✨ From Dark & Unfinished to the Ultimate Hangout Spot! ✨ We are absolutely thrilled to share the incredible transformation of our Homeowners basement! Swipe through to see the before pictures ➡️ and you’ll see exactly where we started: a blank, uninspired, and underutilized space. Our team completely reimagined the footprint, turning it into a bright, modern, and beautifully finished living area that feels like a natural extension of the upper floors. Whether it’s for family movie nights, hosting game days, or just enjoying some well deserved relaxation, this stunning new space is ready for years of memories. Thinking about maximizing your home's potential? Let’s talk about transforming your basement next! ??

Working in West Hartford we often find long and narrow living rooms in the town’s older homes. In this project we created a light and bright family room for our client’s young family on one side and used the other for extra storage and seating — including a game table! — making the most of a previously underutilized space.

This basement remodel transforms an underutilized space into a functional, inviting extension of the home—designed for both everyday living and entertaining. The open layout creates a seamless flow, with expansive living areas that feel bright and comfortable thanks to soft carpeting and a neutral palette. A custom built-in media wall anchors the space, while a textured stone feature wall adds depth and a high-end finish. A fully equipped wet bar serves as a natural gathering point, complete with custom cabinetry, ample counter space, and statement pendant lighting. Throughout the basement, thoughtful details like integrated storage, clean architectural lines, and upgraded stair finishes elevate both form and function. A hidden door discreetly built into the stone wall adds a unique, practical touch, while the finished bathroom features timeless fixtures and classic tilework. The result is a basement that feels cohesive, elevated, and truly livable—designed to be used, not just finished.

The MOSS design team sat down with the homeowners and went through every single option. With COVID and the distance from the job site to the MOSS office, most sessions were virtual and set to align with the clients’ work schedules. The homeowners felt all of their ideas were brought to life and the design team added interesting pieces and ideas they really liked. Early in the design process, they decided a focus wall would be amazing. The client loves shiplap but didn’t want anything that looked too country. Our designer and project manager worked together to create a fireplace wall that combined tile, shiplap and a custom mantel for a result that has become one of the most gorgeous parts of the remodel. With young, active kids, the clients needed a space that could serve as a dump zone for backpacks and sports gear. Combining an underutilized carport shed and a low-functioning pantry resulted in a beautiful, very useful mudroom. The homeowners expressed that one of the most exciting parts of the process was working with the designers and coming up with new ideas. For example, there was an odd area on one side of the kitchen and our designer suggested making it a double-door pantry. The client’s jaw dropped because she never envisioned having enough storage space to conceal all of her appliances and backstock. She said “It is one of those surprises that came through the design process that we were not expecting and is now one of our favorite parts of the kitchen. We wanted out-of-the-box thinking and that’s what we got.”

This finished basement renovation in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania was designed to transform an underutilized lower level into a spacious and highly functional living area for relaxation, entertaining, and everyday family use. Completed by Craftsworth Construction, this Delaware County basement remodel creates a bright, open layout that adds significant livable square footage while maintaining a clean and timeless design. The newly finished basement features a large open entertainment space anchored by custom built-in cabinetry and shelving surrounding a wall-mounted media center. This built-in storage solution keeps the space organized while creating a natural focal point for movie nights, sports viewing, and family gatherings. Throughout the basement, luxury vinyl plank flooring was selected for its durability, warmth, and moisture resistance—an ideal flooring solution for finished basement spaces. The neutral wood tones help brighten the lower level while complementing the clean white trim, columns, and millwork used throughout the design. A custom basement wet bar with blue cabinetry adds both style and function to the entertainment area. The bar includes quartz countertops, glass-front beverage refrigerators, a bar sink, and floating wood shelves that provide additional storage and display space. This feature makes the basement perfect for hosting guests, game days, or casual family gatherings. Recessed LED lighting was installed across the entire ceiling to ensure the basement feels bright and inviting despite being below grade. Multiple zones were created within the open floor plan to accommodate a variety of uses, including a lounge area, entertainment space, and additional flexible living areas. The finished result is a modern, fully finished basement that feels like a natural extension of the home’s main living areas, providing a comfortable space for entertaining, relaxing, and everyday living. This project was completed by Craftsworth Construction, a basement finishing and remodeling contractor serving Newtown Square, Delaware County, West Chester, and homeowners throughout Chester County and the greater Philadelphia Main Line area.

Living Room in Alyssa Lane | Key Feature: A complete kitchen + living room transformation designed for a young, growing family who loved their home, but needed it to work harder and reflect their personality. The updated kitchen became the heart of the home, featuring a hidden smoothie station to keep daily essentials out of sight, plus a dedicated cocktail bar setup for entertaining. In the living room, the fireplace wall was fully reimagined by centering the previously cornered fireplace and creating a multifunctional media wall with custom furnishings and a statement chandelier. To top it off, the former formal dining room was transformed into a bar lounge with custom brass shelving, a black grasscloth backdrop, and a bold, elevated vibe perfect for hosting friends and family. Challenge: This home belonged to a young couple with two small kids and a growing business, and while they loved the house itself, the spaces didn’t support the way they actually lived. The kitchen lacked function and storage, everyday routines (like smoothie-making) created visual clutter, and cocktail entertaining essentials were being shoved into the pantry with no dedicated space. The living room also felt awkward and unfinished due to the cornered fireplace, which made it difficult to create a centered, functional media wall. On top of that, the formal dining room wasn’t being used, leaving valuable square footage underutilized and disconnected from their lifestyle and personality. Solution: We redesigned the home around how the family truly uses it day-to-day, focusing on function, personality, and elevated livability. In the kitchen, we created a modern, highly organized layout complete with a hidden smoothie station so daily supplies stay accessible but out of sight. For entertaining, we designed a dedicated bar area for Ryan, giving him a more inspired space to make cocktails without relying on pantry storage. In the living room, we centered the fireplace and fully revamped the feature wall into a multifunctional entertainment/media wall, then layered in custom furniture pieces and a statement chandelier to bring warmth and style. Finally, we converted the unused formal dining room into a bar lounge with custom brass shelving, a striking black grasscloth wall, and a sophisticated hangout space perfect for entertaining family and friends. Budget: $100k-$150k | Timeline: 4 months

This project started as a kitchen remodel but evolved into a partial redesign and home refresh. Both interiors and exteriors were reimagined to update this traditional Spanish home into a transitional retreat. The common area floorplan was redesigned to absorb the previously underutilized formal spaces into everyday areas. A large walk-in pantry was added while the kitchen flows from the family room to the dining area, with sightlines from the front and back of the home. Architectural elements such as ceiling details and the central staircase were redesigned to fit the home's original character while still feeling updated. The bedrooms and bathrooms were revitalized upstairs with all-new finishes, making the entire home feel fresh and new. An overall neutral color scheme means this home will remain timeless and continue to serve this family for years to come. Simple elegance defines this home. It's the perfect mix of subtle details, ornate craftsmanship, and contemporary elegance.

The owners of this single-family home in Washington, DC’s Kalorama neighborhood wanted to renovate their underutilized basement, which was previously used for only used for storage. We added a bedroom, full bathroom, a storage room, a workshop area, wine storage, and an open living room and kitchenette area.

Dining Room in Alyssa Lane | Key Feature: A complete kitchen + living room transformation designed for a young, growing family who loved their home, but needed it to work harder and reflect their personality. The updated kitchen became the heart of the home, featuring a hidden smoothie station to keep daily essentials out of sight, plus a dedicated cocktail bar setup for entertaining. In the living room, the fireplace wall was fully reimagined by centering the previously cornered fireplace and creating a multifunctional media wall with custom furnishings and a statement chandelier. To top it off, the former formal dining room was transformed into a bar lounge with custom brass shelving, a black grasscloth backdrop, and a bold, elevated vibe perfect for hosting friends and family. Challenge: This home belonged to a young couple with two small kids and a growing business, and while they loved the house itself, the spaces didn’t support the way they actually lived. The kitchen lacked function and storage, everyday routines (like smoothie-making) created visual clutter, and cocktail entertaining essentials were being shoved into the pantry with no dedicated space. The living room also felt awkward and unfinished due to the cornered fireplace, which made it difficult to create a centered, functional media wall. On top of that, the formal dining room wasn’t being used, leaving valuable square footage underutilized and disconnected from their lifestyle and personality. Solution: We redesigned the home around how the family truly uses it day-to-day, focusing on function, personality, and elevated livability. In the kitchen, we created a modern, highly organized layout complete with a hidden smoothie station so daily supplies stay accessible but out of sight. For entertaining, we designed a dedicated bar area for Ryan, giving him a more inspired space to make cocktails without relying on pantry storage. In the living room, we centered the fireplace and fully revamped the feature wall into a multifunctional entertainment/media wall, then layered in custom furniture pieces and a statement chandelier to bring warmth and style. Finally, we converted the unused formal dining room into a bar lounge with custom brass shelving, a striking black grasscloth wall, and a sophisticated hangout space perfect for entertaining family and friends. Budget: $100k-$150k | Timeline: 4 months

This spacious bathroom was previously underutilized and featured outdated finishes, including pedestal sinks and minimal storage. The renovation focused on maximizing both function and style. Custom Cabinetry replaced the pedestal sinks, offering ample storage and warmth with rich wood tones. Quartz Countertops elevate the vanity area, pairing durability with timeless beauty. The 12"x24" floor tiles were laid in a herringbone pattern, adding dynamic movement and a modern edge. In the shower, a hexagon mosaic tile creates visual interest and slip resistance on the floor, while the 6"x24" wall tiles in a running bond pattern deliver clean lines and texture. A sleek freestanding tub with a deck-mount filler provides a luxurious focal point for relaxation. The vanity is framed with metal-framed mirrors, complemented by three elegant sconces that add warmth and layered lighting. The result is a warm, inviting retreat that seamlessly blends classic finishes with contemporary design.

Goals While their home provided them with enough square footage, the original layout caused for many rooms to be underutilized. The closed off kitchen and dining room were disconnected from the other common spaces of the home causing problems with circulation and limited sight-lines. A tucked-away powder room was also inaccessible from the entryway and main living spaces in the house. Our Design Solution We sought out to improve the functionality of this home by opening up walls, relocating rooms, and connecting the entryway to the mudroom. By moving the kitchen into the formerly over-sized family room, it was able to really become the heart of the home with access from all of the other rooms in the house. Meanwhile, the adjacent family room was made into a cozy, comfortable space with updated fireplace and new cathedral style ceiling with skylights. The powder room was relocated to be off of the entry, making it more accessible for guests. A transitional style with rustic accents was used throughout the remodel for a cohesive first floor design. White and black cabinets were complimented with brass hardware and custom wood features, including a hood top and accent wall over the fireplace. Between each room, walls were thickened and archway were put in place, providing the home with even more character.

This primary ensuite transformation converted an underutilized home office into a serene, nature-inspired retreat. Drawing inspiration from the lush forests surrounding the home and the homeowners’ travels through Central American rainforests, the design creates a seamless connection between indoors and out. A reimagined layout, abundant natural light, and direct access to an outdoor hot tub enhance the spa-like experience. Custom Curly Maple vanities and beam wraps, handcrafted by the homeowner and a master cabinet maker, pair beautifully with striking Rainforest Green marble, green herringbone tile, pebble mosaics, and raw cement sinks. The result is a warm, immersive sanctuary that celebrates craftsmanship, natural materials, and a deep connection to place.

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.

Our Client decided to renovate and expand her home after living in it for close to 35 years. She had previously worked with John Crawley AIA to remodel her kitchen and dining areas and was ready to undertake the rest of the house. We loved John Crawley's approach of selectively lifting the ceilings and flooding the common areas with light and let this inform our design approach throughout. The addition of the new library and library bath was intended to open up the house to both the interior and the exterior, while maintaining a seamless connection to previous work. The original 1970's house had an outdated master suite with a vanity area outside the tiny bathroom and adjacent tiny closet. Our Client was ready to overhaul the space annexing an adjacent underutilized bedroom for a generous master bath and open it to the beautiful backyard hillside with a private patio. The remainder of the house was given a variety of touches and updates including new windows, bathroom countertops and millwork and new colors throughout. Finally, a brise soleil was added to the front of the house.

Bright, Functional Basement Remodel Designed for Everyday Living This basement transformation focused on creating a warm, inviting space where the whole family could relax, entertain, and unwind. The goal was simple: turn an underutilized lower level into a comfortable extension of the home — without sacrificing durability or long-term value. A neutral color palette keeps the space light and open, while recessed LED lighting throughout eliminates dark corners and enhances ceiling height. New plush carpeting adds comfort underfoot, making the space ideal for movie nights, game days, and everyday lounging. Strategically placed support columns were integrated seamlessly into the layout, preserving structural integrity while maintaining open sightlines across the room. The flexible floor plan allows for multiple zones — including a dedicated media area, gaming space, and additional room for hobbies or future customization. Clean trim details, fresh paint, updated doors, and cohesive finishes give the basement a polished, finished feel that mirrors the quality of the main living levels upstairs. At Hillview Custom Renovations, we believe basements should feel intentional — not like an afterthought. This project demonstrates how thoughtful planning and quality craftsmanship can transform a lower level into one of the most loved spaces in the home.

Once an underutilized closet with louvered bi-fold doors, the new cabinetry and countertop became a versatile entryway highlight. It is now a charging station; mail, purse and key drop; pantry and storage closet. Introducing the countertop increased space and light.

Two phases completed in 2020 & 2021 included kitchen and primary bath remodels. Bright, light, fresh and simple describe these beautiful spaces fit just for our clients. The primary bath was a fun project to complete. A few must haves for this space were a place to incorporate the Peloton, more functional storage and a welcoming showering/bathing area. The space was primarily left in the same configuration, but we were able to make it much more welcoming and efficient. The walk in shower has a small bench for storing large bottles and works as a perch for shaving legs. The entrance is doorless and allows for a nice open experience + the pebbled shower floor. The freestanding tub took the place of a huge built in tub deck creating a prefect space for Peleton next to the vanity. The vanity was freshened up with equal spacing for the dual sinks, a custom corner cabinet to house supplies and a charging station for sonicares and shaver. Lastly, the corner by the closet door was underutilized and we placed a storage chest w/ quartz countertop there. The overall space included freshening up the paint/millwork in the primary bedroom. Serving communities in: Clyde Hill, Medina, Beaux Arts, Juanita, Woodinville, Redmond, Kirkland, Bellevue, Sammamish, Issaquah, Mercer Island, Mill Creek

Goals While their home provided them with enough square footage, the original layout caused for many rooms to be underutilized. The closed off kitchen and dining room were disconnected from the other common spaces of the home causing problems with circulation and limited sight-lines. A tucked-away powder room was also inaccessible from the entryway and main living spaces in the house. Our Design Solution We sought out to improve the functionality of this home by opening up walls, relocating rooms, and connecting the entryway to the mudroom. By moving the kitchen into the formerly over-sized family room, it was able to really become the heart of the home with access from all of the other rooms in the house. Meanwhile, the adjacent family room was made into a cozy, comfortable space with updated fireplace and new cathedral style ceiling with skylights. The powder room was relocated to be off of the entry, making it more accessible for guests. A transitional style with rustic accents was used throughout the remodel for a cohesive first floor design. White and black cabinets were complimented with brass hardware and custom wood features, including a hood top and accent wall over the fireplace. Between each room, walls were thickened and archway were put in place, providing the home with even more character.

This renovation focused on improving functionality, storage, and overall flow while creating a more refined and cohesive aesthetic throughout the primary bathroom, mudroom, laundry area, and powder room. The design introduces custom built-ins, enhanced organization, updated fixtures, and durable materials while replacing dated finishes with a cleaner, more contemporary look. The project also reimagines underutilized spaces to better support the homeowners’ daily routines.