This game room and home office overlook the great room and have a full view of the lake. The tall windows allow for a natural light filled loft. Modern Rustic Homes

Hired mid demolition, Regan Baker Design helped transform this tech and game savvy family of 4 in need of assistance with the design of their newly purchased Glen Park home. RBD finalized finishes, furniture and installation after 8 months of rebuilding their their 2 story, 3 bedroom 3 bath + Family room home. Finishes, fixtures, custom millwork and furniture were selected to reflect the cat and kid-friendly family, as well as a ton of closed built-in storage for the very well organized family. An RBD favorite includes the custom built-in sofa designed for easy game playing, easy lounging, and easy game storage. Photography: Sarah Hebenstreit / Modern Kids Co.

Photo: Caela McKeever © 2015 Houzz
Example of a transitional living room design in Seattle

This Milford French country home’s 2,500 sq. ft. basement transformation is just as extraordinary as it is warm and inviting. The M.J. Whelan design team, along with our clients, left no details out. This luxury basement is a beautiful blend of modern and rustic materials. A unique tray ceiling with a hardwood inset defines the space of the full bar. Brookhaven maple custom cabinets with a dark bistro finish and Cambria quartz countertops were used along with state of the art appliances. A brick backsplash and vintage pendant lights with new LED Edison bulbs add beautiful drama. The entertainment area features a custom built-in entertainment center designed specifically to our client’s wishes. It houses a large flat screen TV, lots of storage, display shelves and speakers hidden by speaker fabric. LED accent lighting was strategically installed to highlight this beautiful space. The entertaining area is open to the billiards room, featuring a another beautiful brick accent wall with a direct vent fireplace. The old ugly steel columns were beautifully disguised with raised panel moldings and were used to create and define the different spaces, even a hallway. The exercise room and game space are open to each other and features glass all around to keep it open to the rest of the lower level. Another brick accent wall was used in the game area with hardwood flooring while the exercise room has rubber flooring. The design also includes a rear foyer coming in from the back yard with cubbies and a custom barn door to separate that entry. A playroom and a dining area were also included in this fabulous luxurious family retreat. Stunning Provenza engineered hardwood in a weathered wire brushed combined with textured Fabrica carpet was used throughout most of the basement floor which is heated hydronically. Tile was used in the entry and the new bathroom. The details are endless! Our client’s selections of beautiful furnishings complete this luxurious finished basement. Photography by Jeff Garland Photography

Kelli Walden
Basement - transitional basement idea in Denver

An historic Spanish Colonial residence built in 1925 being redesigned and furnished for a modern-day Southern California family was the challenge. The interiors of the main house needed the backgrounds set and then a timeless collection created for its furnishings. Lifestyle was always a consideration as well as the interiors relating to the strong architecture of the residence. Natural colors such as terra cotta, tans, blues, greens, old red and soft vintage shades were incorporated throughout. Our goal was to maintain the historic character of the residence combining design elements and materials considered classic in Southern California Spanish Colonial architecture. Natural fiber textiles, leathers and woven linens were the predominated upholstery choices. A 7000 square foot basement was added and furnished to provide a gym, Star Wars theater, game areas, spa area and a simulator for indoor golf and other sports. Antiques were selected throughout the world, fine art from major galleries, custom reproductions fabricated in the old-world style. Collectible carpets were selected for the reclaimed hardwood flooring in all the areas. An estancia and garden over the basement were created and furnished with old world designs and materials as reclaimed woods, terra cotta and French limestone flooring.

Cost : Withheld at Owner’s Request 6880 Square Feet New and Renovated The renovation of an extensive linear residence and site facing Port Orchard waterway embraces water, greenspace and forested hillside. The home, completed this fall, serves as an artist’s studio, galleries, family space, game room, outdoor living areas and peaceful retreat. New interiors and exterior spaces and finishes, cabinetry, lighting, paving, landscape and courtyards become settings for the owner’s art + collections, three-generations of family and the wonderful colors and textures of the land + water. Inside, a monumental central stair and tapered two-story tall red cedar and steel column was designed as the residence’s entry focal point and internal landmarks, guiding the visitor’s eye to the main atrium…. and upward. Heavy wide-flange steel moment frames support the house and enable whole walls of glass. Rough, mill-finished steel contrasts refined cabinetry, stone, wood structure and defining dropped ceilings, reflecting the opener’s love of the tension between highly polished and detailed + rough, found art. Outside, A new southern “dining room” was designed for warm summer evening gatherings under a heavy-timber trellis. The focus, opposite water and island views, is a metal perforated screen. The final screen is composed of the lyrics from a Joe Cocker song of great meaning to the owners, cut from ½” marine bronze, set into dark-fired brick. “Oh My Darling, Be Home Soon….” Natural daylight and high-efficiency lighting are central players as in any gallery. From a high clerestory and extensive southern and eastern window-walls to carefully selected up-lighting, pendants, and accent fixtures, Rhodes Architecture + Light worked closely with the owner to ensure that their dark existing house would become one filled with light…. night and day. The owners, Ken and Jane, allowed us to interview them about their experience working with Rhodes Architecture + Light, and how they are feeling about living with the architecture today. What was your experience like, working with Rhodes Architecture + Light? “They worked with us because it was a remodel, an existing thing, and we had to try to make it work for all of our interests and how our family operated. They listened, and we listened, and it was a great communication back and forth.”–Jane How has the renovation changed the way you live and enjoy your home? “I remember saying to them that I want the whole floor heated because it gets so chilly down here. And we had the wood burning stove, but it was over there and now we just turn the floor heat on and we can come down. It’s cozy and nice. So we’re looking forward to winter now.”–Ken “We have 5 kids together and now a bunch of grandchildren. I wanted a marble countertop, but there’s just no way. I didn’t want it to be a place where I had to say, ‘No, no, no. Wipe up your drink, do this, do that.’ I wanted it to be a place where everybody can come with all the kids, and we make a big mess, and I can clean it up. And we can enjoy ourselves here, because that room upstairs, we almost never went in. And now we’re in there eating pizza and watching the game.” –Jane As an artist, Jane enjoyed the collaborative process. “I can’t believe it was as positive as it was. I went into it thinking it would be a great, creative, fun, collaborative thing, and I have to say, with our architects, it was. I like that creative process. I always say when I am doing a painting, it’s a series of problem solving so it wasn’t unusual for me. I am completely blown away by them and had fun with that part of it.” –Jane Architect: Tim James Rhodes RA AIA, Rhodes Architecture + Light Builder: Fairbank Construction Company Structural: Swensen Say Faget

This remarkable renovation reimagines an entire lower level into a multi-room retreat that reads less like a basement and more like a private members' club. Every inch was designed with intention — layering bold textures, curated art, and a confident mix of moody and luminous palettes to create a space that is simultaneously dramatic and deeply livable. Main Living Area The heart of this renovation is a sweeping living room where refined restraint meets expressive design. Walls are finished with architectural fluted millwork banding near the ceiling — a detail that adds rhythm and sophistication without overwhelming the space. Flanking panels of delicately patterned textured wallpaper frame a striking large-scale abstract canvas in black, white, and gold, which serves as both the focal point and the color story for the entire room. Paired frosted glass capsule sconces with warm brass fittings illuminate the artwork from either side, casting a soft, gallery-like glow. The furniture selection is equally considered: a generous cream linen sofa anchors the primary seating area, complemented by a pair of sculptural dark leather swivel lounge chairs with a stone travertine pedestal side table nestled between them. A plush velvet ottoman, a brass arc floor lamp, and a soft gray area rug over wide-plank hardwood floors complete the composition with quiet luxury. Bar & Entertainment Area The bar is nothing short of a showpiece. Custom cabinetry in a sophisticated greige-gray, featuring a mix of flat-panel and reeded/fluted door fronts, is crowned with a jaw-dropping geometric faceted tile backsplash. The tile — a mosaic of black, white, and metallic stone set in a kaleidoscopic diamond pattern — catches the light and shifts dramatically depending on the angle. A pair of oversized brass dome pendant lights hang above a sleek island topped in richly veined dark marble, providing both task lighting and a glamorous focal point. Open shelving built into the backsplash wall displays sculptural art objects — including a carved Buddha head and white abstract sculptures — reinforcing the home's gallery aesthetic. A brass spring-coil faucet, integrated beverage refrigerator, and patterned swirl-print ottomans tucked beneath the island make this bar equally functional and unforgettable. Game Room A complete tonal departure, the game room embraces deep, moody drama through floor-to-ceiling dark olive green walls and ceiling. A large-format sage green square tile accent wall grounds a wall-mounted flat screen TV, while a mahogany billiard table with slate blue felt takes center stage on a vintage-style area rug. A sculptural brass sputnik chandelier overhead adds a touch of glam that keeps the space from feeling too heavy. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the room with natural light and offer serene woodland views — a beautiful contrast to the room's intentionally dark interior palette. Sitting Room A quieter counterpart to the more dramatic spaces, the sitting room offers a warm, neutral sanctuary. A modern channel-tufted sofa in warm gray is dressed with rust terracotta and watercolor sage pillows. A sculptural tub chair in textured charcoal fabric, a pair of curved bronze ottomans with ribbed white upholstery, and a small dark marble side table complete a seating vignette that feels curated and calm. Signature Art Installation Perhaps the most conversation-starting element in the entire project is a bespoke wall sculpture: dozens of white ceramic pods with gold-leafed interiors, arranged in a sweeping, wave-like pattern across a stairwell or hallway wall. The installation bridges art and architecture, transforming a transitional space into a destination.

This remarkable renovation reimagines an entire lower level into a multi-room retreat that reads less like a basement and more like a private members' club. Every inch was designed with intention — layering bold textures, curated art, and a confident mix of moody and luminous palettes to create a space that is simultaneously dramatic and deeply livable. Main Living Area The heart of this renovation is a sweeping living room where refined restraint meets expressive design. Walls are finished with architectural fluted millwork banding near the ceiling — a detail that adds rhythm and sophistication without overwhelming the space. Flanking panels of delicately patterned textured wallpaper frame a striking large-scale abstract canvas in black, white, and gold, which serves as both the focal point and the color story for the entire room. Paired frosted glass capsule sconces with warm brass fittings illuminate the artwork from either side, casting a soft, gallery-like glow. The furniture selection is equally considered: a generous cream linen sofa anchors the primary seating area, complemented by a pair of sculptural dark leather swivel lounge chairs with a stone travertine pedestal side table nestled between them. A plush velvet ottoman, a brass arc floor lamp, and a soft gray area rug over wide-plank hardwood floors complete the composition with quiet luxury. Bar & Entertainment Area The bar is nothing short of a showpiece. Custom cabinetry in a sophisticated greige-gray, featuring a mix of flat-panel and reeded/fluted door fronts, is crowned with a jaw-dropping geometric faceted tile backsplash. The tile — a mosaic of black, white, and metallic stone set in a kaleidoscopic diamond pattern — catches the light and shifts dramatically depending on the angle. A pair of oversized brass dome pendant lights hang above a sleek island topped in richly veined dark marble, providing both task lighting and a glamorous focal point. Open shelving built into the backsplash wall displays sculptural art objects — including a carved Buddha head and white abstract sculptures — reinforcing the home's gallery aesthetic. A brass spring-coil faucet, integrated beverage refrigerator, and patterned swirl-print ottomans tucked beneath the island make this bar equally functional and unforgettable. Game Room A complete tonal departure, the game room embraces deep, moody drama through floor-to-ceiling dark olive green walls and ceiling. A large-format sage green square tile accent wall grounds a wall-mounted flat screen TV, while a mahogany billiard table with slate blue felt takes center stage on a vintage-style area rug. A sculptural brass sputnik chandelier overhead adds a touch of glam that keeps the space from feeling too heavy. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the room with natural light and offer serene woodland views — a beautiful contrast to the room's intentionally dark interior palette. Sitting Room A quieter counterpart to the more dramatic spaces, the sitting room offers a warm, neutral sanctuary. A modern channel-tufted sofa in warm gray is dressed with rust terracotta and watercolor sage pillows. A sculptural tub chair in textured charcoal fabric, a pair of curved bronze ottomans with ribbed white upholstery, and a small dark marble side table complete a seating vignette that feels curated and calm. Signature Art Installation Perhaps the most conversation-starting element in the entire project is a bespoke wall sculpture: dozens of white ceramic pods with gold-leafed interiors, arranged in a sweeping, wave-like pattern across a stairwell or hallway wall. The installation bridges art and architecture, transforming a transitional space into a destination.

Karen Palmer Photography The lower level was the ideal space for kids to hang out. The space features a gas fireplace and large wall on the opposite side to house the TV and endless array of games. We selected furniture that was kid- friendly without breaking the budget. Leather and micro-fiber were the perfect fabric selections for the children's area. Spills and messes can easily be wiped away. The white lacquered furniture is also childproof. The pops of tangerine are echoed with splashes of color here and there.

The renovation of an extensive linear residence and site facing Port Orchard waterway embraces water, greenspace and forested hillside. The home, completed this fall, serves as an artist’s studio, galleries, family space, game room, outdoor living areas and peaceful retreat. New interiors and exterior spaces and finishes, cabinetry, lighting, paving, landscape and courtyards become settings for the owner’s art + collections, three-generations of family and the wonderful colors and textures of the land + water. Inside, a monumental central stair and tapered two-story tall red cedar and steel column was designed as the residence’s entry focal point and internal landmarks, guiding the visitor’s eye to the main atrium…. and upward. Heavy wide-flange steel moment frames support the house and enable whole walls of glass. Rough, mill-finished steel contrasts refined cabinetry, stone, wood structure and defining dropped ceilings, reflecting the opener’s love of the tension between highly polished and detailed + rough, found art. Outside, A new southern “dining room” was designed for warm summer evening gatherings under a heavy-timber trellis. The focus, opposite water and island views, is a metal perforated screen. The final screen is composed of the lyrics from a Joe Cocker song of great meaning to the owners, cut from ½” marine bronze, set into dark-fired brick. “Oh My Darling, Be Home Soon….” Natural daylight and high-efficiency lighting are central players as in any gallery. From a high clerestory and extensive southern and eastern window-walls to carefully selected up-lighting, pendants, and accent fixtures, Rhodes Architecture + Light worked closely with the owner to ensure that their dark existing house would become one filled with light…. night and day. The owners, Ken and Jane, allowed us to interview them about their experience working with Rhodes Architecture + Light, and how they are feeling about living with the architecture today. What was your experience like, working with Rhodes Architecture + Light? “They worked with us because it was a remodel, an existing thing, and we had to try to make it work for all of our interests and how our family operated. They listened, and we listened, and it was a great communication back and forth.”–Jane How has the renovation changed the way you live and enjoy your home? “I remember saying to them that I want the whole floor heated because it gets so chilly down here. And we had the wood burning stove, but it was over there and now we just turn the floor heat on and we can come down. It’s cozy and nice. So we’re looking forward to winter now.”–Ken “We have 5 kids together and now a bunch of grandchildren. I wanted a marble countertop, but there’s just no way. I didn’t want it to be a place where I had to say, ‘No, no, no. Wipe up your drink, do this, do that.’ I wanted it to be a place where everybody can come with all the kids, and we make a big mess, and I can clean it up. And we can enjoy ourselves here, because that room upstairs, we almost never went in. And now we’re in there eating pizza and watching the game.” –Jane As an artist, Jane enjoyed the collaborative process. “I can’t believe it was as positive as it was. I went into it thinking it would be a great, creative, fun, collaborative thing, and I have to say, with our architects, it was. I like that creative process. I always say when I am doing a painting, it’s a series of problem solving so it wasn’t unusual for me. I am completely blown away by them and had fun with that part of it.” –Jane Architect: Tim James Rhodes RA AIA, Rhodes Architecture + Light Builder: Fairbank Construction Company Structural: Swensen Say Faget

This beautiful lakefront New Jersey home is replete with exquisite design. The sprawling living area flaunts super comfortable seating that can accommodate large family gatherings while the stonework fireplace wall inspired the color palette. The game room is all about practical and functionality, while the master suite displays all things luxe. The fabrics and upholstery are from high-end showrooms like Christian Liaigre, Ralph Pucci, Holly Hunt, and Dennis Miller. Lastly, the gorgeous art around the house has been hand-selected for specific rooms and to suit specific moods.

From the playful colors and patterns in the bathroom to the lightly romantic feel in the nursery, this space is a breath of fresh air. Photographed by Bethany Nauert

Our client wanted the Gramophone team to recreate an existing finished section of their basement, as well as some unfinished areas, into a multifunctional open floor plan design. Challenges included several lally columns as well as varying ceiling heights, but with teamwork and communication, we made this project a streamlined, clean, contemporary success. The art in the space was selected by none other than the client and his family members to give the space a personal touch! Maryland Photography, Inc.

This new basement design starts The Bar design features crystal pendant lights in addition to the standard recessed lighting to create the perfect ambiance when sitting in the napa beige upholstered barstools. The beautiful quartzite countertop is outfitted with a stainless-steel sink and faucet and a walnut flip top area. The Screening and Pool Table Area are sure to get attention with the delicate Swarovski Crystal chandelier and the custom pool table. The calming hues of blue and warm wood tones create an inviting space to relax on the sectional sofa or the Love Sac bean bag chair for a movie night. The Sitting Area design, featuring custom leather upholstered swiveling chairs, creates a space for comfortable relaxation and discussion around the Capiz shell coffee table. The wall sconces provide a warm glow that compliments the natural wood grains in the space. The Bathroom design contrasts vibrant golds with cool natural polished marbles for a stunning result. By selecting white paint colors with the marble tiles, it allows for the gold features to really shine in a room that bounces light and feels so calming and clean. Lastly the Gym includes a fold back, wall mounted power rack providing the option to have more floor space during your workouts. The walls of the Gym are covered in full length mirrors, custom murals, and decals to keep you motivated and focused on your form.

Large 1960s single-wall ceramic tile seated home bar photo in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets and granite countertops

Michael J. Lee
Mid-sized transitional freestanding desk dark wood floor and brown floor home office photo in Boston with white walls

This Milford French country home’s 2,500 sq. ft. basement transformation is just as extraordinary as it is warm and inviting. The M.J. Whelan design team, along with our clients, left no details out. This luxury basement is a beautiful blend of modern and rustic materials. A unique tray ceiling with a hardwood inset defines the space of the full bar. Brookhaven maple custom cabinets with a dark bistro finish and Cambria quartz countertops were used along with state of the art appliances. A brick backsplash and vintage pendant lights with new LED Edison bulbs add beautiful drama. The entertainment area features a custom built-in entertainment center designed specifically to our client’s wishes. It houses a large flat screen TV, lots of storage, display shelves and speakers hidden by speaker fabric. LED accent lighting was strategically installed to highlight this beautiful space. The entertaining area is open to the billiards room, featuring a another beautiful brick accent wall with a direct vent fireplace. The old ugly steel columns were beautifully disguised with raised panel moldings and were used to create and define the different spaces, even a hallway. The exercise room and game space are open to each other and features glass all around to keep it open to the rest of the lower level. Another brick accent wall was used in the game area with hardwood flooring while the exercise room has rubber flooring. The design also includes a rear foyer coming in from the back yard with cubbies and a custom barn door to separate that entry. A playroom and a dining area were also included in this fabulous luxurious family retreat. Stunning Provenza engineered hardwood in a weathered wire brushed combined with textured Fabrica carpet was used throughout most of the basement floor which is heated hydronically. Tile was used in the entry and the new bathroom. The details are endless! Our client’s selections of beautiful furnishings complete this luxurious finished basement. Photography by Jeff Garland Photography

Kelli Walden
Example of a transitional basement design in Denver