Large Eclectic Basement Ideas and Designs
Thyme & Place Design LLCWhen my client had to move from her company office to work at home, she set up in the dining room. Despite her best efforts, this was not the long-term solution she was looking for. My client realized she needed a dedicated space not on the main floor of the home. On one hand, having your office space right next to the kitchen is handy. On the other hand, it made separating work and home life was not that easy.
The house was a ranch. In essence, the basement would run entire length of the home. As we came down the steps, we entered a time capsule. The house was built in the 1950’s. The walls were covered with original knotty pine paneling. There was a wood burning fireplace and considering this was a basement, high ceilings. In addition, there was everything her family could not store at their own homes. As we wound though the space, I though “wow this has potential”, Eventually, after walking through the laundry room we came to a small nicely lit room. This would be the office.
My client looked at me and asked what I thought. Undoubtedly, I said, this can be a great workspace, but do you really want to walk through this basement and laundry to get here? Without reservation, my client said where do we start?
Once the design was in place, we started the renovation. The knotty pine paneling had to go. Specifically, to add some insulation and control the dampness and humidity. The laundry room wall was relocated to create a hallway to the office.
At the far end of the room, we designated a workout zone. Weights, mats, exercise bike and television are at the ready for morning or afternoon workouts. The space can be concealed by a folding screen for party time. Doors to an old closet under the stairs were relocated to the workout area for hidden storage. Now we had nice wall for a beautiful console and mirror for storage and serving during parties.
In order to add architectural details, we covered the old ugly support columns with simple recessed millwork panels. This detail created a visual division between the bar area and the seating area in front of the fireplace. The old red brick on the fireplace surround was replaced with stack stone. A mantle was made from reclaimed wood. Additional reclaimed wood floating shelves left and right of the fireplace provides decorative display while maintaining a rustic element balancing the copper end table and leather swivel rocker.
We found an amazing rug which tied all of the colors together further defining the gathering space. Russet and burnt orange became the accent color unifying each space. With a bit of whimsy, a rather unusual light fixture which looks like roots from a tree growing through the ceiling is a conversation piece.
The office space is quite and removed from the main part of the basement. There is a desk large enough for multiple screens, a small bookcase holding office supplies and a comfortable chair for conference calls. Because working from home requires many online meetings, we added a shiplap wall painted in Hale Navy to contrast with the orange fabric on the chair. We finished the décor with a painting from my client’s father. This is the background online visitors will see.
The last and best part of the renovation is the beautiful bar. My client is an avid collector of wine. She already had the EuroCave refrigerator, so I incorporated it into the design. The cabinets are painted Temptation Grey from Benjamin Moore. The counter tops are my favorite hard working quartzite Brown Fantasy. The backsplash is a combination of rustic wood and old tin ceiling like porcelain tiles. Together with the textures of the reclaimed wood and hide poofs balanced against the smooth finish of the cabinets, we created a comfortable luxury for relaxing.
There is ample storage for bottles, cans, glasses, and anything else you can think of for a great party. In addition to the wine storage, we incorporated a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, and a sink. Floating shelves with integrated lighting illuminate the back bar. The raised height of the front bar provides the perfect wine tasting and paring spot. I especially love the pendant lights which look like wine glasses.
Finally, I selected carpet for the stairs and office. It is perfect for noise reduction. Meanwhile for the overall flooring, I specifically selected a high-performance vinyl plank floor. We often use this product as it is perfect to install on a concrete floor. It is soft to walk on, easy to clean and does not reduce the overall height of the space.
Donald A. Gardner ArchitectsThis Mountain home design was re-envisioned for a lakefront location. A series of bay windows on the rear of the home maximizes views from every room. Elegant living spaces continue on the lower level, where a sizable rec room enjoys abundant windows, a fireplace, wet bar, and wine cellar tucked away by the stairs. Three large bedrooms, two with patio access, and three full bathrooms provide space for guests or family.
Nathan Taylor for Obelisk HomeDesigned by Nathan Taylor and J. Kent Martin of Obelisk Home -
Photos by Randy Colwell
Peregrine Design BuildThe home bar features a tin ceiling, hickory wood floors, antiqued mirror backsplash, Dekton countertops and porcelain brick walls.
The Fish Gallery195 gallon custom bowfront aquarium 72"L x 24"W x 32"H. Shown with a brushed stainless metal laminate stand and canopy.
The Fish Gallery
ArciformQuickly turning into the most used part of this basement is the comfy and cozy family room, perfect for movie nights, kid's sleep overs, and even an at-home date night. The dark blue paint on both the ceiling and walls creates the perfect cozy ambiance.
The Woodshop Inc.Stone veneered Bar with Granite Counter tops. Full service wet bar. Mirrored mosaic tile backsplash behind the sink. Wood wrapped column matching cabinet color. Tin ceiling above bar area. Combination of drop ceiling and drywall finished.
Foster Remodeling Solutions, Inc.Crysalis National Award Winner 2018- Basement Remodel Under $100K
photos by J. Larry Golfer Photography
James River Construction, LLC.This fun, funky basement space was renovated with both kids and adults in mind. A large sectional is the perfect place to watch the game and another game - at the same time! Thanks to two flat screen TVs, this family can please everyone in the room. A kids space for a ping pong table and drum set sits behind the TV viewing space and a wet bar for drinks and snacks serves everyone. Concrete floors were painted and rugs were used to warm up the space. Surround sound systems were installed into the ceiling and walls for a seamless look. This is the perfect space for entertaining guests of any age.
EMR ArchitectureGrade II listed building renovation and extension in Notting Hill. EMR successfully managed to get planning for a basement under the front pavement and make alteration to this Grade II listed building. The client wanted to create 2 bedrooms with maximum storage space in the top floor which was a real challenge that we achieved. We also dealt with the Council, the Heritage statements, the arboricultural specialists, the Party wall, structural etc. The house was featured in the July edition of Living etc. https://www.livingetc.com/features/pastel-power
Large Eclectic Basement Ideas and Designs
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