Photo of a mid-sized contemporary full sun rooftop landscaping in Chicago.

Michael Terrell
Open concept kitchen - mid-sized traditional l-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen idea in St Louis with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Photo of a large traditional full sun side yard stone retaining wall landscape in Calgary.

Mid-sized cottage l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in DC Metro with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

An after visit a couple of years later!
Inspiration for a small contemporary full sun side yard brick water fountain landscape in Houston.

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.

Stuart Wade, Envision Virtual Tours St Marlo Country Club Envision Virtual Tours provides professional photography and Full Screen Virtual Tours for St. Marlo Custom Homes. Set on over 900 acres and surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful hardwoods, the St. Marlo Country Club offers luxury living and unparalleled panoramic views from every home. St. Marlo Country Club is in high demand due to its ideal location and award-winning golf course. St Marlo is named one of the Top Ten new golf courses by Golf Digest Magazine and designed by Dennis Griffiths the 200-acre golf course promises a great day for players of all levels. St Marlo is located in South Forsyth County and the newly established area of Johns Creek (though not within the Johns Creek City Limits) an area known for its lower taxes, great healthcare and highly acclaimed public and private schools, St. Marlo Country Club offers elegant European and Traditional style homes from the mid $500s to over $3 million. And every St. Marlo home for sale offers all the benefits of a country club setting including 24-hour gated access and security, Junior Olympic-size pool, cabana with grilling area, 9 lighted tennis courts, soccer field, volleyball, basketball court and a enormous Clubhouse with banquet room used for Father/Daughter Dances, Weddings, and other events. Restaurant, Golf Pro shop and more!

Our client wanted a maintenance free yard with no grass and minimal plantings. We designed and constructed a simple but very effective yard that suited their young family well. With a synthetic grass area for their children to play (and a future play structure) as well as a large paver patio for a dining table and chimenea for gatherings, this yard is all about enjoying the moments, not doing yard work!! We dressed it up with a few trees that will grow to provide some privacy as well as a nice cedar fence and privacy screens. Concrete edging rounds out the project that will ensure many years of enjoyment with no hassles!!

Mid-sized elegant open concept carpeted home theater photo in Edmonton with gray walls and a projector screen

Photography by Mike Kaskel
Example of a large trendy enclosed carpeted and gray floor home theater design in Chicago with gray walls and a projector screen

Photo of a mid-sized full sun backyard concrete paver landscaping in Boston.

A gorgeous front entry way. Custom entries help increase curb appeal and the value of your home!
Design ideas for a large full sun front yard concrete paver landscaping in St Louis.

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional full sun backyard concrete paver landscaping in Chicago.

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.

Large elegant enclosed carpeted home theater photo in New York with red walls and a projector screen

Stuart Wade, Envision Virtual Tours St Marlo Country Club Envision Virtual Tours provides professional photography and Full Screen Virtual Tours for St. Marlo Custom Homes. Set on over 900 acres and surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful hardwoods, the St. Marlo Country Club offers luxury living and unparalleled panoramic views from every home. St. Marlo Country Club is in high demand due to its ideal location and award-winning golf course. St Marlo is named one of the Top Ten new golf courses by Golf Digest Magazine and designed by Dennis Griffiths the 200-acre golf course promises a great day for players of all levels. St Marlo is located in South Forsyth County and the newly established area of Johns Creek (though not within the Johns Creek City Limits) an area known for its lower taxes, great healthcare and highly acclaimed public and private schools, St. Marlo Country Club offers elegant European and Traditional style homes from the mid $500s to over $3 million. And every St. Marlo home for sale offers all the benefits of a country club setting including 24-hour gated access and security, Junior Olympic-size pool, cabana with grilling area, 9 lighted tennis courts, soccer field, volleyball, basketball court and a enormous Clubhouse with banquet room used for Father/Daughter Dances, Weddings, and other events. Restaurant, Golf Pro shop and more!

These homeowners loved their outdoor space, complete with a pool and deck, but wanted to better utilize the space for entertaining with the full kitchen experience and amenities. This update was designed keeping the Tuscan architecture of their home in mind. We built a cabana with an Italian design, complete with a kegerator, icemaker, fridge, grill with custom hood and tile backsplash and full overlay custom cabinetry. A sink for meal prep and clean up enhanced the full kitchen function. A cathedral ceiling with stained bead board and ceiling fans make this space comfortable. Additionally, we built a screened in porch with stained bead board ceiling, ceiling fans, and custom trim including custom columns tying the exterior architecture to the interior. Limestone columns with brick pedestals, limestone pavers and a screened in porch with pergola and a pool bath finish the experience, with a new exterior space that is not only reminiscent of the original home but allows for modern amenities for this family to enjoy for years to come.

Photo of a mid-sized traditional full sun backyard brick landscaping in Milwaukee.

RDP Photography
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional full sun backyard stone landscaping in Boston for spring.