Cluttered, dark, and chilly basements can be daunting spaces for remodeling. They tend to get filled with every old and unwanted item in the house from worn out furniture to childhood memorabilia .This basement was a really challenging task and we succeed to create really cozy, warm, and inviting atmosphere—not like a basement at all. The work involved was extensive, from the foundation to new molding. Our aim was to create a unique space that would be as enjoyable as the rest of this home. We utilized the odd space under the stairs by incorporating a wet bar. We installed TV screen with surround sound system, that makes you feel like you are part of the action and cozy fireplace to cuddle up while enjoying a movie.

Basement reno,
Basement - mid-sized country underground carpeted, gray floor, wood ceiling and wall paneling basement idea in Minneapolis with a bar and white walls

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.

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.

Bowling alleys for a vacation home's lower level. Emphatically, YES! The rustic refinement of the first floor gives way to all out fun and entertainment below grade. Two full-length automated bowling lanes make for easy family tournaments

A modern, chic, camp-influenced bowling lounge is the perfect spot to relax and keep score during family bowling tournaments. A streaming view of the lakefront means you'll never miss friends arriving at the dock.

Our in-house design staff took this unfinished basement from sparse to stylish speak-easy complete with a fireplace, wine & bourbon bar and custom humidor.

Custom design-build wall geometric wood wall treatment. Adds drama and definition to tv room.
Basement - large transitional underground vinyl floor, gray floor and wood wall basement idea in Columbus with white walls

Inspiration for a large craftsman underground vinyl floor, beige floor and brick wall basement remodel in Detroit with a bar, beige walls, a standard fireplace and a wood fireplace surround

Basement - mid-sized cottage underground brown floor and shiplap wall basement idea in Denver with white walls

Example of a mid-sized mid-century modern underground vinyl floor, gray floor and wood wall basement design in New York with beige walls

Basement finish work. Drywall, bathroom, electric, shower, light fixtures, bar, speakers, doors, and laminate flooring
Example of a huge mountain style underground laminate floor, brown floor and brick wall basement design in Other with a bar, gray walls and no fireplace

This fun rec-room features storage and display for all of the kids' legos as well as a wall clad with toy boxes
Inspiration for a small modern underground carpeted, gray floor and wallpaper basement game room remodel in Chicago with multicolored walls and no fireplace

This fun rec-room features storage and display for all of the kids' legos as well as a wall clad with toy boxes
Example of a small minimalist underground carpeted, gray floor and wallpaper basement game room design in Chicago with multicolored walls and no fireplace

On one side of the room is used for games while the other is used as the entertainment center. The old beams in the ceiling are accentuated with dark grey paint and an exposed brick wall has been painted white. Commercial grade carpet has been used throughout the basement for durability.

Example of a cottage underground brick wall basement design in Columbus with a bar

The homeowners wanted a comfortable family room and entertaining space to highlight their collection of Western art and collectibles from their travels. The large family room is centered around the brick fireplace with simple wood mantel, and has an open and adjacent bar and eating area. The sliding barn doors hide the large storage area, while their small office area also displays their many collectibles. A full bath, utility room, train room, and storage area are just outside of view. Photography by the homeowner.

Basement - large modern underground carpeted, gray floor and wood wall basement idea in Kansas City with gray walls

Sweeney updated the finishes with laminated veneer lumber (LVL) flooring and a shiplap finish on all walls.
Inspiration for a large transitional underground vinyl floor, beige floor and shiplap wall basement remodel in Other with white walls