When my client had to move from her company office to work at home, she set up in the dining room. Despite her best efforts, this was not the long-term solution she was looking for. My client realized she needed a dedicated space not on the main floor of the home. On one hand, having your office space right next to the kitchen is handy. On the other hand, it made separating work and home life was not that easy. The house was a ranch. In essence, the basement would run entire length of the home. As we came down the steps, we entered a time capsule. The house was built in the 1950’s. The walls were covered with original knotty pine paneling. There was a wood burning fireplace and considering this was a basement, high ceilings. In addition, there was everything her family could not store at their own homes. As we wound though the space, I though “wow this has potential”, Eventually, after walking through the laundry room we came to a small nicely lit room. This would be the office. My client looked at me and asked what I thought. Undoubtedly, I said, this can be a great workspace, but do you really want to walk through this basement and laundry to get here? Without reservation, my client said where do we start? Once the design was in place, we started the renovation. The knotty pine paneling had to go. Specifically, to add some insulation and control the dampness and humidity. The laundry room wall was relocated to create a hallway to the office. At the far end of the room, we designated a workout zone. Weights, mats, exercise bike and television are at the ready for morning or afternoon workouts. The space can be concealed by a folding screen for party time. Doors to an old closet under the stairs were relocated to the workout area for hidden storage. Now we had nice wall for a beautiful console and mirror for storage and serving during parties. In order to add architectural details, we covered the old ugly support columns with simple recessed millwork panels. This detail created a visual division between the bar area and the seating area in front of the fireplace. The old red brick on the fireplace surround was replaced with stack stone. A mantle was made from reclaimed wood. Additional reclaimed wood floating shelves left and right of the fireplace provides decorative display while maintaining a rustic element balancing the copper end table and leather swivel rocker. We found an amazing rug which tied all of the colors together further defining the gathering space. Russet and burnt orange became the accent color unifying each space. With a bit of whimsy, a rather unusual light fixture which looks like roots from a tree growing through the ceiling is a conversation piece. The office space is quite and removed from the main part of the basement. There is a desk large enough for multiple screens, a small bookcase holding office supplies and a comfortable chair for conference calls. Because working from home requires many online meetings, we added a shiplap wall painted in Hale Navy to contrast with the orange fabric on the chair. We finished the décor with a painting from my client’s father. This is the background online visitors will see. The last and best part of the renovation is the beautiful bar. My client is an avid collector of wine. She already had the EuroCave refrigerator, so I incorporated it into the design. The cabinets are painted Temptation Grey from Benjamin Moore. The counter tops are my favorite hard working quartzite Brown Fantasy. The backsplash is a combination of rustic wood and old tin ceiling like porcelain tiles. Together with the textures of the reclaimed wood and hide poofs balanced against the smooth finish of the cabinets, we created a comfortable luxury for relaxing. There is ample storage for bottles, cans, glasses, and anything else you can think of for a great party. In addition to the wine storage, we incorporated a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, and a sink. Floating shelves with integrated lighting illuminate the back bar. The raised height of the front bar provides the perfect wine tasting and paring spot. I especially love the pendant lights which look like wine glasses. Finally, I selected carpet for the stairs and office. It is perfect for noise reduction. Meanwhile for the overall flooring, I specifically selected a high-performance vinyl plank floor. We often use this product as it is perfect to install on a concrete floor. It is soft to walk on, easy to clean and does not reduce the overall height of the space.

Example of a large trendy look-out light wood floor basement design in New York with gray walls

Foyer
Huge trendy underground porcelain tile basement photo in New York with blue walls

Abigail Rose Photography
Inspiration for a large timeless underground carpeted and beige floor basement remodel in Other with beige walls

©Finished Basement Company
Example of a large transitional look-out medium tone wood floor and brown floor basement design in Minneapolis with gray walls

Basement game room - large contemporary underground carpeted and beige floor basement game room idea in Calgary with gray walls

Morse Lake basement renovation. Our clients made some great design choices, this basement is amazing! Great entertaining space, a wet bar, and pool room.

Interior Design by Michele Hybner. Remodel and Basement Finish by Malibu Homes. Photo by Amoura Productions.
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional enclosed carpeted and beige floor living room remodel in Omaha with a music area, blue walls, a ribbon fireplace and no tv

Balthazar Korab
Inspiration for a contemporary beige floor laundry room remodel in Detroit with white cabinets and white countertops

Inspiration for a large rustic underground concrete floor and brown floor basement remodel in Denver with beige walls

Abigail Rose Photography
Example of a large arts and crafts single-wall wet bar design in Other with a drop-in sink, recessed-panel cabinets, wood countertops, gray backsplash and brown countertops

Mid-sized trendy look-out medium tone wood floor and brown floor basement photo in Milwaukee with gray walls

Spacecrafting
Basement - mid-sized contemporary underground carpeted basement idea in Minneapolis with gray walls and a standard fireplace

The basement batthroom is bright and open. There is plenty of room for the laundry facilities and additional cabinetry.
Corner shower - large traditional corner shower idea in Denver with beige walls, a vessel sink, shaker cabinets and green cabinets

Example of a large trendy look-out dark wood floor and gray floor basement design in Philadelphia with beige walls

Foyer
Inspiration for a huge contemporary underground porcelain tile basement remodel in New York with blue walls

Inspiration for a mid-sized industrial single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor dedicated laundry room remodel in Calgary with an utility sink, flat-panel cabinets, white walls and a side-by-side washer/dryer

Urban look-out medium tone wood floor and brown floor basement photo in Atlanta with brown walls

Custom cabinetry and limestone fireplace mantel
Mid-sized transitional look-out slate floor basement photo in Boston with white walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace