As you descend the stairs you enter the billiard room of the newly completed basement makeover. The space provides an area to play on the collector's table with stainless steel and copper framing while viewing the wine cellar through the large window on a curved accent wall. Cream leather chairs placed below the window are a comfortable spot for guests to relax while watching the game. Tim Lee Photography

A close up of the well-stocked bar. These custom bar cabinets in the homeowners' favorite hue combine beautifully with solid reclaimed walnut floating shelves. The floating shelves and the glass-front upper cabinets are perfect for displaying spirits and glassware.

Basement game room and home bar. Cutaway ceiling reveals rustic wood ceiling with contemporary light fixture. Photography by Spacecrafting
Large transitional carpeted family room photo in Minneapolis with beige walls and a wall-mounted tv

This rustic-inspired basement includes an entertainment area, two bars, and a gaming area. The renovation created a bathroom and guest room from the original office and exercise room. To create the rustic design the renovation used different naturally textured finishes, such as Coretec hard pine flooring, wood-look porcelain tile, wrapped support beams, walnut cabinetry, natural stone backsplashes, and fireplace surround,

Project Cooper & Ella - Living Room - Long Island, NY Interior Design: Jeanne Campana Design - www.jeannecampanadesign.com
Example of a mid-sized transitional enclosed medium tone wood floor living room design in New York with a standard fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and beige walls

Luxurious modern take on a traditional white Italian villa. An entry with a silver domed ceiling, painted moldings in patterns on the walls and mosaic marble flooring create a luxe foyer. Into the formal living room, cool polished Crema Marfil marble tiles contrast with honed carved limestone fireplaces throughout the home, including the outdoor loggia. Ceilings are coffered with white painted crown moldings and beams, or planked, and the dining room has a mirrored ceiling. Bathrooms are white marble tiles and counters, with dark rich wood stains or white painted. The hallway leading into the master bedroom is designed with barrel vaulted ceilings and arched paneled wood stained doors. The master bath and vestibule floor is covered with a carpet of patterned mosaic marbles, and the interior doors to the large walk in master closets are made with leaded glass to let in the light. The master bedroom has dark walnut planked flooring, and a white painted fireplace surround with a white marble hearth. The kitchen features white marbles and white ceramic tile backsplash, white painted cabinetry and a dark stained island with carved molding legs. Next to the kitchen, the bar in the family room has terra cotta colored marble on the backsplash and counter over dark walnut cabinets. Wrought iron staircase leading to the more modern media/family room upstairs. Project Location: North Ranch, Westlake, California. Remodel designed by Maraya Interior Design. From their beautiful resort town of Ojai, they serve clients in Montecito, Hope Ranch, Malibu, Westlake and Calabasas, across the tri-county areas of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles, south to Hidden Hills- north through Solvang and more. Eclectic Living Room with Asian antiques from the owners' own travels. Deep purple, copper and white chenille fabrics and a handknotted wool rug. Modern art painting by Maraya, Home built by Timothy J. Droney

The primary goal of this basement project was to give these homeowners more space: both for their own everyday use and for guests. By excavating an unusable crawl space, we were able to build out a full basement with 9’ high ceilings, a guest bedroom, a full bathroom, a gym, a large storage room, and a spacious entertainment room that includes a kitchenette. In all, the homeowners gained over 1,100 of finished space.

Photography by Spacecrafting. Exercise floor and wall mirrors. Ceiling fan. Arched doorway.
Large transitional multiuse home gym photo in Minneapolis with white walls

This older couple residing in a golf course community wanted to expand their living space and finish up their unfinished basement for entertainment purposes and more. Their wish list included: exercise room, full scale movie theater, fireplace area, guest bedroom, full size master bath suite style, full bar area, entertainment and pool table area, and tray ceiling. After major concrete breaking and running ground plumbing, we used a dead corner of basement near staircase to tuck in bar area. A dual entrance bathroom from guest bedroom and main entertainment area was placed on far wall to create a large uninterrupted main floor area. A custom barn door for closet gives extra floor space to guest bedroom. New movie theater room with multi-level seating, sound panel walls, two rows of recliner seating, 120-inch screen, state of art A/V system, custom pattern carpeting, surround sound & in-speakers, custom molding and trim with fluted columns, custom mahogany theater doors. The bar area includes copper panel ceiling and rope lighting inside tray area, wrapped around cherry cabinets and dark granite top, plenty of stools and decorated with glass backsplash and listed glass cabinets. The main seating area includes a linear fireplace, covered with floor to ceiling ledger stone and an embedded television above it. The new exercise room with two French doors, full mirror walls, a couple storage closets, and rubber floors provide a fully equipped home gym. The unused space under staircase now includes a hidden bookcase for storage and A/V equipment. New bathroom includes fully equipped body sprays, large corner shower, double vanities, and lots of other amenities. Carefully selected trim work, crown molding, tray ceiling, wainscoting, wide plank engineered flooring, matching stairs, and railing, makes this basement remodel the jewel of this community.

Our clients had significant damage to their finished basement from a city sewer line break at the street. Once mitigation and sanitation were complete, we worked with our clients to maximized the space by relocating the powder room and wet bar cabinetry and opening up the main living area. The basement now functions as a much wished for exercise area and hang out lounge. The wood shelves, concrete floors and barn door give the basement a modern feel. We are proud to continue to give this client a great renovation experience.

In the basement level of the lake home, a cozy family room with wood paneled walls and ceilings, intimate sconce lighting and plush, cozy furniture is the perfect place to curl up and watch a movie on a cold Minnesota night.

Family room - transitional family room idea in San Francisco

Basement - large traditional look-out dark wood floor, brown floor and wainscoting basement idea in Kansas City with a bar, green walls, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace

This 1933 Wauwatosa basement was dark, dingy and lacked functionality. The basement was unfinished with concrete walls and floors. A small office was enclosed but the rest of the space was open and cluttered. The homeowners wanted a warm, organized space for their family. A recent job change meant they needed a dedicated home office. They also wanted a place where their kids could hang out with friends. Their wish list for this basement remodel included: a home office where the couple could both work, a full bathroom, a cozy living room and a dedicated storage room. This basement renovation resulted in a warm and bright space that is used by the whole family. Highlights of this basement: - Home Office: A new office gives the couple a dedicated space for work. There’s plenty of desk space, storage cabinets, under-shelf lighting and storage for their home library. - Living Room: An old office area was expanded into a cozy living room. It’s the perfect place for their kids to hang out when they host friends and family. - Laundry Room: The new laundry room is a total upgrade. It now includes fun laminate flooring, storage cabinets and counter space for folding laundry. - Full Bathroom: A new bathroom gives the family an additional shower in the home. Highlights of the bathroom include a navy vanity, quartz counters, brass finishes, a Dreamline shower door and Kohler Choreograph wall panels. - Staircase: We spruced up the staircase leading down to the lower level with patterned vinyl flooring and a matching trim color. - Storage: We gave them a separate storage space, with custom shelving for organizing their camping gear, sports equipment and holiday decorations. CUSTOMER REVIEW “We had been talking about remodeling our basement for a long time, but decided to make it happen when my husband was offered a job working remotely. It felt like the right time for us to have a real home office where we could separate our work lives from our home lives. We wanted the area to feel open, light-filled, and modern – not an easy task for a previously dark and cold basement! One of our favorite parts was when our designer took us on a 3D computer design tour of our basement. I remember thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, this could be our basement!?!’ It was so fun to see how our designer was able to take our wish list and ideas from my Pinterest board, and turn it into a practical design. We were sold after seeing the design, and were pleasantly surprised to see that Kowalske was less costly than another estimate.” – Stephanie, homeowner

Inspiration for a large timeless travertine floor wine cellar remodel in Richmond with beige walls and storage racks

Combining elegance and timelessness, this luxury home captures the essence of fine living. Stone, shakes and massive timbers create a welcoming façade and make a grand statement in this French Country European style home. Luxurious details and abundant conveniences define this beautiful new home for a young family of five. The exterior was finished in natural stone and Hardi-Plank siding. A grand foyer, luxurious library and stunning powder room form a sophisticated entry that flows into the large great room which perfect for family living and entertaining. A gourmet kitchen adjoins to the morning room that features a cherry lined 20” with great views to woods, cabana and pool. The master suite offers a beautiful two huge closets while the spa bath offers separate vanities and spacious shower. Two separate stairways lead to the upstairs. The little girl’s room is fit for a princess while a Jack & Jill bath adjoins the boy’s room. A guest suite was also provided. A fun play area was created in the loft. The spectacular walkout basement feature a walnut bar, billiards room lounge, exercise room as well as a game room. The basement also features an extraordinary state of the art home theater with personalized marquee sign and includes a Hollywood glam bath. Outdoor living takes center stage, with an old world cabana, pool & spa and lavish landscapes on both levels. Additional details include a three-car garage, large laundry room and so much more. Photo Credit - Richard Hall

This 1933 Wauwatosa basement was dark, dingy and lacked functionality. The basement was unfinished with concrete walls and floors. A small office was enclosed but the rest of the space was open and cluttered. The homeowners wanted a warm, organized space for their family. A recent job change meant they needed a dedicated home office. They also wanted a place where their kids could hang out with friends. Their wish list for this basement remodel included: a home office where the couple could both work, a full bathroom, a cozy living room and a dedicated storage room. This basement renovation resulted in a warm and bright space that is used by the whole family. Highlights of this basement: - Home Office: A new office gives the couple a dedicated space for work. There’s plenty of desk space, storage cabinets, under-shelf lighting and storage for their home library. - Living Room: An old office area was expanded into a cozy living room. It’s the perfect place for their kids to hang out when they host friends and family. - Laundry Room: The new laundry room is a total upgrade. It now includes fun laminate flooring, storage cabinets and counter space for folding laundry. - Full Bathroom: A new bathroom gives the family an additional shower in the home. Highlights of the bathroom include a navy vanity, quartz counters, brass finishes, a Dreamline shower door and Kohler Choreograph wall panels. - Staircase: We spruced up the staircase leading down to the lower level with patterned vinyl flooring and a matching trim color. - Storage: We gave them a separate storage space, with custom shelving for organizing their camping gear, sports equipment and holiday decorations. CUSTOMER REVIEW “We had been talking about remodeling our basement for a long time, but decided to make it happen when my husband was offered a job working remotely. It felt like the right time for us to have a real home office where we could separate our work lives from our home lives. We wanted the area to feel open, light-filled, and modern – not an easy task for a previously dark and cold basement! One of our favorite parts was when our designer took us on a 3D computer design tour of our basement. I remember thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, this could be our basement!?!’ It was so fun to see how our designer was able to take our wish list and ideas from my Pinterest board, and turn it into a practical design. We were sold after seeing the design, and were pleasantly surprised to see that Kowalske was less costly than another estimate.” – Stephanie, homeowner

The basement is designed as a warm, immersive retreat that blends eclectic design with spa-like tranquility and hidden entertainment spaces. The overall palette centers around warm natural woods, matte black accents, and layered moody lighting, creating a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere throughout the space. The main living area features a comfortable lounge zone anchored by a fireplace, with plush seating, textured rugs, and low, ambient lighting to create a relaxed, intimate vibe. Built-in shelving in dark wood with black metal details adds visual interest and provides space for books, art, and curated décor. The lighting plan emphasizes dim, warm, and indirect sources—wall sconces, concealed LED strips, and table lamps—to keep the environment calm and atmospheric rather than bright and open. One side of the basement transitions into a Zen-inspired spa retreat. This area uses lighter warm woods and natural stone elements to create contrast while maintaining harmony with the rest of the basement. The spa includes: A glass-front sauna with slatted cedar walls and soft backlighting A cold plunge tub with dark stone or concrete surround Minimalist fixtures in matte black Subtle greenery and natural textures to reinforce the calming, restorative feel The spa zone should feel like a boutique wellness retreat tucked inside the home—clean, quiet, and intentionally minimal. A unique feature of the basement is a hidden “man cave” lounge accessed through a secret door disguised as a built-in shelving unit. When opened, it reveals a darker, more intimate room designed for entertaining or unwinding. This space uses rich two-tone walls in deep warm hues—such as charcoal paired with dark walnut or oxblood—along with low lighting and heavier textures. The room could include a bar area, media setup, leather seating, and subtle accent lighting to enhance the clandestine, speakeasy-like atmosphere. Overall, the basement should feel layered, cozy, slightly mysterious, and luxurious, balancing relaxation, wellness, and entertainment in a way that feels cohesive but full of discovery.

Great room with coffered ceiling with crown molding and rope lighting, entertainment area with arched, recessed , TV space, pool table area, walk behind wet bar with corner L-shaped back bar and coffered ceiling detail; exercise room/bedroom; 9’ desk/study center with Aristokraft base cabinetry only and ‘Formica’ brand (www.formica.com) laminate countertop installed adjacent to stairway, closet and double glass door entry; dual access ¾ bathroom, unfinished mechanical room and unfinished storage room; Note: (2) coffered ceilings with crown molding and rope lighting and (1) coffered ceiling detail outlining walk behind wet bar included in project; Photo: Andrew J Hathaway, Brothers Construction