle of the night. Just a few simple rules:

– Don’t dare leave the toilet seat up
– Don’t flick plaque on the mirrors when you floss