Renee Alexander
Large transitional underground brown floor and vinyl floor basement photo in DC Metro with beige walls

This prefabricated 1,800 square foot Certified Passive House is designed and built by The Artisans Group, located in the rugged central highlands of Shaw Island, in the San Juan Islands. It is the first Certified Passive House in the San Juans, and the fourth in Washington State. The home was built for $330 per square foot, while construction costs for residential projects in the San Juan market often exceed $600 per square foot. Passive House measures did not increase this projects’ cost of construction. The clients are retired teachers, and desired a low-maintenance, cost-effective, energy-efficient house in which they could age in place; a restful shelter from clutter, stress and over-stimulation. The circular floor plan centers on the prefabricated pod. Radiating from the pod, cabinetry and a minimum of walls defines functions, with a series of sliding and concealable doors providing flexible privacy to the peripheral spaces. The interior palette consists of wind fallen light maple floors, locally made FSC certified cabinets, stainless steel hardware and neutral tiles in black, gray and white. The exterior materials are painted concrete fiberboard lap siding, Ipe wood slats and galvanized metal. The home sits in stunning contrast to its natural environment with no formal landscaping. Photo Credit: Art Gray

Finished carpeted basement with wall mounted flat screen TV with surround sound bar and speakers, comfortable sectional for movie night or video games.

Walk behind wet bar. Photo: Andrew J Hathaway (Brothers Construction)
Example of a large transitional walk-out carpeted basement design in Denver with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

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 mountain style enclosed carpeted and multicolored floor home theater design in Other with red walls and a projector screen

This client chose to finish the basement of their home to create a home office. The glass doors offer privacy while still allowing the small basement to have an open feeling.

Inspiration for a large modern open concept medium tone wood floor living room remodel in Other with white walls, a stone fireplace, a standard fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

©Finished Basement Company
Large transitional look-out carpeted and gray floor basement photo in Minneapolis with gray walls and a stone fireplace

Photos by Maggie Nolan
Small urban l-shaped light wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen photo in Baltimore with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and black countertops

The breakfast nook was invigorated with wainscot paneling and an interesting ceiling design to maximize the space.
Enclosed kitchen - small transitional galley light wood floor and beige floor enclosed kitchen idea in Portland with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz countertops, green backsplash, subway tile backsplash, paneled appliances, no island and white countertops

Transitional l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen photo in Denver with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

A wet bar invites guests to make themselves at home. The homeowners' vintage champagne bucket collection is displayed in the glass front cabinetry.
Mid-sized transitional single-wall light wood floor and beige floor wet bar photo in Sacramento with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, white countertops and white backsplash

Mid-sized trendy carpeted straight metal railing staircase photo in Denver with carpeted risers

Basement - mid-sized transitional underground dark wood floor and brown floor basement idea in Chicago with beige walls

Bill Taylor Photography
Example of a mid-sized transitional underground medium tone wood floor and gray floor basement design in Philadelphia with beige walls

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary light wood floor and beige floor great room remodel in Denver with white walls and no fireplace

Minimalist basement photo in Chicago

This 1600+ square foot basement was a diamond in the rough. We were tasked with keeping farmhouse elements in the design plan while implementing industrial elements. The client requested the space include a gym, ample seating and viewing area for movies, a full bar , banquette seating as well as area for their gaming tables - shuffleboard, pool table and ping pong. By shifting two support columns we were able to bury one in the powder room wall and implement two in the custom design of the bar. Custom finishes are provided throughout the space to complete this entertainers dream.