Patio - mid-sized mediterranean backyard stamped concrete patio idea in Miami with a gazebo

Lower level entry and bar
Example of a mid-sized mountain style galley porcelain tile seated home bar design in Denver with soapstone countertops, multicolored backsplash and stone tile backsplash

Urban home bar photo in New York with a peninsula

Landmark Photography
Large transitional l-shaped slate floor seated home bar photo in Minneapolis with solid surface countertops, gray backsplash and gray countertops

Cabinetry: Old World Kitchens (oldworldkitchens.com) Photography: Bob Young (bobyoungphoto.com)
Seated home bar - rustic light wood floor seated home bar idea in Vancouver with dark wood cabinets

Example of a huge eclectic medium tone wood floor and brown floor home office library design in Denver with white walls and no fireplace

Seated home bar - mid-sized modern l-shaped beige floor seated home bar idea in Miami with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, brown backsplash and wood backsplash

Beth Singer
Home bar - traditional dark wood floor home bar idea in Detroit with dark wood cabinets

Example of an eclectic concrete floor and gray floor living room design in Los Angeles with white walls

Morning Room - General Contractor: Forte Estate Homes photo by Aidin Foster
Example of a mid-sized tuscan limestone floor and beige floor kitchen/dining room combo design in Orange County with no fireplace and beige walls

Cipher Imaging
Basement - traditional ceramic tile basement idea with gray walls and no fireplace

Example of a large transitional open concept kitchen design in St Louis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface countertops, white backsplash, brick backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Large urban underground medium tone wood floor basement photo in Omaha with beige walls and no fireplace

Basement remodel by Buckeye Basements, Inc.
Cottage galley carpeted and gray floor seated home bar photo in Columbus with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets and brick backsplash

Home bar - large transitional home bar idea in Minneapolis

VHT Studios
Eat-in kitchen - industrial l-shaped eat-in kitchen idea in Chicago with shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, gray backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Hidden wine cellar. Faux painted ceiling. Photo by Tre Dunham, Fine Focus Photography
Example of a mid-sized tuscan galley seated home bar design in Austin with an undermount sink and dark wood cabinets

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.

Photo Credit: Tamara Flanagan
Large country look-out porcelain tile home bar photo in Boston with white walls and no fireplace