Open, finished lower level recreation room just down from the main level living area.
Game room - large 1960s open concept carpeted and beige floor game room idea in Denver with white walls and a wall-mounted tv

Arcade games and a throw-back pinball machine serve up something for every member of this active family and their guests, while a beautifully appointed wet bar with full-size fridge and pizza oven fuels this crew in style. Photos by Spacecrafting Photography

Finished lower level recreation room with game and TV area, perfect for family movie and game nights!
Game room - large 1950s open concept carpeted and beige floor game room idea in Denver with white walls and a wall-mounted tv

This game-centric lower-level gem will turn sports fans green with envy! An impressive floor-to-ceiling viewing wall, complete with not one, but five TVs, holds center court. An 85” showstopper mounted on rich espresso-hued cabinetry is flanked by four smaller units, all of which can be synced or programed individually to show multiple games at one time. Photos by SpaceCrafting Photography

This game-centric lower-level gem will turn sports fans green with envy! An impressive floor-to-ceiling viewing wall, complete with not one, but five TVs, holds center court. An 85” showstopper mounted on rich espresso-hued cabinetry is flanked by four smaller units, all of which can be synced or programed individually to show multiple games at one time. Photos by SpaceCrafting Photography

This game-centric lower-level gem will turn sports fans green with envy! An impressive floor-to-ceiling viewing wall, complete with not one, but five TVs, holds center court. An 85” showstopper mounted on rich espresso-hued cabinetry is flanked by four smaller units, all of which can be synced or programed individually to show multiple games at one time. Photos by SpaceCrafting Photography

Basement - modern basement idea in Minneapolis

Game room - large modern open concept gray floor and concrete floor game room idea in Toronto with beige walls, no fireplace and no tv

Mark Ehlen of Ehlen Creative Communications, LLC
Basement - farmhouse walk-out carpeted basement idea in Minneapolis with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

CHC Creative Remodeling
Example of a mountain style basement design in Kansas City

Inspiration for a transitional home theater remodel in Kansas City

Joe Kwon Photography
Basement - large transitional ceramic tile and brown floor basement idea in Chicago with beige walls

With their children grown, getting married and having children, our clients the lower level to be family-friendly for all ages. Durable, stain-resistant materials were mandatory, and the design had to be consistent with the first floor spaces. For those who aren't watching the game on TV, we created a fireplace sitting area that encourages conversation or solitary browsing on the Internet.

Multi-level cinema, gaming room with bar, lighting control and 5 viewing areas
Example of a large trendy medium tone wood floor and brown floor home theater design in Dallas with a projector screen

The lower level of this modern farmhouse features a large game room that connects out to the screen porch, pool terrace and fire pit beyond. One end of the space is a large lounge area for watching TV and the other end has a built-in wet bar and accordion windows that open up to the screen porch. The TV is concealed by barn doors with salvaged barn wood on a shiplap wall. Photography by Todd Crawford

Here's one of our most recent projects that was completed in 2011. This client had just finished a major remodel of their house in 2008 and were about to enjoy Christmas in their new home. At the time, Seattle was buried under several inches of snow (a rarity for us) and the entire region was paralyzed for a few days waiting for the thaw. Our client decided to take advantage of this opportunity and was in his driveway sledding when a neighbor rushed down the drive yelling that his house was on fire. Unfortunately, the house was already engulfed in flames. Equally unfortunate was the snowstorm and the delay it caused the fire department getting to the site. By the time they arrived, the house and contents were a total loss of more than $2.2 million. Here's one of our most recent projects that was completed in 2011. This client had just finished a major remodel of their house in 2008 and were about to enjoy Christmas in their new home. At the time, Seattle was buried under several inches of snow (a rarity for us) and the entire region was paralyzed for a few days waiting for the thaw. Our client decided to take advantage of this opportunity and was in his driveway sledding when a neighbor rushed down the drive yelling that his house was on fire. Unfortunately, the house was already engulfed in flames. Equally unfortunate was the snowstorm and the delay it caused the fire department getting to the site. By the time they arrived, the house and contents were a total loss of more than $2.2 million. Our role in the reconstruction of this home was two-fold. The first year of our involvement was spent working with a team of forensic contractors gutting the house, cleansing it of all particulate matter, and then helping our client negotiate his insurance settlement. Once we got over these hurdles, the design work and reconstruction started. Maintaining the existing shell, we reworked the interior room arrangement to create classic great room house with a contemporary twist. Both levels of the home were opened up to take advantage of the waterfront views and flood the interiors with natural light. On the lower level, rearrangement of the walls resulted in a tripling of the size of the family room while creating an additional sitting/game room. The upper level was arranged with living spaces bookended by the Master Bedroom at one end the kitchen at the other. The open Great Room and wrap around deck create a relaxed and sophisticated living and entertainment space that is accentuated by a high level of trim and tile detail on the interior and by custom metal railings and light fixtures on the exterior.

It’s been said that when you dream about a house, the basement represents your subconscious level. Perhaps that was true in the past, when basements were often neglected. But in most of today’s new builds and remodels, lower levels are becoming valuable living spaces. If you’re looking at building or renovating, opening up that lower level with sufficient light can add square footage and value to your home. In addition, having access to bright indoor areas can help combat cabin fever, which peaks in late winter. Looking at the photos here, you’d never know what you’re seeing is a lower level. That’s because a smart builder knew that bringing natural light into the space was key. Our job, in furnishing the space, was to make the most of that light. The off-white walls and light grey carpet provide a good base. A grey sectional sofa with clean, modern lines easily fits into the spacious room. It’s an ideal piece to encourage people to spend time together. The strong, forgiving linen resists staining, and like a blank canvas this true neutral allows for accessorizing with various throws and pillows depending on the season. The cream-colored throw echoes the light colors in the space, while the nubby pillow adds a textured contrast.

Finished Lower Level / Basement by Winans Homes
Example of a classic basement design in Atlanta

When planning this custom residence, the owners had a clear vision – to create an inviting home for their family, with plenty of opportunities to entertain, play, and relax and unwind. They asked for an interior that was approachable and rugged, with an aesthetic that would stand the test of time. Amy Carman Design was tasked with designing all of the millwork, custom cabinetry and interior architecture throughout, including a private theater, lower level bar, game room and a sport court. A materials palette of reclaimed barn wood, gray-washed oak, natural stone, black windows, handmade and vintage-inspired tile, and a mix of white and stained woodwork help set the stage for the furnishings. This down-to-earth vibe carries through to every piece of furniture, artwork, light fixture and textile in the home, creating an overall sense of warmth and authenticity.