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.

A new sump pump and backwater valve installed and hidden in the closet for protection against groundwater and sewage flooding.
Closet - eclectic closet idea in Toronto

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.

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.

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.

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.

Photography by Desiree
Staircase - modern staircase idea in Denver

Recessed niche for display makes use of bump out in foundation and gives an extra niche for cabinetry and shelves behind bar area. Dominica Woodbury Photography

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.

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.

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.

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.

Photo: Lucy Call © 2015 Houzz

The homeowner wanted a lower level to entertain in, where guest could watch football or movies comfortably. With large football player sons it had to be tough and beautiful, By paying attention to the content of fabrics, and using leathers ( the ottoman is silver pleather, the sofa is a grey-taupe leather) and applying stain repellents the room has already survived many football games and ruckus week ends.

The basement games room/family room is another comfortable area in this build. We went with 9' ceilings in this space (we tried to achieve 10' but we reached the limit with the water table in this area. This home has two sump pumps as a result). The mechanical room entrance was placed in this room since the gym shares the other side, however we sound proofed the mech room to ensure our clients would be comfortable in both spaces.

Basement - small craftsman walk-out carpeted and beige floor basement idea in Grand Rapids with beige walls

The basement games room/family room is another comfortable area in this build. We went with 9' ceilings in this space (we tried to achieve 10' but we reached the limit with the water table in this area. This home has two sump pumps as a result). The mechanical room entrance was placed in this room since the gym shares the other side, however we sound proofed the mech room to ensure our clients would be comfortable in both spaces.