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A Basement Remodel Sets the Stage for Flexible Play
Embracing change, this light-filled basement readily shifts between kids' play activities and grown-up entertaining
Builder-designer David Amundson had a very specific request from a Minnesota couple with two kids: no fixed furniture placement in the walk-out basement, please. Sofas, ottomans and even storage solutions needed to shape shift and transition from one space to another with ease. "My clients wanted to be able to push everything easily out of the way so they could make room for whatever play may happen," says Amundson. The homeowners also wanted the basement to be open and light filled, with designated areas for crafts, play, entertainment and dining. The result is the addition of 800 square feet of living space that's versatile, colorful and bright — and used by both kids and adults.
| The clients chose the Ligne Roset Togo sofas and ottoman for their iconic design and movability; even the kids can shift the seats according to their play and television-viewing needs. |
| Amundson left the east side of the basement open so that no one would feel restricted by furniture placement. The space encourages imaginative, unobstructed play. White walls reflect plenty of light brought in by large windows, making the space feel especially big and bright. "The most common reaction that the homeowners get is that it's a basement that doesn't have that dungeon feel to it," says Amundson. |
The homeowners chose a neutral color palette of gray, blue and forest green. The colors are sophisticated enough for the adults but can also hide spills, messes and crayon marks.
Green storage drawers under the banquette work hard for the entire family.
Green storage drawers under the banquette work hard for the entire family.
"The movable drawers, painted in Benjamin Moore's blue spruce, are unique and fun. Kids tend to be very mobile, so rather than carry an armful of toys from one end of the room to the other, they can just roll the storage container to their play area, dump everything in and roll it back to the drawer nook, and voilà — cleanup is done," says Amundson.
Media storage system: custom built, cherry stain, DuraSupreme
Media storage system: custom built, cherry stain, DuraSupreme
| There are two workstations in the craft area, marked by counter space that wraps around two walls. Wall space is used for art display, storage and an accessible wrapping paper station. Casters on the island allow it to be moved right next to the countertops or placed in the center of the craft room. The island's stainless steel top makes cleaning up after finger painting and cutting a breeze. Wall paint: Cloud White, Benjamin Moore; island legs and base paint: Fresh Olive, Benjamin Moore |
The concrete floor is a remnant of the old basement. The floor sustains ping-pong games, trains, roller-skating and other play activities; it was stained a warmer brown color and sealed in anticipation of daily wear and tear.
Pendant: Classique Round by Stonegate, Lumens
Pendant: Classique Round by Stonegate, Lumens
| The kitchenette enables the family and their houseguests to eat and play all in the same place. The entire basement is a space that both adults and kids can control and maximize. |
The family can move the seating, rearrange furniture, get a drink close by, do crafts and take a bathroom break — all without having to go upstairs.
More:
More Living Space: Making Room for Family
More:
More Living Space: Making Room for Family
Comments
nancy Great ideas! I'm just getting to my basement remodel. Thank you!!!
10 months ago · Like
Jean Jia_Ying is it me or does the pictures look faded as if they;ve been overexposed/photoshoped?
10 months ago · Like
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inkwitch This is one of the best-planned and most comprehensive basements I've seen on houzz.com. Except for bedrooms and closets, the rest of the house is unnecessary! Fantastic design.
10 months ago · Like
lemaparker Love the Kitchenette and the Craft areas... Personally, I would have gone for more warmer tones in the living area (just my preference). Well done.
10 months ago · Like
Angela Cameron I love the stained and sealed concrete floors! Previous owner put carpet in our basement which has been a problem I'm trying to fix and this is the answer.
10 months ago · Like
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girlquest Ligne roset with kids? Way too expensive to get trashed...crazy
10 months ago · Like
charpell I like the look of the concrete floor, but cannot imagine how cold and uncomfortable it is underfoot (in Minnesota).
10 months ago · Like
zombieknit Maybe they have underfloor heating? We have it in our house (not as cold as Minnesota) and the place feels comfortable in winter. You don't notice that it is warm until you step outside and realize that it is really cold.
10 months ago · Like
mollie933 We're planning to complete our basement and this exactly what I had in mind! Great use of space, colors and materials. Well done!
10 months ago · Like
anoukpantoufle Please fix these photos, or let us know if the intent is an over all faded look.
10 months ago · Like
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TreHus Architects+Interior Designers+Builders The photos look faded when I am using Firefox. They don't look faded when I use Chrome, Internet Explorer or Safari. I'm not sure why they look that way on Firefox - I think the originals look good! (but I'm biased)
10 months ago · Like
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saya85 lol- just as well u mentioned about firefox...because I was beginning to wonder where these greens. blues and greys were... all I could see was white white and white... i thought it was just 'designer' speak for different shades of white! mind u- the design looks good in both white and colour- thumbs up (just what I needed to design my outbuilding)
9 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on July 17, 2012.
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