Example of a mid-sized trendy u-shaped seated home bar design in Miami with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets and dark wood cabinets

We were thrilled to partner with our clients in updating and renovating the entire main floor of their inviting Silver Spring home. Tucked away in one of the area’s most beautiful and historic neighborhoods this once ultra-traditional-style home is now the ideal blend of past and present. Knowing that we were not only bringing their space current but also creating a tailored in-law suite for their mother’s upcoming stay — we got right to work on our mission of removing all obstacles to this family’s vision. This comprehensive project includes a larger, more functional kitchen plus Great Room addition; in-law suite with bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette and living space; family room; and screened in porch / deck combination ideal for grilling, entertaining and enjoying the outdoors. The expansive and open-layout-kitchen features Dura Supreme Shaker Cabinetry painted white and paired with glistening quartz counters. The space continues on and seamlessly opens up into the breezy Great Room and dining area. The newly equipped Mini-Split HVAC System provides independent temperature control and the elegant Universal Design In-Law Bathroom ensures both safety and usability. Hardwood flooring was installed and the existing flooring throughout was refinished to match — giving way to the smooth and continuous feel throughout the entire main level. We are proud to have created and delivered this transitional redesign and remodel all while keeping a small footprint for the in-law suite and not losing any of the original space.

Home bar in downstairs of split-level home, with rich blue-green cabinetry and a rustic walnut wood top in the bar area, bistro-style brick subway tile floor-to-ceiling on the sink wall, and dark cherry wood cabinetry in the adjoining "library" area, complete with a games table. Added chair rail and molding detail on walls in a moody taupe paint color. Custom lighting design by Buttonwood Communications, including recessed lighting, backlighting behind the TV and lighting under the wood bar top, allows the clients to customize the mood (and color!) of the lighting for any occasion.

Seated home bar - mid-sized transitional u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor seated home bar idea in Raleigh with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops and gray countertops

Seated home bar - large contemporary l-shaped beige floor seated home bar idea in Miami with an undermount sink, open cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stone slab backsplash and beige countertops

This Miami Modern style custom bar replaced an old world dark wood style pub. This updated social gathering spot allows you to sit with your friends, enjoy a cocktail, and appreciate the commissioned art installation on the bar's backsplash wall, enhanced by wall-washed lighting. The italian bar chairs are upholstered in red leather and feature woven cane backs.

Example of a large urban u-shaped concrete floor seated home bar design in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops and brick backsplash

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.

James Kruger, LandMark Photography, Peter Eskuche, AIA, Eskuche Design, Sharon Seitz, HISTORIC studio, Interior Design
Huge mountain style home bar photo in Minneapolis

Example of a mountain style galley carpeted and beige floor seated home bar design in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets and dark wood cabinets

Beautiful Finishes and Lighting
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor seated home bar remodel in Denver with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, metal backsplash and gray countertops

Split-level space with bar and wood paneling.
Example of a mid-sized trendy galley light wood floor seated home bar design in Phoenix with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops and black countertops

Home bar in downstairs of split-level home, with rich blue-green cabinetry and a rustic walnut wood top in the bar area, bistro-style brick subway tile floor-to-ceiling on the sink wall, and dark cherry wood cabinetry in the adjoining "library" area, complete with a games table. Added chair rail and molding detail on walls in a moody taupe paint color. Custom lighting design by Buttonwood Communications, including recessed lighting, backlighting behind the TV and lighting under the wood bar top, allows the clients to customize the mood (and color!) of the lighting for any occasion.

Home bar in downstairs of split-level home, with rich blue-green cabinetry and a rustic walnut wood top in the bar area, bistro-style brick subway tile floor-to-ceiling on the sink wall, and dark cherry wood cabinetry in the adjoining "library" area, complete with a games table. Added chair rail and molding detail on walls in a moody taupe paint color. Custom lighting design by Buttonwood Communications, including recessed lighting, backlighting behind the TV and lighting under the wood bar top, allows the clients to customize the mood (and color!) of the lighting for any occasion.

Large minimalist l-shaped concrete floor and gray floor seated home bar photo in Las Vegas with open cabinets and beige countertops

Jim Kruger Landmark Photography
Inspiration for a large transitional porcelain tile and brown floor home bar remodel in Chicago

Home bar in downstairs of split-level home, with rich blue-green cabinetry and a rustic walnut wood top in the bar area, bistro-style brick subway tile floor-to-ceiling on the sink wall, and dark cherry wood cabinetry in the adjoining "library" area, complete with a games table. Added chair rail and molding detail on walls in a moody taupe paint color. Custom lighting design by Buttonwood Communications, including recessed lighting, backlighting behind the TV and lighting under the wood bar top, allows the clients to customize the mood (and color!) of the lighting for any occasion.

Inspiration for a large modern u-shaped light wood floor and brown floor seated home bar remodel in Miami with a drop-in sink, glass-front cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble countertops and white countertops

Lower level bar perfect for entertaining. The calming gray cabinetry pairs perfectly with the countertops and pendants. Meechan Architectural Photography