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A Gloomy Basement Lightens Up
White paint, modern furnishings and exposed beams lend a bright and airy feel to a family's renovated basement
This loftlike basement wasn't always bright and airy; it had oppressive, low ceilings and was used as a dumping ground for odds and ends around the house. But architect and builder Bruce Wentworth saw potential in the basement and envisioned it as a fun family room with a more laid-back feel than the home's upper floors. Together with the homeowners, Wentworth and his team created a space that houses the media room, a small home office and a sunny play area.
"The rest of the house is very much in line with their traditional Colonial Revival architecture. But they are big fans of Scandinavian interiors and furniture and were very open to exploring a more modern approach for the basement," says Wentworth.
"The rest of the house is very much in line with their traditional Colonial Revival architecture. But they are big fans of Scandinavian interiors and furniture and were very open to exploring a more modern approach for the basement," says Wentworth.
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by Wentworth, Inc.
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| The open floor plan and exposed joists give the feeling of additional height. Wood strip-clad interior columns conceal support beam, ducts, pipes and wires. "Instead of trying to fuse the look of the basement with the traditional design of the upper floors, we opted for a simpler design that reflected their current taste and lifestyle," Wentworth says. |
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by Wentworth, Inc.
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| BEFORE: The basement's low ceiling prevented the family from spending much time in the space. |
by Wentworth, Inc.
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AFTER: Wentworth solved the problem of uneven floor slabs in the basement by pouring a liquid leveler prior to installing large-scale porcelain tiles. The tiles resist moisture and stains and are easy to clean, making them a great choice for a basement family room and play area.
by Wentworth, Inc.
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"There are two young children in the house, so the basement is used as a playroom for the kids, a TV and media room for the adults and a lounge that feels more modern and cozy," says Wentworth.
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by Wentworth, Inc.
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| If funds were unlimited, Wentworth says, his clients would go in the direction of a full house overhaul. "But in the meantime, it's nice for them to have this refreshing change in the basement." Cabinets on this level give the family more storage and organization options for toys and loose items. |
by Wentworth, Inc.
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Wentworth created a cozy home office desk from birch veneer plywood in a small corner by the entrance. Built-in shelves and a floating desk give the clients plenty of space beneath.
"It's a little sanctuary for the husband to study, learn new languages — all while the kids are still within plain view," says Wentworth.
More:
10 Tips for Renovating Your Basement
"It's a little sanctuary for the husband to study, learn new languages — all while the kids are still within plain view," says Wentworth.
More:
10 Tips for Renovating Your Basement
Ideabook updated on Aug. 28, 2012.
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I'd be interested in knowing exactly how high the original ceiling was and how high it is now, and whether it was just a matter of removing drywall and painting the underside of the floor above and the floor joists that made the difference. Also, if there is only a wood floor between the basement and the ground floor, does sound travel from the ground floor to the basement more easily?
scarbowcow: I had the same questions, but after comparing the first two photos I'm convinced that the ceiling is not higher. Look at the wide joist: it has the same dimensions in the after photo. They only removed the drywall, painted the wood and look what a difference it made! Stunning.
That said, I very much like the room, the slated wood, and the layout.
scarbowcow and midmodfan : i think what is confusing is that in the photo from before, the man is probably very tall, the ceiling appearing low. Also, in those photos, we cant see another one taken from the same place that the one before renovation. It's not the same depth of field.
And what about windows in the old basement ? Were they already there ?
Can you tell me the ceiling height after the renovation at the highest and lowest point please. You came up with a great solution to disguise support columns and create separate use areas.
If my memory is good:
- Below the bulkhead is 6'-4"
- To the bottom of the exposed floor joists is 7'-2"
- Then add 9.5" to underside of exposed sub floor
Http:///theselvedgeyard.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/designers-july-1961-playboy.jpg
It's a repro from Playboy July 1961