It looks great! We did something similar last year and we are still thrilled with it. It looks like we have the same narrow stairs that you have. It makes a huge difference! We also changed out the top door for a glass paneled door after my contractor suggested it. I would never have thought of it. It helps when you are coming up from the basement so that you don't open the door into anyone.

Joanie and CL, Thanks and you both confirm our thoughts. TV goes on the short wall to the right I am trying to decide whether a small sectional or just a sofa would be best. We will be there this weekend, so I may just tape it out on the floor and decide. I wilI probably spend more of my budget on comfortable seating and then economize on the rest. We're planning to build out there in a few years when we retire and may be able to use some of it in the basement when we do and give away anything that won't work - just don't want to spend so much that we feel like we're stuck with it down the road. Will have to check out the gel fireplace - might be fun. Fur - I had to grin when I saw that because with four dogs (two huskies) we already have a lot of that -- but I know what you mean and will keep my eye out for something. DD and I will have a good time shopping -- we love having a project going on!

Love the pallet wall!

A secondary living space designed for an older occupant needs way more thought about whole property accessibility than it does about sunlight. And Sunlight is important. It’s just less important than the whole. It’s part of a whole. Are you putting in an elevator? How will she access her basement apartment otherwise? Stairs? Really? If she still drives, where will she park? Bring in groceries? What is the route from entering the property to getting to her space? Is she expected to never leave that space and be with the family upstairs? How will that happen? You need better design help than you’re currently getting if you’re just concerned about a deck for the upper floor occupants.