Office Addition and Remodeled Basement for Work and Play
In Boston, a design-build firm adds a lower-level home office and transforms the basement for family living
Lifestyle changes like switching to remote work and growing a family can shift functional needs at home. This Boston-area renovation shows how a home can evolve to accommodate new circumstances. Years ago, when their first child was on the way, the owners hired design-build firm J.P. Hoffman to remodel their house. More recently, they welcomed their third child, and both parents began working from home full time. To make their home function better for their current lifestyle, they hired the firm again to create an office addition and remodel the basement, adding a family-friendly TV area, a kids’ playroom, a full bathroom and a guest room.
After: The 171-square-foot addition encompasses the new office and a small entry area that opens to the covered patio.
Enhancing the covered patio was also part of the project. The firm refreshed and expanded the existing patio, then wrapped the steel structural posts to create stately columns that elevate the rear facade.
The remodeled basement is off the covered patio to the right of the office. Now that the basement is finished, the covered patio gets much more use.
Enhancing the covered patio was also part of the project. The firm refreshed and expanded the existing patio, then wrapped the steel structural posts to create stately columns that elevate the rear facade.
The remodeled basement is off the covered patio to the right of the office. Now that the basement is finished, the covered patio gets much more use.
“A big must-have for the office was privacy,” Megan says.
The office offers lovely views of the homeowners’ landscaped yard and the forested conservation land beyond the property.
The basement floors are luxury vinyl tile in a white oak finish, a low-maintenance material that’s well suited for basements.
Flooring: Summer Oak, Century collection, Stanton
The basement floors are luxury vinyl tile in a white oak finish, a low-maintenance material that’s well suited for basements.
Flooring: Summer Oak, Century collection, Stanton
The husband now has a quiet office away from distractions, though a couple of nearby features provide welcome breaks during the workday.
Key Measurements to Help You Design the Perfect Home Office
Key Measurements to Help You Design the Perfect Home Office
“The office is an ode to Boston sports,” Megan says. While one side is for work, this side has a TV for watching the Celtics, the Red Sox, the Bruins and the Patriots, as well as an indoor putting green.
Just outside the office, a small entry area and glass door lead to the patio.
Just outside the office, a small entry area and glass door lead to the patio.
The main part of the basement is dedicated to family time. Having worked with the clients before, the designers already had a strong sense of their transitional style. “Our clients wanted the basement to be super practical, functional and comfortable,” Megan says.
A sectional sofa has room for the whole family, and a long media cabinet holds electronics, games and toys. For quick cleanup, toys, throw blankets and other items can be stashed in the flip-top ottoman.
Wall paint: Alabaster, Benjamin Moore
A sectional sofa has room for the whole family, and a long media cabinet holds electronics, games and toys. For quick cleanup, toys, throw blankets and other items can be stashed in the flip-top ottoman.
Wall paint: Alabaster, Benjamin Moore
Jason designed the new staircase, pairing traditional white oak elements with iron balustrades to add a modern touch.
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Choosing the furnishings was a collaborative effort between Megan and the homeowners. “I would give them several options and they would make their selections from there,” she says. The process included sharing Houzz photos and creating mood boards with product links.
The home’s sloped site allowed for double-hung windows. Their height maximizes natural light and makes the 7-foot, 2-inch ceilings feel taller. To conceal ductwork above the sofa, Jason created a chase and encased the structural supports below it. The proportions of these elements work well together and provide delineation between the TV lounge and the playroom.
The home’s sloped site allowed for double-hung windows. Their height maximizes natural light and makes the 7-foot, 2-inch ceilings feel taller. To conceal ductwork above the sofa, Jason created a chase and encased the structural supports below it. The proportions of these elements work well together and provide delineation between the TV lounge and the playroom.
The light-filled playroom is a versatile space for the children and their friends. “The kids are really into imaginative play,” Megan says. “They love to create a stage and play dress-up.” The teepee serves as a cozy fort, and there’s a child-size table, not pictured, for crafting and snack time.
The Elements of an Irresistible Playroom
The Elements of an Irresistible Playroom
A dry kitchen with a beverage fridge serves as a drinks and snack bar. While the homeowners knew they’d use it for the lounge, playroom and office, it also can be used by out-of-town family members staying in the basement guest room.
The countertops are low-maintenance quartz. White oak shelves provide open storage and display space while adding a warm organic touch.
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Just past the bar is the guest room, with an original stone fireplace and new closet and windows. Operable casement windows provide required egress and bring in fresh air and light.
To camouflage the ductwork, Jason placed a chase along the left wall and extended the closet framing to meet it, making it look like an intentional part of the architectural design.
To camouflage the ductwork, Jason placed a chase along the left wall and extended the closet framing to meet it, making it look like an intentional part of the architectural design.
A new bathroom with a shower ensures overnight guests have everything they need on this level. An ornate-framed mirror adds a vintage touch over the white oak vanity.
Wall paint: Sea Salt (50% strength mixed with white), Benjamin Moore
Wall paint: Sea Salt (50% strength mixed with white), Benjamin Moore
Floor plan: The office addition is at the top of this plan. The small entry area leading to the covered patio is just below it. Below that is the remodeled basement. The windowless mechanical room at the bottom left was left unfinished.
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Basement at a Glance
Who lives here: A family of five
Location: Westwood, Massachusetts
Size: 800 square feet (74 square meters)
Design-build firm: J.P. Hoffman Design Build
Before: Jason Hoffman of J.P. Hoffman Design Build and Nicholas Preston of Preston Design developed the architectural plans. Jason’s business partner and wife, Megan Hoffman, collaborated with the homeowners on interior finishes and furnishings.
Separate home offices were a priority, but after the couple’s third child was born, the husband’s office became a nursery. His need for a dedicated workspace prompted the basement remodel. The area beneath the curved bay window on the left was a natural fit for the office.
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