Lower level make over converts a typical basement into a spectacular new living space. Photography by Steve Silverman Imaging for Mom's Landscaping and Bellawood Builders.

Lower level make over converts a typical basement into a spectacular new living space. Photography by Steve Silverman Imaging for Mom's Landscaping and Bellawood Builders.

Lower level make over converts a typical basement into a spectacular new living space. Photography by Steve Silverman Imaging for Mom's Landscaping and Bellawood Builders.

Lower level make over converts a typical basement into a spectacular new living space. Photography by Steve Silverman Imaging for Mom's Landscaping and Bellawood Builders.

Lower level make over converts a typical basement into a spectacular new living space. Photography by Steve Silverman Imaging for Mom's Landscaping and Bellawood Builders.

Lower level make over converts a typical basement into a spectacular new living space. Photography by Steve Silverman Imaging for Mom's Landscaping and Bellawood Builders.

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Designed by DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen Ann Arbor designer Kami Michels Built by DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen Carpenter Gerry Davids Photographed by Angela Brown Photography LLC

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Lower level make over converts a typical basement into a spectacular new living space. Photography by Steve Silverman Imaging for Mom's Landscaping and Bellawood Builders.

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The modern barn door is painted in the accent color that is repeated throughout the lower level and is a fun departure from a typical barn door. It also features spoke wheel European style door hardware (which is a bit reminiscent of a movie reel - perfect for a theater door!). The hallway also features floating shelves that mimic the hearth. Photo Credit - David Bader

In this kitchen we updated the existing cabinetry with new Top Knobs Edwardian Lund Pulls & Knobs. A Distressed Medallion Designer Maple Island in Black Heirloom with caffe glaze was added to accent the room. Instead of a typical sink an undermount 4’ Galley workstation was installed. Accessories for the Galley included an upper tier cutting board, an 11” bowl, an 11” colander, 1 lower tier platform with cutout for bowl/colander, 1 lower tier platform and a galley drain rack. For the faucet, we installed a new Delta Pilar Single Handle Pull Down faucet with Touch 20 Technology in brushed nickel and a drinking water faucet. A new 3cm Cambria Quartz countertop in Canterbury color was installed. The backsplash is 4x4 San Mateo honed tumbled tile with San Mateo pencil molding and San Mateo 2x2 rope border behind the range accented with 1x1 Sonoma glass tiles in Hemp color.

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A glimpse of the family room from the butler's pantry shows a hint of the stone walls, which embrace the opening and TV/fireplace wall. A unique wall of iron and logs adds as a backdrop for art. Photo by Neil Landino An antique pine vestibule with hand-carved diamond detail leads to the main entry. The typical 3" oak floors were replaced with reclaimed oak wide planks. Amy Aidinis Hirsch Interior Design

With the pending arrival of a beautiful baby girl, the homeowners of this 1928 Minneapolis Tudor wanted a basement that was conducive to a young child, but would still allow a place for family to gather and the occasional house guest. The original basement was typical; cold, lacking natural light with tiny, uncomfortably confined rooms and that “unique” basement smell. The goal was to reverse all of the ill effects of a rarely unappreciated space while increasing the performance of the older home. The frigid temperatures and wet, mildew odor was remedied by demolishing the entire slab floor and excavating to gain an extra six inches in ceiling height. It also allowed us to insulate to R-15, moisture proof under the new slab, install a drain tile and sump pump. Within the concrete slab is a hydronic, in-floor radiant heating system which further helps to add comfort to the space. Lastly, we also sprayed a closed-cell, expanding urethane foam on the inside of the foundation walls all the way to the first floor. To help bring more light down to the basement, we started by opening up the staircase on both sides. A curved wall bends light into the lower level while a countertop and cubbies below provide storage space for odds and ends. On the opposite wall, creatively placed cubbies provide places for paintings, ceramics and plants. We also removed the tiny 18” x 34” window on the south wall and installed a full-sized, high-efficiency, triple pane Pella egress window. To let lots of natural light into the window, we expanded the size of the cedar-lined egress well and included a built-in planter at the base to help bring life into an otherwise empty cavity. Small, unspecified spaces that became storage areas now have purpose. The areas are defined, yet open. Upon descending down the stairs, one is greeted by a large living room with curved walls, custom design media center, built-in daybed and bookshelves. Use of paint was important in the design. Naturally in older homes basements are going to have exposed beams, soffits and a whole gambit of nooks and crannies. Instead of disguising them, we played them up, which created a layer effect with the color. The color also adds a touch of playfulness which anyone, regardless of age, can enjoy. We scavenged the client’s garage and discovered that the previous homeowner kept the old, full-view glass front entry door in the garage. We re-installed the original glass knob and attached the door to sliding barn door hardware which was attached to the main structural beam of the lower level. On the other side of the door was the homeowners’ combined office and small fitness area. The office floor is a blend of thin strips of different colored cork. A built-in storage cabinet sits across from a site-built desk which forms to the curve of the dividing wall. A small, square hole in the curved wall provides a view to see who is coming down the stairs. Opposite of the office area and directly at the base of the stairs is a place for the homeowner’s treadmill. Hidden is the mechanical room, which is home to many green and energy efficient products. The washing machine is a low-water consumption unit while the dryer requires less energy to operate than most standard units. Both sit atop a checkerboard pattern of different colored VCT tiles. We also replaced the aging boiler, which only heated the first and second level, with a 95% efficient heat source for the entire house—including the basement. Behind the curved wall, the bathroom is conveniently located. A large, custom built no-formaldehyde added vanity supports the slab of remnant granite countertop. A piece of eco-resin wall panel, embedded with organic material, contains water in the shower and blends beautifully with the updated colors. Tucked under the stairs, we installed a dual-flush, low-water consumption toilet. Through creative space planning, we packed a lot of into a rather small space. As a result, we have three very happy homeowners who are enjoying their light, clean and safe lower level of their home—however, they’ve been hard pressed to think of it as a “basement”. highlights Moisture management system Insulated slab Hydronic in-floor heat Formaldehyde free cabinetry MN-made custom cabinets Ultra-low VOC paints Wool carpet Dual-flush toilet Cork floor No recessed lights Cedar egress window well with planter Re-used door Eco-resin

Phase one of this project was building a new garage with guest quarters to serve as a temporary residence during phase two, the modernizing of the main home. The selection of color and materials not typically seen on Cape Cod was influenced by the owners west coast roots and the stained redwood blended beautifully with the surrounding woods.

Bill Gregory
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