We started with a blank slate on this basement project where our only obstacles were exposed steel support columns, existing plumbing risers from the concrete slab, and dropped soffits concealing ductwork on the ceiling. It had the advantage of tall ceilings, an existing egress window, and a sliding door leading to a newly constructed patio. This family of five loves the beach and frequents summer beach resorts in the Northeast. Bringing that aesthetic home to enjoy all year long was the inspiration for the décor, as well as creating a family-friendly space for entertaining. Wish list items included room for a billiard table, wet bar, game table, family room, guest bedroom, full bathroom, space for a treadmill and closed storage. The existing structural elements helped to define how best to organize the basement. For instance, we knew we wanted to connect the bar area and billiards table with the patio in order to create an indoor/outdoor entertaining space. It made sense to use the egress window for the guest bedroom for both safety and natural light. The bedroom also would be adjacent to the plumbing risers for easy access to the new bathroom. Since the primary focus of the family room would be for TV viewing, natural light did not need to filter into that space. We made sure to hide the columns inside of newly constructed walls and dropped additional soffits where needed to make the ceiling mechanicals feel less random. In addition to the beach vibe, the homeowner has valuable sports memorabilia that was to be prominently displayed including two seats from the original Yankee stadium. For a coastal feel, shiplap is used on two walls of the family room area. In the bathroom shiplap is used again in a more creative way using wood grain white porcelain tile as the horizontal shiplap “wood”. We connected the tile horizontally with vertical white grout joints and mimicked the horizontal shadow line with dark grey grout. At first glance it looks like we wrapped the shower with real wood shiplap. Materials including a blue and white patterned floor, blue penny tiles and a natural wood vanity checked the list for that seaside feel. A large reclaimed wood door on an exposed sliding barn track separates the family room from the game room where reclaimed beams are punctuated with cable lighting. Cabinetry and a beverage refrigerator are tucked behind the rolling bar cabinet (that doubles as a Blackjack table!). A TV and upright video arcade machine round-out the entertainment in the room. Bar stools, two rotating club chairs, and large square poufs along with the Yankee Stadium seats provide fun places to sit while having a drink, watching billiards or a game on the TV. Signed baseballs can be found behind the bar, adjacent to the billiard table, and on specially designed display shelves next to the poker table in the family room. Thoughtful touches like the surfboards, signage, photographs and accessories make a visitor feel like they are on vacation at a well-appointed beach resort without being cliché.

Inspiration for a large transitional fully buried basement in Chicago with a game room, grey walls, vinyl floors, brown floor and exposed beam.

Photo of a mid-sized country basement in Atlanta with a game room, grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Design ideas for a large transitional fully buried basement in Other with beige walls, light hardwood floors, no fireplace, beige floor and a game room.

Expansive traditional look-out basement in Salt Lake City with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, brown floor and a game room.

The family room area in this basement features a whitewashed brick fireplace with custom mantle surround, custom builtins with lots of storage and butcher block tops. Navy blue wallpaper and brass pop-over lights accent the fireplace wall. The elevated bar behind the sofa is perfect for added seating. Behind the elevated bar is an entertaining bar with navy cabinets, open shelving and quartz countertops.

This 4,500 sq ft basement in Long Island is high on luxe, style, and fun. It has a full gym, golf simulator, arcade room, home theater, bar, full bath, storage, and an entry mud area. The palette is tight with a wood tile pattern to define areas and keep the space integrated. We used an open floor plan but still kept each space defined. The golf simulator ceiling is deep blue to simulate the night sky. It works with the room/doors that are integrated into the paneling — on shiplap and blue. We also added lights on the shuffleboard and integrated inset gym mirrors into the shiplap. We integrated ductwork and HVAC into the columns and ceiling, a brass foot rail at the bar, and pop-up chargers and a USB in the theater and the bar. The center arm of the theater seats can be raised for cuddling. LED lights have been added to the stone at the threshold of the arcade, and the games in the arcade are turned on with a light switch. --- Project designed by Long Island interior design studio Annette Jaffe Interiors. They serve Long Island including the Hamptons, as well as NYC, the tri-state area, and Boca Raton, FL. For more about Annette Jaffe Interiors, click here: https://annettejaffeinteriors.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://annettejaffeinteriors.com/basement-entertainment-renovation-long-island/

Inspiration for a contemporary basement in Venice with white walls, white floor and a game room.

Photo: Mars Photo and Design © 2017 Houzz, Cork wall covering is used for the prefect backdrop to this study/craft area in this custom basement remodel by Meadowlark Design + Build.

Large country walk-out basement in Atlanta with a game room, grey walls, vinyl floors, a standard fireplace, multi-coloured floor and decorative wall panelling.

Basement finished to include game room, family room, shiplap wall treatment, sliding barn door and matching beam, numerous built-ins, new staircase, home gym, locker room and bathroom in addition to wine bar area.

Design ideas for a large transitional fully buried basement in Chicago with a game room, grey walls, vinyl floors, brown floor and exposed beam.

Photo of a large contemporary fully buried basement in Calgary with a game room, grey walls, carpet, a ribbon fireplace and beige floor.

This is an example of a large country fully buried basement in Other with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace, brown floor and a game room.

Inspiration for a transitional basement in Jacksonville with a game room, orange walls, carpet and beige floor.

Basement living space
Photo of an industrial basement in Edmonton with a game room, grey walls, vinyl floors and brick walls.

Open basement with cozy conversation areas.
Photo of a large eclectic fully buried basement in Indianapolis with a game room, white walls, vinyl floors, a two-sided fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and brown floor.

Photo of a contemporary basement in Las Vegas with a game room, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Game area and billiard room of redesigned home basement. French door leads to exercise room.
Traditional fully buried basement in New York with white walls, carpet, no fireplace, beige floor and a game room.