THE SETUP When we first encountered this basement for a family with three boys, we saw a space with untapped potential. Though previously remodeled, it lacked a cohesive design strategy. The expansive area housed various entertainment pieces (a shuffleboard table, air hockey, foosball, etc.) scattered haphazardly throughout the space. While the basement included a workout room and a rudimentary kitchen area, it lacked a dedicated game room or proper bar. Excessive storage closets along the back wall consumed valuable real estate that could be repurposed for more engaging uses. In essence, the basement was spacious but disjointed—functional for family use but falling short as an entertainment hub. It didn’t align with the sophistication of the rest of the home. Our clients envisioned a transformation: a fresh, organized space that would not only serve their family’s needs but also shine as an inviting arena for entertaining friends and hosting gatherings – especially sports-focused gatherings! Design Objectives: Reimagine the basement layout, creating distinct zones for varied activities. Expand the workout area to accommodate new equipment, including a Smith machine. Implement a multi-screen setup inspired by high-end sports bars, allowing guests to follow multiple games while socializing. Enhance existing features while developing new areas: Optimize a workout space for all equipment needs Establish a dedicated children’s space with guest room capabilities Create an integrated bar and entertainment area Retain and incorporate the existing projector setup Design Challenges: Navigate layout constraints in the new workout room due to fixed utility areas. Carve out a distinct space for kids within the open plan. Revitalize an underutilized section of the basement. Elevate the existing big screen area with purposeful design elements. Develop a full-fledged bar area while maintaining kitchen functions applicable for hangout snacking. Work around immovable structural elements (soffits, load-bearing support columns) THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: Install a stylish barn door for the utility area of the new workout space, improving aesthetics and accessibility. Repurpose the former workout room into a dedicated game room for kids, utilizing couches with pull-out beds so the area can double as overflow guest accommodations. Transform the unused area into a vibrant pub-style area for card and table games. Enhance the big screen area with elegant wainscoting and ambient theatre-style lighting. Design a multi-functional wet bar area featuring varied seating, prep areas, and a microwave. Base the bar sink area width off the soffit above it. In the big screen area, use the soffit to inform the width of a wainscoting section. For the immovable support columns, dress one up to match the wainscoting of the nearby big screen wall. Hide the other one in a new wall. Final Thoughts: The reimagined basement has exceeded our clients’ expectations, evolving into the ultimate entertainment hub. With seven strategically placed screens, it’s perfect for gatherings focused on major sporting events and casual gatherings, as well. The space strikes a balance between adult sophistication and family-friendly functionality, featuring distinct zones for various activities. The new design not only maximizes functionality for modern, multi-screen entertainment but also elevates the aesthetic appeal. It integrates flawlessly with the rest of the home’s transitional style while allowing each basement section to maintain its unique character. The result is a versatile space that caters to both intimate family time and large-scale entertaining.

Our clients wanted to increase the size of their kitchen, which was small, in comparison to the overall size of the home. They wanted a more open livable space for the family to be able to hang out downstairs. They wanted to remove the walls downstairs in the front formal living and den making them a new large den/entering room. They also wanted to remove the powder and laundry room from the center of the kitchen, giving them more functional space in the kitchen that was completely opened up to their den. The addition was planned to be one story with a bedroom/game room (flex space), laundry room, bathroom (to serve as the on-suite to the bedroom and pool bath), and storage closet. They also wanted a larger sliding door leading out to the pool. We demoed the entire kitchen, including the laundry room and powder bath that were in the center! The wall between the den and formal living was removed, completely opening up that space to the entry of the house. A small space was separated out from the main den area, creating a flex space for them to become a home office, sitting area, or reading nook. A beautiful fireplace was added, surrounded with slate ledger, flanked with built-in bookcases creating a focal point to the den. Behind this main open living area, is the addition. When the addition is not being utilized as a guest room, it serves as a game room for their two young boys. There is a large closet in there great for toys or additional storage. A full bath was added, which is connected to the bedroom, but also opens to the hallway so that it can be used for the pool bath. The new laundry room is a dream come true! Not only does it have room for cabinets, but it also has space for a much-needed extra refrigerator. There is also a closet inside the laundry room for additional storage. This first-floor addition has greatly enhanced the functionality of this family’s daily lives. Previously, there was essentially only one small space for them to hang out downstairs, making it impossible for more than one conversation to be had. Now, the kids can be playing air hockey, video games, or roughhousing in the game room, while the adults can be enjoying TV in the den or cooking in the kitchen, without interruption! While living through a remodel might not be easy, the outcome definitely outweighs the struggles throughout the process.

A dark and dingy basement is now the most popular area of this family’s home. The new basement enhances and expands their living area, giving them a relaxing space for watching movies together and a separate, swanky bar area for watching sports games. The design creatively uses reclaimed barnwood throughout the space, including ceiling beams, the staircase, the face of the bar, the TV wall in the seating area, open shelving and a sliding barn door. The client wanted a masculine bar area for hosting friends/family. It’s the perfect space for watching games and serving drinks. The bar area features hickory cabinets with a granite stain, quartz countertops and an undermount sink. There is plenty of cabinet storage, floating shelves for displaying bottles/glassware, a wine shelf and beverage cooler. The most notable feature of the bar is the color changing LED strip lighting under the shelves. The lights illuminate the bottles on the shelves and the cream city brick wall. The lighting makes the space feel upscale and creates a great atmosphere when the homeowners are entertaining. We sourced all the barnwood from the same torn down barn to make sure all the wood matched. We custom milled the wood for the stairs, newel posts, railings, ceiling beams, bar face, wood accent wall behind the TV, floating bar shelves and sliding barn door. Our team designed, constructed and installed the sliding barn door that separated the finished space from the laundry/storage area. The staircase leading to the basement now matches the style of the other staircase in the house, with white risers and wood treads. Lighting is an important component of this space, as this basement is dark with no windows or natural light. Recessed lights throughout the room are on dimmers and can be adjusted accordingly. The living room is lit with an overhead light fixture and there are pendant lights over the bar.

Our clients wanted to increase the size of their kitchen, which was small, in comparison to the overall size of the home. They wanted a more open livable space for the family to be able to hang out downstairs. They wanted to remove the walls downstairs in the front formal living and den making them a new large den/entering room. They also wanted to remove the powder and laundry room from the center of the kitchen, giving them more functional space in the kitchen that was completely opened up to their den. The addition was planned to be one story with a bedroom/game room (flex space), laundry room, bathroom (to serve as the on-suite to the bedroom and pool bath), and storage closet. They also wanted a larger sliding door leading out to the pool. We demoed the entire kitchen, including the laundry room and powder bath that were in the center! The wall between the den and formal living was removed, completely opening up that space to the entry of the house. A small space was separated out from the main den area, creating a flex space for them to become a home office, sitting area, or reading nook. A beautiful fireplace was added, surrounded with slate ledger, flanked with built-in bookcases creating a focal point to the den. Behind this main open living area, is the addition. When the addition is not being utilized as a guest room, it serves as a game room for their two young boys. There is a large closet in there great for toys or additional storage. A full bath was added, which is connected to the bedroom, but also opens to the hallway so that it can be used for the pool bath. The new laundry room is a dream come true! Not only does it have room for cabinets, but it also has space for a much-needed extra refrigerator. There is also a closet inside the laundry room for additional storage. This first-floor addition has greatly enhanced the functionality of this family’s daily lives. Previously, there was essentially only one small space for them to hang out downstairs, making it impossible for more than one conversation to be had. Now, the kids can be playing air hockey, video games, or roughhousing in the game room, while the adults can be enjoying TV in the den or cooking in the kitchen, without interruption! While living through a remodel might not be easy, the outcome definitely outweighs the struggles throughout the process.

A grand foyer with a sweeping staircase sets the stage for the refined interior of this stunning shingle and stone Colonial. The perfect home for entertaining with formal living and dining rooms and a handsome paneled library. High ceilings, handcrafted millwork, gleaming hardwoods, and walls of windows enhance the open floor plan. Adjacent to the family room, the well-appointed kitchen opens to a breakfast room and leads to an octagonal, window-filled sun room. French doors access the deck and patio and overlook two acres of professionally landscaped grounds. The second floor has generous bedrooms and a versatile entertainment room that may work for in-laws or au-pair. The impressive master suite includes a fireplace, luxurious marble bath and large walk-in closet. The walk-out lower level includes something for everyone; a game room, family room, home theatre, fitness room, bedroom and full bath. Every room in this custom-built home enchants.

Challenge: sometimes second time’s a charm Solved: Most remodels are baby steps. Upgrades. Not, this one. This was clearly a giant step. The deck, made of architectural concrete and Ipe wood—twice as dense as most woods and five times harder—features a cantilevered fire pit and floating barbeque. While these provide ample touches of wow factor, some of the most game-changing and appreciated enhancements are hidden from view: like the re-engineered, energy-efficient power plant and pipes that keep crystal clear water flowing silently and effortlessly space to space. In this case, it would seem, the second time’s a charm.

This casual family great room needed some updating. Beautiful new hardwood floors replace wall to wall carpeting, and a new wool area rug anchors the space. Custom window seat cushions, pillows, and custom window treatments add color, softness and charm to the space. The simple straight cornice boards are enhanced with square bronze nailhead trim. A new red tweed sectional sofa replaces the previous well-worn version. Photographs by Jon Friedrich

A grand foyer with a sweeping staircase sets the stage for the refined interior of this stunning shingle and stone Colonial. The perfect home for entertaining with formal living and dining rooms and a handsome paneled library. High ceilings, handcrafted millwork, gleaming hardwoods, and walls of windows enhance the open floor plan. Adjacent to the family room, the well-appointed kitchen opens to a breakfast room and leads to an octagonal, window-filled sun room. French doors access the deck and patio and overlook two acres of professionally landscaped grounds. The second floor has generous bedrooms and a versatile entertainment room that may work for in-laws or au-pair. The impressive master suite includes a fireplace, luxurious marble bath and large walk-in closet. The walk-out lower level includes something for everyone; a game room, family room, home theatre, fitness room, bedroom and full bath. Every room in this custom-built home enchants.

Lake front house with massive outside raised sitting area. Sitting area has pergola style roof, glass rail, rock columns and has electrical and gas lines for heaters. The perfect spot to spend watching the kids in the lake and to spend cozy evenings visiting and playing games!!!! We built a large paving stone patio to further enhance the outdoor, lakefront experience for sitting areas and sunbathing as well as ample grass areas for green space and for the kids to run around and kick the soccer ball!!

Design AL STUDIO A play on volumes, solids and voids, a dialogue with space that is manifested through dimensions, colors and finishes. Sophisticated color combinations to enhance the formal choices and accentuate the three-dimensional game. Essence which is shown inside the drawers, with quality materials and excellent workmanship even in the dividers and fittings. A perfect organization of the available space.

A grand foyer with a sweeping staircase sets the stage for the refined interior of this stunning shingle and stone Colonial. The perfect home for entertaining with formal living and dining rooms and a handsome paneled library. High ceilings, handcrafted millwork, gleaming hardwoods, and walls of windows enhance the open floor plan. Adjacent to the family room, the well-appointed kitchen opens to a breakfast room and leads to an octagonal, window-filled sun room. French doors access the deck and patio and overlook two acres of professionally landscaped grounds. The second floor has generous bedrooms and a versatile entertainment room that may work for in-laws or au-pair. The impressive master suite includes a fireplace, luxurious marble bath and large walk-in closet. The walk-out lower level includes something for everyone; a game room, family room, home theatre, fitness room, bedroom and full bath. Every room in this custom-built home enchants.

Design AL STUDIO A play on volumes, solids and voids, a dialogue with space that is manifested through dimensions, colors and finishes. Sophisticated color combinations to enhance the formal choices and accentuate the three-dimensional game. Essence which is shown inside the drawers, with quality materials and excellent workmanship even in the dividers and fittings. A perfect organization of the available space.

A grand foyer with a sweeping staircase sets the stage for the refined interior of this stunning shingle and stone Colonial. The perfect home for entertaining with formal living and dining rooms and a handsome paneled library. High ceilings, handcrafted millwork, gleaming hardwoods, and walls of windows enhance the open floor plan. Adjacent to the family room, the well-appointed kitchen opens to a breakfast room and leads to an octagonal, window-filled sun room. French doors access the deck and patio and overlook two acres of professionally landscaped grounds. The second floor has generous bedrooms and a versatile entertainment room that may work for in-laws or au-pair. The impressive master suite includes a fireplace, luxurious marble bath and large walk-in closet. The walk-out lower level includes something for everyone; a game room, family room, home theatre, fitness room, bedroom and full bath. Every room in this custom-built home enchants.

This beautiful new construction home in Rowayton, Connecticut was staged by BA Staging & Interiors. Neutral furniture and décor were used to enhance the architecture and luxury features and create a soothing environment. This home includes 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms and 4,500 square feet.

Enhance your home entertainment with a stylish wet bar, complete with a sink for easy cleanup and socializing. Designed for convenience, it holds liquor bottles, glassware, and all the essentials for crafting cocktails. Whether in your living room, recreation area, or patio, it's the epitome of sophistication and functionality.

A grand foyer with a sweeping staircase sets the stage for the refined interior of this stunning shingle and stone Colonial. The perfect home for entertaining with formal living and dining rooms and a handsome paneled library. High ceilings, handcrafted millwork, gleaming hardwoods, and walls of windows enhance the open floor plan. Adjacent to the family room, the well-appointed kitchen opens to a breakfast room and leads to an octagonal, window-filled sun room. French doors access the deck and patio and overlook two acres of professionally landscaped grounds. The second floor has generous bedrooms and a versatile entertainment room that may work for in-laws or au-pair. The impressive master suite includes a fireplace, luxurious marble bath and large walk-in closet. The walk-out lower level includes something for everyone; a game room, family room, home theatre, fitness room, bedroom and full bath. Every room in this custom-built home enchants.

The Relaxed Mid-Century collection from Ellen DeGeneres crafted by Thomasville features a blend of Danish and Italian inspired details. Hand-planed walnut veneers with a warm Mid-Century Walnut finish complement brushed brass hardware which sets the aesthetic tone for this furniture collection. Additional details such as cane, bronzed glass and rich leathers are introduced on select pieces to add depth and enhance the overall richness. The upholstery features a blend of fluid, enveloping curves and tufted traditional seating. Sofas range from curvaceous, flowing forms to angular, tufted, tight seat designs. Upholstered accent chairs with hand formed frames and a Mid-Century Walnut finish inspire movement.

This elegant bar cart styled by Rivington Marx Interiors elevates home entertaining through thoughtful details. A vintage brass bar cart with artfully arranged and curated spirits, glassware, and accessories provides function and indulgence. A monkey table lamp adds personality, transforming the cart into a decorative focal point rather than a utilitarian afterthought. Set against textured wallcovering and illuminated by tailored picture lighting, this bar cart design showcases how intentional styling can enhance your entertaining space. Ideal inspiration for those seeking sophisticated home bar ideas, bar cart decor inspiration, or luxury entertaining design that balances timeless elegance with relaxed charm.

Challenge: sometimes second time’s a charm Solved: Most remodels are baby steps. Upgrades. Not, this one. This was clearly a giant step. The deck, made of architectural concrete and Ipe wood—twice as dense as most woods and five times harder—features a cantilevered fire pit and floating barbeque. While these provide ample touches of wow factor, some of the most game-changing and appreciated enhancements are hidden from view: like the re-engineered, energy-efficient power plant and pipes that keep crystal clear water flowing silently and effortlessly space to space. In this case, it would seem, the second time’s a charm.