Photo: Elliott Johnson
Inspiration for a timeless u-shaped kitchen remodel in San Luis Obispo with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances

Dale Arc
Inspiration for a cottage basement remodel in Columbus

Destination Eichler
Mid-sized 1950s galley linoleum floor eat-in kitchen photo in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, concrete countertops, blue backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Becky Griffin's Curious Details
Enclosed kitchen - small traditional galley multicolored floor enclosed kitchen idea in Houston with a single-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Example of a large urban master vinyl floor walk-in shower design in Orange County with white walls and a trough sink

Inspiration for a transitional multicolored floor and vinyl floor dedicated laundry room remodel in Boise with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, white walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer, white countertops and blue cabinets

Example of a minimalist vinyl floor kitchen design in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, concrete countertops, blue backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

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

After photo - front loading washer/dryer with continuous counter. "Fresh as soap" look, requested by client. Hanging rod suspended from ceiling.
Large elegant single-wall linoleum floor and multicolored floor dedicated laundry room photo in Portland with laminate countertops, a drop-in sink, white cabinets, shaker cabinets, blue walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer and white countertops

Flower cutting / Potting sink in Concrete. Kitchen desk, Book and Vase Shelving. Photo by Laura Moss
Study room - large farmhouse freestanding desk concrete floor study room idea in New York with beige walls

Remodel of mid century modern kitchen. New windows and skylights bring in more light while an improved floor plan improves flow and functionality. Design - Fivedot design build Photos by cleary o'farrell

Bathroom - mediterranean bathroom idea in Los Angeles with a hinged shower door

Wall and Cabinet Paint: SW 7004 Snowbound Countertop and Backsplash Tile: Merola Tile Twist Square Yellow Lemon 11-3/4 in. x 11-3/4 in. Ceramic Mosaic Cabinet Pulls: Lew's Hardware Retro Pulls in Chrome/Red Flooring: Standard Excelon VCT by Armstrong Flooring in Lunar Blue and White Out

Wall and Cabinet Paint: SW 7004 Snowbound Countertop and Backsplash Tile: Merola Tile Twist Square Yellow Lemon 11-3/4 in. x 11-3/4 in. Ceramic Mosaic Cabinet Pulls: Lew's Hardware Retro Pulls in Chrome/Red Flooring: Standard Excelon VCT by Armstrong Flooring in Lunar Blue and White Out

Example of a transitional u-shaped dark wood floor kitchen design in San Francisco with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and an island

Claw-foot bathtub - mid-sized rustic master brown tile medium tone wood floor and brown floor claw-foot bathtub idea in New Orleans with dark wood cabinets, flat-panel cabinets, beige walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops and white countertops

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Furnishings & Photo Styling | Detail Design + Build, Builder | Charlie & Co. Design, Architect | Corey Gaffer, Photography | Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

Photography: Jessica Makes Studio
Inspiration for a mid-century modern kitchen remodel in San Francisco

Interior Design: Lucy Interior Design Photography: SPACECRAFTING
Inspiration for a timeless galley utility room remodel in Minneapolis with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets and a side-by-side washer/dryer