Jess Carrier’s
My Basement Speakeasy:
The Hidden Space You’d Never Expect
We transformed a section of our unfinished basement into an adult hangout with a quirky vibe. The best part? It’s completely hidden… so we call it our “basement speakeasy.”
I’ve been working on a full basement overhaul (more posts on that coming soon), but today I want to show you what’s arguably the coolest little corner of the entire project: My Basement Speakeasy!
That’s right. Tucked away behind everything else down there is my very own speakeasy-style hideout. It’s moody, it’s cozy, it’s got a full liquor shelf—and yes, it’s giving underground lounge energy. If you’ve ever dreamed of having a grown-up space that feels like a secret club… this is it.
What’s Inside This Hidden Gem?
This space has slowly become one of my favorite spots in the entire house. Here’s what I packed into my little cocktail cave:
- A table with chairs (perfect for late-night board games or post-dinner hangs)
- A cozy sofa + two insanely comfy IKEA chairs
- A large TV for movie nights, sports, or background ambiance while sipping
- Wine racks and a liquor shelf setup that’s functional and cute
- A high-quality air filtration system so you can light up a cigar without stinking up the place (yes, I thought of everything)
It’s private, it’s vibey, and it’s totally unexpected—which honestly makes it even better.
The Dirty Work You Didn’t See
Now listen—I wish I had before photos to show you how bad this space was. But if you’ve ever worked on a basement, you already know: it was rough.
We’re talking:
- Broken, cracked concrete floors that needed full repair
- Brick walls that needed mortar patched
- Layers of grime that required scrubbing like my life depended on it
- Paint on every surface that wasn’t the original brick (because she deserved to stay)
I’m not being dramatic when I say this might have been the dirtiest job I’ve ever taken on. But holy smokes—it paid off.
Why I Love It
This space is more than just a place to pour a drink. It’s a vibe shift. It’s the “grown-up clubhouse” energy I didn’t know I needed until it was done.
It’s where I go when I want to unwind, have a cocktail, and feel like I’m not in my own house for a minute (in the best way).
More Basement Posts Coming Soon…
There’s more happening down here, so stay tuned for upcoming posts about the rest of the basement makeover—including my favorite DIYs, design choices, and a few other hidden surprises.
Until then, I’ll be downstairs… probably with a whiskey sour and a playlist on low.

Shop This Project

Watch It Happen on TikTok 🎥
Since I don’t have traditional before-and-after photos, I captured the full journey on TikTok. You can watch everything—from the grimy mess to the finished speakeasy—all right here:
Seriously, the transformation is worth the scroll. And if you’ve ever thought about turning a weird corner of your basement into something magical… this is your sign.
@jesscarrier Area 4 of 6. Making my unfinished basement a whole vibe!
♬ original sound - Molly-DIY + Home Design
@jesscarrier Ugh! I just can’t get over what a vibe this room is! #decor #interiordesign #quirky #basement ♬ original sound - Gabriel Wulf
@jesscarrier Basement transformation! #milwaukeetools #speakeasy #dontaskmehowididit ♬ NOTHIN' TO IT - ON THE HUNT & Chandler
Please Share the Secret. 😉
If you loved this hidden basement transformation—or you know someone who needs a cozy little cocktail cave of their own—share the post!
Copy the link and…..
📌 Pin it to your home project or basement inspo board
📤 Post it to your stories (you know your friends are gonna ask about it)
📎 Send it to your DIY-loving group chat and say, “Let’s build one.”
Sharing helps this blog grow and keeps the projects (and the whiskey) flowing. 🥃✨