Armstrong Lower Level Remodel
When Aimee Armstrong, a pediatric cardiologist, and her family moved into their 1920s home, she had a vision for the unfinished lower level. Drawing upon her experience of growing up in Ann Arbor, Aimee wanted to create a beach-inspired haven for her husband Joe and their two children.
When she contacted me, Aimee had in mind three spaces for the lower level: a family room, a workout area and a crafts room. This was a huge team project magnificently done with Pete Foster Residential Design and Epic Homes.
A central piece in the family room was a cobalt blue ping-pong table Aimee’s parents had given her. She had seen an article in Better Homes & Garden about a designer transforming a ping-pong table by adding a custom-made base under it. I loved this project in so many ways, and re-imagining a ping-pong table was just one of the clever yet chic highlights.
“Joe and I probably play more ping pong than the kids do,” Aimee told me with a laugh. When it’s time for the kids to do their homework, the ping-pong board can be removed and a handsome wood table is revealed with comfy seating.
At the same time, my clients also wanted the family room to be a space where their son and daughter could read books, play games and watch movies with friends. Mission accomplished. Using soft tones of blue and tan, the room is inviting, cozy and worlds away from the dreary, dark space it had been before.
Before entering Aimee’s crafts room, you walk through a small but smartly organized workout area. The couple enjoys doing both strength training in this area and cardio as well. The built-in bench affords a chance to do anything from tricep dips to step-ups, and mirrors ensure the fitness enthusiasts are correctly performing exercises. A wall-mounted TV screen was also installed so Aimee could watch her favorite workout videos.
Lastly, the crafts room is a true delight. Aimee enjoys unfolding her creative energy in this space. Wrapping gifts is one of her many talents, and we arranged the room so her ribbons, wrapping papers and many tools were easily accessible.
Working with Aimee and Joe, as well as the contractor and others involved in this extensive remodel, was truly a joy. And I am thrilled the family has the beach vibe they so desired.
When she contacted me, Aimee had in mind three spaces for the lower level: a family room, a workout area and a crafts room. This was a huge team project magnificently done with Pete Foster Residential Design and Epic Homes.
A central piece in the family room was a cobalt blue ping-pong table Aimee’s parents had given her. She had seen an article in Better Homes & Garden about a designer transforming a ping-pong table by adding a custom-made base under it. I loved this project in so many ways, and re-imagining a ping-pong table was just one of the clever yet chic highlights.
“Joe and I probably play more ping pong than the kids do,” Aimee told me with a laugh. When it’s time for the kids to do their homework, the ping-pong board can be removed and a handsome wood table is revealed with comfy seating.
At the same time, my clients also wanted the family room to be a space where their son and daughter could read books, play games and watch movies with friends. Mission accomplished. Using soft tones of blue and tan, the room is inviting, cozy and worlds away from the dreary, dark space it had been before.
Before entering Aimee’s crafts room, you walk through a small but smartly organized workout area. The couple enjoys doing both strength training in this area and cardio as well. The built-in bench affords a chance to do anything from tricep dips to step-ups, and mirrors ensure the fitness enthusiasts are correctly performing exercises. A wall-mounted TV screen was also installed so Aimee could watch her favorite workout videos.
Lastly, the crafts room is a true delight. Aimee enjoys unfolding her creative energy in this space. Wrapping gifts is one of her many talents, and we arranged the room so her ribbons, wrapping papers and many tools were easily accessible.
Working with Aimee and Joe, as well as the contractor and others involved in this extensive remodel, was truly a joy. And I am thrilled the family has the beach vibe they so desired.
