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.

Spacecrafting
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary fully buried basement in Minneapolis with grey walls, carpet, no fireplace and a home bar.

Basement walk-out with a large exterior French door
This is an example of a large transitional walk-out basement in DC Metro with a home bar, grey walls, vinyl floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Inspiration for a large transitional look-out basement in DC Metro with a home bar, white walls, carpet, beige floor, no fireplace and planked wall panelling.

This newer home had a basement with a blank slate. We started with one very fun bar stool and designed the room to fit. Extra style with the soffit really defines the space, glass front cabinetry to show off a collection, and add great lighting and some mirrors and you have the bling. Base cabinets are all about function with separate beverage and wine refrigerators, dishwasher, microwave and ice maker. Bling meets true functionality. photos by Terry Farmer Photography

Living area in finished basement featuring four large rolling reclaimed wood doors. Walls painted in Serenely by Sherwin Williams with luxury vinyl floors.

Inspiration for a large eclectic walk-out basement in Minneapolis with concrete floors, grey floor, a home bar, beige walls and no fireplace.

© Lassiter Photography | ReVisionCharlotte.com
Design ideas for a large transitional walk-out basement in Charlotte with a home bar, beige walls, vinyl floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Call it what you want: a man cave, kid corner, or a party room, a basement is always a space in a home where the imagination can take liberties. Phase One accentuated the clients' wishes for an industrial lower level complete with sealed flooring, a full kitchen and bathroom and plenty of open area to let loose.

©Finished Basement Company
Photo of a large traditional look-out basement in Denver with beige walls, light hardwood floors, no fireplace, beige floor and a home bar.

This is an example of a large contemporary walk-out basement in Atlanta with a home bar, white walls, laminate floors, no fireplace, beige floor, recessed and planked wall panelling.

Design ideas for a mid-sized country fully buried basement in Indianapolis with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace, brown floor and a home bar.

Our clients came to us to transform their dark, unfinished basement into a multifaceted, sophisticated, and stylish, entertainment hub. Their wish list included an expansive, open, entertainment area with a dramatic indoor/outdoor connection, private gym, full bathroom, and wine storage. The result is a stunning, light filled, space where mid-century modern lines meet transitional finishes. The mirrored backsplash, floating shelves, custom charcoal cabinets, Caesarstone quartz countertops and brass chandelier pendants bring a touch of glam to this show-stopping kitchen and bar area. The chic living space includes a custom shuffleboard table, game table, large flat screen TV and ample seating for more entertaining options. Large panoramic doors open the entire width of the basement creating a spectacular setting for indoor-outdoor gatherings and fill the space with an abundance of natural light.

Andy Mamott
Design ideas for a large contemporary look-out basement in Chicago with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace, grey floor and a home bar.

Phoenix photographic
Design ideas for a large traditional basement in Detroit with brown walls, slate floors, no fireplace and a home bar.

A custom built room for LEGO storage also provides a backdrop for a Media Room and a nearby bar. John Wilbanks Photography
This is an example of a transitional fully buried basement in Seattle with grey walls, no fireplace and a home bar.

Photo of a small transitional basement in Vancouver with a home bar, white walls, vinyl floors, no fireplace, grey floor and panelled walls.

This new basement design starts The Bar design features crystal pendant lights in addition to the standard recessed lighting to create the perfect ambiance when sitting in the napa beige upholstered barstools. The beautiful quartzite countertop is outfitted with a stainless-steel sink and faucet and a walnut flip top area. The Screening and Pool Table Area are sure to get attention with the delicate Swarovski Crystal chandelier and the custom pool table. The calming hues of blue and warm wood tones create an inviting space to relax on the sectional sofa or the Love Sac bean bag chair for a movie night. The Sitting Area design, featuring custom leather upholstered swiveling chairs, creates a space for comfortable relaxation and discussion around the Capiz shell coffee table. The wall sconces provide a warm glow that compliments the natural wood grains in the space. The Bathroom design contrasts vibrant golds with cool natural polished marbles for a stunning result. By selecting white paint colors with the marble tiles, it allows for the gold features to really shine in a room that bounces light and feels so calming and clean. Lastly the Gym includes a fold back, wall mounted power rack providing the option to have more floor space during your workouts. The walls of the Gym are covered in full length mirrors, custom murals, and decals to keep you motivated and focused on your form.

Basement bar and pool area
Photo of an expansive country fully buried basement in New York with beige walls, brown floor, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace and a home bar.