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.

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

Design ideas for a large transitional walk-out basement in Chicago with grey walls, vinyl floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and grey floor.

This rustic-inspired basement includes an entertainment area, two bars, and a gaming area. The renovation created a bathroom and guest room from the original office and exercise room. To create the rustic design the renovation used different naturally textured finishes, such as Coretec hard pine flooring, wood-look porcelain tile, wrapped support beams, walnut cabinetry, natural stone backsplashes, and fireplace surround,

Who says basements have to be boring? This stunning luxury basement finishing in Kinnelon, NJ sets the bar pretty high. With a full wine cellar, beautiful moulding work, a basement bar, a full bath, pool table & full kitchen, these basement ideas were the perfect touch to a great home remodeling.

The washer and dryer and plumbing now hides behind the new built in cabinetry that was built and painted to match the stock cabinets ordered by the designer.

Photography by Greg Hadley Photography
This is an example of a small walk-out basement in DC Metro with grey walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

©Finished Basement Company
Inspiration for a mid-sized country walk-out basement in Minneapolis with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

repointed fireplace
Photo of a mid-sized country look-out basement in Philadelphia with blue walls, vinyl floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Inspiro 8
Photo of a large transitional walk-out basement in Other with beige walls, concrete floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Studio 1826
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary basement in Calgary with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Inspiration for a mid-sized arts and crafts walk-out basement in Other with green walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

This lovely custom-built home is surrounded by wild prairie and horse pastures. ORIJIN STONE Premium Bluestone Blue Select is used throughout the home; from the front porch & step treads, as a custom fireplace surround, throughout the lower level including the wine cellar, and on the back patio. LANDSCAPE DESIGN & INSTALL: Original Rock Designs TILE INSTALL: Uzzell Tile, Inc. BUILDER: Gordon James PHOTOGRAPHY: Landmark Photography

This is an example of a mid-sized modern walk-out basement in Kansas City with grey walls, carpet, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

This is a lovely finished basement that is elegant yet relaxed. Wainscoting and great architectural mill work throughout the space add elegance to the room. The paneled "fireplace wall" add drama and anchor the area as a focal point . This home was featured in Philadelphia Magazine August 2014 issue RUDLOFF Custom Builders, is a residential construction company that connects with clients early in the design phase to ensure every detail of your project is captured just as you imagined. RUDLOFF Custom Builders will create the project of your dreams that is executed by on-site project managers and skilled craftsman, while creating lifetime client relationships that are build on trust and integrity. We are a full service, certified remodeling company that covers all of the Philadelphia suburban area including West Chester, Gladwynne, Malvern, Wayne, Haverford and more. As a 6 time Best of Houzz winner, we look forward to working with you on your next project.

Chic. Moody. Sexy. These are just a few of the words that come to mind when I think about the W Hotel in downtown Bellevue, WA. When my client came to me with this as inspiration for her Basement makeover, I couldn’t wait to get started on the transformation. Everything from the poured concrete floors to mimic Carrera marble, to the remodeled bar area, and the custom designed billiard table to match the custom furnishings is just so luxe! Tourmaline velvet, embossed leather, and lacquered walls adds texture and depth to this multi-functional living space.

Large transitional walk-out basement in Columbus with grey walls, porcelain floors, a corner fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Lower Level of home on Lake Minnetonka Nautical call with white shiplap and blue accents for finishes. This photo highlights the built-ins that flank the fireplace.

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