We really brightened the space up by adding a white shiplap feature wall, a neutral gray paint for the walls and a very bright fireplace surround.
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Interior furnishings design - Sophie Metz Design. , Nantucket Architectural Photography
Living room - mid-sized coastal formal and open concept light wood floor living room idea in Boston with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

Photography by: Heirloom Creative, Andrew Cebulka
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless enclosed living room remodel in Charleston with blue walls, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

2018 Artisan Home Tour Photo: LandMark Photography Builder: Gordon James Construction
Beach style dark wood floor and brown floor family room photo in Minneapolis with white walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Photography: Agnieszka Jakubowicz Design: Mindi Kim
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Cottage screened-in porch photo with decking and a roof extension

Custom fireplace with a new reclaimed wood mantle and designer side cabinets to create storage with artistic elements.
Inspiration for a large cottage open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room remodel in Orange County with white walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

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Inspiro8 Studios
Example of a beach style formal dark wood floor living room design with white walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Example of a large transitional formal brown floor and shiplap ceiling living room design in Boise with white walls, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace and no tv

Large beach style open concept light wood floor, brown floor, exposed beam and shiplap wall living room photo with white walls, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Country dark wood floor and brown floor living room photo in Austin with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

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.

Family room - mid-sized coastal enclosed light wood floor family room idea in Jacksonville with white walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

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Living room - cottage formal dark wood floor and brown floor living room idea in New York with white walls, a standard fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Example of a mid-sized classic formal and enclosed porcelain tile and black floor living room design in Salt Lake City with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Inspiration for a large rustic open concept medium tone wood floor, brown floor, vaulted ceiling and shiplap wall living room remodel with a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Example of a beach style living room design in Orange County with white walls, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace