Photo of a mid-sized traditional look-out basement in Chicago with beige walls, ceramic floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

This is an example of a large country walk-out basement in San Francisco with ceramic floors, a stone fireplace surround, grey floor, beige walls and a standard fireplace.

Rustic basement with red accent decor
Photo of a large traditional look-out basement in Chicago with red walls, ceramic floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and grey floor.

Large country fully buried basement in Detroit with beige walls, ceramic floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and grey floor.

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional basement in Other with brown walls, ceramic floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Photo of a large traditional fully buried basement in Ottawa with beige walls, ceramic floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Today’s basements are much more than dark, dingy spaces or rec rooms of years ago. Because homeowners are spending more time in them, basements have evolved into lower-levels with distinctive spaces, complete with stone and marble fireplaces, sitting areas, coffee and wine bars, home theaters, over sized guest suites and bathrooms that rival some of the most luxurious resort accommodations. Gracing the lakeshore of Lake Beulah, this homes lower-level presents a beautiful opening to the deck and offers dynamic lake views. To take advantage of the home’s placement, the homeowner wanted to enhance the lower-level and provide a more rustic feel to match the home’s main level, while making the space more functional for boating equipment and easy access to the pier and lakefront. Jeff Auberger designed a seating area to transform into a theater room with a touch of a button. A hidden screen descends from the ceiling, offering a perfect place to relax after a day on the lake. Our team worked with a local company that supplies reclaimed barn board to add to the decor and finish off the new space. Using salvaged wood from a corn crib located in nearby Delavan, Jeff designed a charming area near the patio door that features two closets behind sliding barn doors and a bench nestled between the closets, providing an ideal spot to hang wet towels and store flip flops after a day of boating. The reclaimed barn board was also incorporated into built-in shelving alongside the fireplace and an accent wall in the updated kitchenette. Lastly the children in this home are fans of the Harry Potter book series, so naturally, there was a Harry Potter themed cupboard under the stairs created. This cozy reading nook features Hogwartz banners and wizarding wands that would amaze any fan of the book series.

The Basement was renovated to provide additional living space with walk-out access to the patios and decks. Photography: Kevin Wilson Photography
This is an example of a large arts and crafts walk-out basement in Baltimore with white walls, ceramic floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and white floor.

Michael Bowman
Inspiration for an expansive contemporary walk-out basement in Bridgeport with grey walls, ceramic floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and grey floor.

This room was totally remodeled. The existing fireplace opening and plinth was faced with natural stone and wired to accept the TV. Installed custom angled wooden side cabinets for storage and media needs. Ceramic tile with underfloor heating throughout the basement. On the left side, was a simple storage closet which was totally transformed into a beautiful wine cellar with insulated glazing, cherry wood racks and shelving to display the wine. The space is air conditioned to maintain required temps. Photo: Ron Freudenheim

Mid-sized arts and crafts walk-out basement in Salt Lake City with grey walls, ceramic floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and beige floor.

DJK Custom Homes
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary fully buried basement in Chicago with white walls, ceramic floors, a corner fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and beige floor.

Paul Saini
This is an example of a mid-sized country basement in Chicago with beige walls, ceramic floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Spacecrafting
Inspiration for a transitional walk-out basement in Minneapolis with grey walls, ceramic floors, a corner fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and grey floor.

Large transitional basement in Toronto with green walls, ceramic floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Inspiration for a mid-sized country walk-out basement in DC Metro with beige walls, ceramic floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Basement Wet Bar: Snaidero CODE in Pewter Matrix Basement Wet Bar Appliances: Miele speed oven, FRANKE sink, U-LINE wine cooler Photographed by Jennifer Hughes

Photography by Mark Wieland
Photo of a traditional fully buried basement in Baltimore with beige walls, ceramic floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and orange floor.

Kitchen
Inspiration for a small contemporary walk-out basement in Other with a game room, beige walls, ceramic floors, a corner fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.