A home is a very personal place. Beyond providing shelter, it is where we interact with our loved ones, rest and recuperate, and create memories. A home that reflects the personality and needs of those that live there enhances comfort and enjoyment. For these homeowners, this desire to have their own gathering space that appealed to every family member led them to remodel their basement.
Before Photo:
After Photo:
The overall layout of the new design creates a space for many types of activities. Strategic placement of a half wall, decorative moldings, floor coverings and furniture help segment each area, while providing a cohesive look. The addition of lighting options ensures the space feels welcoming and bright, which can sometimes be a challenge in lower level remodels.
Media Center:
Though the homeowners would have loved a fireplace in the lower level, the cost would have put them out of their budget. Instead, the look of a fireplace was created with a stacked stone wall, serving as a backdrop for the television and providing a spacious yet cozy area for movie and sports watching.
Wet Bar:
Comfortably entertaining friends and family was another goal of the basement remodel. The large wet bar provides plenty of space for food and drink prep and serving, as well as plenty of seating. The half wall scales in the open space while giving party-goers another gathering place and a surface on which to place drinks. Another seating area adjacent to the half wall offers even more resting spots.
Wine-Inspired Décor:
A love of wine country set the tone for the aesthetics in this project, and is exemplified in this seating area. The stacked stone was carried over from the media wall, surrounding an arched doorway that hints to a wine cellar behind. Shelving and a wine refrigerator are the true wine storage options however. The tray ceiling helps pull the seating area in, offering an intimate feel to what serves as the entry to the lower level from the first floor.
Large Spaces Mean Long Walls:
The rectangular nature of the lower lever meant that a long wall was going to be part of the design. To continue building a comfortable scale within the large space, the designer created a wall feature with decorative moldings and false columns. Not only does the design break up the huge wall, it also gives the homeowner a natural place to hang family photos. Wainscoting throughout the basement helps frame the many sports memorabilia items the family owns. Floating shelves were custom-designed and built around the items they hold.
Final Result:
The homeowners ended up with a space that reflects the interests of their family and compliments how they want to live in their home. “We have already had a couple of the kids’ team parties,” said the homeowner. “Before we never had enough spaces to sit. Now there are plenty. Our family is using the basement all of the time now.”
For more information on this project, or to schedule a free, in-home consultation with one of our designers, send us an email, or give us a call at 317-846-2600.
