This basement began as a blank canvas, 100% unfinished. Our clients envisioned a transformative space that would include a spacious living area, a cozy bedroom, a full bathroom, and a flexible flex space that could serve as storage, a second bedroom, or an office. To showcase their impressive LEGO collection, a significant section of custom-built display units was a must. Behind the scenes, we oversaw the plumbing rework, installed all-new electrical systems, and expertly concealed the HVAC, water heater, and sump pump while preserving the spaces functionality. We also expertly painted every surface to bring life and vibrancy to the space. Throughout the area, the warm glow of LED recessed lighting enhances the ambiance. We enhanced comfort with upgraded carpet and padding in the living areas, while the bathroom and flex space feature luxurious and durable Luxury Vinyl flooring.

The furniture vanity with complimentary mirror dresses up the bath
Example of a mid-sized classic slate floor alcove shower design in Denver with furniture-like cabinets, yellow cabinets, a two-piece toilet, brown walls, an undermount sink and granite countertops

This basement began as a blank canvas, 100% unfinished. Our clients envisioned a transformative space that would include a spacious living area, a cozy bedroom, a full bathroom, and a flexible flex space that could serve as storage, a second bedroom, or an office. To showcase their impressive LEGO collection, a significant section of custom-built display units was a must. Behind the scenes, we oversaw the plumbing rework, installed all-new electrical systems, and expertly concealed the HVAC, water heater, and sump pump while preserving the spaces functionality. We also expertly painted every surface to bring life and vibrancy to the space. Throughout the area, the warm glow of LED recessed lighting enhances the ambiance. We enhanced comfort with upgraded carpet and padding in the living areas, while the bathroom and flex space feature luxurious and durable Luxury Vinyl flooring.

This was once a damp basement that frequently flooded with each rain storm. Two sump pumps were added, along with some landscaping that helped prevent water getting into the basement. Ceramic tile was added to the floor, drywall was added to the walls and ceiling, recessed lighting, and some doors and trim to finish off the space. There was a modern style powder room added, along with some pantry storage and a refrigerator to make this an additional living space. All of the mechanical units have their own closets, that are perfectly accessible, but are no longer an eyesore in this now beautiful space. There is another room added into this basement, with a TV nook was built in between two storage closets, which is the perfect space for the children.

Walk down into your finished basement with beige wall paint, custom light fixtures, recessed lighting and a theater viewing area. Seat your guests in your home theater while you make your way to the angle wet bar with granite countertops. Open the solid dark wood cabinetry to pull out everything you need for drinks. Use the Hartell sink sump when you need it and then serve your guests. The egress window helps add some additional natural lighting into the space.

This basement began as a blank canvas, 100% unfinished. Our clients envisioned a transformative space that would include a spacious living area, a cozy bedroom, a full bathroom, and a flexible flex space that could serve as storage, a second bedroom, or an office. To showcase their impressive LEGO collection, a significant section of custom-built display units was a must. Behind the scenes, we oversaw the plumbing rework, installed all-new electrical systems, and expertly concealed the HVAC, water heater, and sump pump while preserving the spaces functionality. We also expertly painted every surface to bring life and vibrancy to the space. Throughout the area, the warm glow of LED recessed lighting enhances the ambiance. We enhanced comfort with upgraded carpet and padding in the living areas, while the bathroom and flex space feature luxurious and durable Luxury Vinyl flooring.

Neil Brooks
Basement - rustic basement idea in Cleveland

This basement began as a blank canvas, 100% unfinished. Our clients envisioned a transformative space that would include a spacious living area, a cozy bedroom, a full bathroom, and a flexible flex space that could serve as storage, a second bedroom, or an office. To showcase their impressive LEGO collection, a significant section of custom-built display units was a must. Behind the scenes, we oversaw the plumbing rework, installed all-new electrical systems, and expertly concealed the HVAC, water heater, and sump pump while preserving the spaces functionality. We also expertly painted every surface to bring life and vibrancy to the space. Throughout the area, the warm glow of LED recessed lighting enhances the ambiance. We enhanced comfort with upgraded carpet and padding in the living areas, while the bathroom and flex space feature luxurious and durable Luxury Vinyl flooring.

With the pending arrival of a beautiful baby girl, the homeowners of this 1928 Minneapolis Tudor wanted a basement that was conducive to a young child, but would still allow a place for family to gather and the occasional house guest. The original basement was typical; cold, lacking natural light with tiny, uncomfortably confined rooms and that “unique” basement smell. The goal was to reverse all of the ill effects of a rarely unappreciated space while increasing the performance of the older home. The frigid temperatures and wet, mildew odor was remedied by demolishing the entire slab floor and excavating to gain an extra six inches in ceiling height. It also allowed us to insulate to R-15, moisture proof under the new slab, install a drain tile and sump pump. Within the concrete slab is a hydronic, in-floor radiant heating system which further helps to add comfort to the space. Lastly, we also sprayed a closed-cell, expanding urethane foam on the inside of the foundation walls all the way to the first floor. To help bring more light down to the basement, we started by opening up the staircase on both sides. A curved wall bends light into the lower level while a countertop and cubbies below provide storage space for odds and ends. On the opposite wall, creatively placed cubbies provide places for paintings, ceramics and plants. We also removed the tiny 18” x 34” window on the south wall and installed a full-sized, high-efficiency, triple pane Pella egress window. To let lots of natural light into the window, we expanded the size of the cedar-lined egress well and included a built-in planter at the base to help bring life into an otherwise empty cavity. Small, unspecified spaces that became storage areas now have purpose. The areas are defined, yet open. Upon descending down the stairs, one is greeted by a large living room with curved walls, custom design media center, built-in daybed and bookshelves. Use of paint was important in the design. Naturally in older homes basements are going to have exposed beams, soffits and a whole gambit of nooks and crannies. Instead of disguising them, we played them up, which created a layer effect with the color. The color also adds a touch of playfulness which anyone, regardless of age, can enjoy. We scavenged the client’s garage and discovered that the previous homeowner kept the old, full-view glass front entry door in the garage. We re-installed the original glass knob and attached the door to sliding barn door hardware which was attached to the main structural beam of the lower level. On the other side of the door was the homeowners’ combined office and small fitness area. The office floor is a blend of thin strips of different colored cork. A built-in storage cabinet sits across from a site-built desk which forms to the curve of the dividing wall. A small, square hole in the curved wall provides a view to see who is coming down the stairs. Opposite of the office area and directly at the base of the stairs is a place for the homeowner’s treadmill. Hidden is the mechanical room, which is home to many green and energy efficient products. The washing machine is a low-water consumption unit while the dryer requires less energy to operate than most standard units. Both sit atop a checkerboard pattern of different colored VCT tiles. We also replaced the aging boiler, which only heated the first and second level, with a 95% efficient heat source for the entire house—including the basement. Behind the curved wall, the bathroom is conveniently located. A large, custom built no-formaldehyde added vanity supports the slab of remnant granite countertop. A piece of eco-resin wall panel, embedded with organic material, contains water in the shower and blends beautifully with the updated colors. Tucked under the stairs, we installed a dual-flush, low-water consumption toilet. Through creative space planning, we packed a lot of into a rather small space. As a result, we have three very happy homeowners who are enjoying their light, clean and safe lower level of their home—however, they’ve been hard pressed to think of it as a “basement”. highlights Moisture management system Insulated slab Hydronic in-floor heat Formaldehyde free cabinetry MN-made custom cabinets Ultra-low VOC paints Wool carpet Dual-flush toilet Cork floor No recessed lights Cedar egress window well with planter Re-used door Eco-resin

This laundry space/mudroom was carved out between the garage (which is located underneath the house), and the living space. It's a fairly simple, utilitarian space.

This was once a damp basement that frequently flooded with each rain storm. Two sump pumps were added, along with some landscaping that helped prevent water getting into the basement. Ceramic tile was added to the floor, drywall was added to the walls and ceiling, recessed lighting, and some doors and trim to finish off the space. There was a modern style powder room added, along with some pantry storage and a refrigerator to make this an additional living space. All of the mechanical units have their own closets, that are perfectly accessible, but are no longer an eyesore in this now beautiful space. There is another room added into this basement, with a TV nook was built in between two storage closets, which is the perfect space for the children.

This was once a damp basement that frequently flooded with each rain storm. Two sump pumps were added, along with some landscaping that helped prevent water getting into the basement. Ceramic tile was added to the floor, drywall was added to the walls and ceiling, recessed lighting, and some doors and trim to finish off the space. There was a modern style powder room added, along with some pantry storage and a refrigerator to make this an additional living space. All of the mechanical units have their own closets, that are perfectly accessible, but are no longer an eyesore in this now beautiful space. There is another room added into this basement, with a TV nook was built in between two storage closets, which is the perfect space for the children.

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless look-out carpeted and beige floor basement remodel in Providence with beige walls

This basement bedroom also uses the masculine influence and a darker colour palette. There is a custom built-in on the wall to maximize the storage within this smaller size bedroom, and also keeps the natural wood apparent for an emphasis on the basement environment.

Tired of doing laundry in an unfinished rugged basement? These homeowner's were as well! They contacted Castle to help them with their basement planning and build for a finished laundry space and new bathroom with shower. After the designer and client walked through ideas to improve flow of space, we decided to eliminate the existing 1/2 bath in the family room, and move the new bathroom into the existing laundry room. The full laundry room was finished to include new walls, ceilings, new plumbing, new Adura luxury vinyl tile flooring, beautiful shaker style cabinetry with beadboard panel, Glossy white Cultured marble countertops, a new Blanco composite sink, and Kohler Bellera faucet. In the new bathroom space, we continued the Adura luxury vinyl flooring. Finishes in the bathroom include Kohler Memoirs pedestal sink, Kohler Archer faucet, custom hex tile shower floor, subway tile walls, and custom frameless glass shower enclosure. Additional improvements were made to improve the health of the home including asbestos tile abatement, new drain tile and sump pump, new spray foam insulation, new glass block window, and a new Panasonic bathroom fan. We also decided to save and restore some original pieces in the home like their existing 5-panel doors and repurposing one salvaged door into a pocket door for the new bathroom. The homeowner completed the basement finish with new carpeting in the family room. The whole basement feels fresh, new, and has a great flow. They will enjoy their happy and healthy home for years to come.

2012 NATIONAL NARI COTY SOUTHEAST REGIONAL AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR SPECIALTY Scope: Creative design in converting a plain basement storage space into a wine cellar and tasting room for a couple that is changing their basement over to an adult “play” space. The basement already has a movie theater, exercise room, and a game table. They have been visiting local wineries and collecting for a future wine cellar of their own. Needed to work around the existing ductwork for the main level, tie into the electrical panel and HVAC system, move the hot water heater and furnace with associated ductwork, and hide the sump pump in the corner. They also wanted an upgraded look in the cabinetry and shelving. The space needed to be insulated and waterproofed to maintain constant temperature. We connected to the existing electrical system, adding a split cooling system to their existing HVAC. The HVAC for the cellar has its own ductwork and compressor system, but ties into the existing system for drainage. These needed to be routed through the floor joists above. We ordered cabinetry and modified it to conceal the sump pump in the corner, as well as cut the racks to fit around the overhead duct work that cut across the middle of the ceiling. We installed mini LED lights along the shelving to give a glow so the labels could be read. The tasting table is upgraded to granite with a barrel curved edge, and shelving for larger bottles above. Small touches added to the cabinetry and racks we ordered make this a custom designed cellar. Textures in the tile pick up on the wood grain of the mahogany racking. The custom insulated door has a frosted design. There are a variety of lights used, all on timer, including the LEDs, recessed and puck lights over the tasting area. The raised tumble limestone and the rest of the design, makes it unique to these homeowners.

2012 NATIONAL NARI COTY SOUTHEAST REGIONAL AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR SPECIALTY Scope: Creative design in converting a plain basement storage space into a wine cellar and tasting room for a couple that is changing their basement over to an adult “play” space. The basement already has a movie theater, exercise room, and a game table. They have been visiting local wineries and collecting for a future wine cellar of their own. Needed to work around the existing ductwork for the main level, tie into the electrical panel and HVAC system, move the hot water heater and furnace with associated ductwork, and hide the sump pump in the corner. They also wanted an upgraded look in the cabinetry and shelving. The space needed to be insulated and waterproofed to maintain constant temperature. We connected to the existing electrical system, adding a split cooling system to their existing HVAC. The HVAC for the cellar has its own ductwork and compressor system, but ties into the existing system for drainage. These needed to be routed through the floor joists above. We ordered cabinetry and modified it to conceal the sump pump in the corner, as well as cut the racks to fit around the overhead duct work that cut across the middle of the ceiling. We installed mini LED lights along the shelving to give a glow so the labels could be read. The tasting table is upgraded to granite with a barrel curved edge, and shelving for larger bottles above. Small touches added to the cabinetry and racks we ordered make this a custom designed cellar. Textures in the tile pick up on the wood grain of the mahogany racking. The custom insulated door has a frosted design. There are a variety of lights used, all on timer, including the LEDs, recessed and puck lights over the tasting area. The raised tumble limestone and the rest of the design, makes it unique to these homeowners.

This was once a damp basement that frequently flooded with each rain storm. Two sump pumps were added, along with some landscaping that helped prevent water getting into the basement. Ceramic tile was added to the floor, drywall was added to the walls and ceiling, recessed lighting, and some doors and trim to finish off the space. There was a modern style powder room added, along with some pantry storage and a refrigerator to make this an additional living space. All of the mechanical units have their own closets, that are perfectly accessible, but are no longer an eyesore in this now beautiful space. There is another room added into this basement, with a TV nook was built in between two storage closets, which is the perfect space for the children.

2011 NARI CAPITAL COTY FINALIST AWARD WINNER/2012 NATIONAL NARI COTY SOUTHEAST REGIONAL AWARD WINNER This creative design involved converting a plain basement storage space into a wine cellar and tasting room for a couple that is changing their basement over to an adult “play” space. The basement already has a movie theater, exercise room, and a game table. They had been visiting local wineries and collecting for a future wine cellar of their own and now was the time. The design needed to work around the existing ductwork for the main level, tie into the electrical panel and HVAC system, move the hot water heater and furnace with associated ductwork, and hide the sump pump in the corner. It also included an upgraded look to the cabinetry and shelving. The space needed to be insulated and waterproofed to maintain constant temperature. The remodel connected to the existing electrical system, adding a split cooling system to their existing HVAC. The HVAC for the cellar has its own ductwork and compressor system, but ties into the existing system for drainage. Cabinetry was modified to conceal the sump pump in the corner, as well as cut to fit around the overhead duct work that cut across the middle of the ceiling. Miniature LED lights were installed along the shelving to give a glow so the labels could be read. The tasting table has a granite top with a barrel curved edge. Small touches added to the cabinetry and racks make this a custom designed cellar. Textures in the tile pick up on the wood grain of the mahogany racking. The custom insulated door has a frosted design. There are a variety of lights used, all on timer, including the LEDs, recessed and puck lights over the tasting area. The raised tumble limestone and the rest of the design, makes it unique to these homeowners.