In this project, Rochman Design Build converted an unfinished basement of a new Ann Arbor home into a stunning home pub and entertaining area, with commercial grade space for the owners' craft brewing passion. The feel is that of a speakeasy as a dark and hidden gem found in prohibition time. The materials include charcoal stained concrete floor, an arched wall veneered with red brick, and an exposed ceiling structure painted black. Bright copper is used as the sparkling gem with a pressed-tin-type ceiling over the bar area, which seats 10, copper bar top and concrete counters. Old style light fixtures with bare Edison bulbs, well placed LED accent lights under the bar top, thick shelves, steel supports and copper rivet connections accent the feel of the 6 active taps old-style pub. Meanwhile, the brewing room is splendidly modern with large scale brewing equipment, commercial ventilation hood, wash down facilities and specialty equipment. A large window allows a full view into the brewing room from the pub sitting area. In addition, the space is large enough to feel cozy enough for 4 around a high-top table or entertain a large gathering of 50. The basement remodel also includes a wine cellar, a guest bathroom and a room that can be used either as guest room or game room, and a storage area.

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.

Imagine your home, totally organized! Find videos, DVDs, easily within reach and in alphabetical order in this Media/Game Room.
This is an example of a small eclectic look-out basement in New York with white walls, concrete floors, grey floor and exposed beam.

Basement remodel project
Design ideas for a mid-sized modern fully buried basement in Chicago with white walls, vinyl floors, multi-coloured floor and exposed beam.

Inspiration for a large transitional walk-out basement in Minneapolis with a home bar, grey walls, vinyl floors, brown floor and exposed beam.

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.

This is an example of a large fully buried basement in Detroit with a home bar, white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, grey floor, exposed beam and brick walls.

In this project, Rochman Design Build converted an unfinished basement of a new Ann Arbor home into a stunning home pub and entertaining area, with commercial grade space for the owners' craft brewing passion. The feel is that of a speakeasy as a dark and hidden gem found in prohibition time. The materials include charcoal stained concrete floor, an arched wall veneered with red brick, and an exposed ceiling structure painted black. Bright copper is used as the sparkling gem with a pressed-tin-type ceiling over the bar area, which seats 10, copper bar top and concrete counters. Old style light fixtures with bare Edison bulbs, well placed LED accent lights under the bar top, thick shelves, steel supports and copper rivet connections accent the feel of the 6 active taps old-style pub. Meanwhile, the brewing room is splendidly modern with large scale brewing equipment, commercial ventilation hood, wash down facilities and specialty equipment. A large window allows a full view into the brewing room from the pub sitting area. In addition, the space is large enough to feel cozy enough for 4 around a high-top table or entertain a large gathering of 50. The basement remodel also includes a wine cellar, a guest bathroom and a room that can be used either as guest room or game room, and a storage area.

This is the basement. We painted the whole thing black. We put the 2x4s to separate the area with the sink and the washing machines that will stand there.

Large transitional basement in Toronto with white walls, light hardwood floors and exposed beam.

This lower level space was inspired by Film director, write producer, Quentin Tarantino. Starting with the acoustical panels disguised as posters, with films by Tarantino himself. We included a sepia color tone over the original poster art and used this as a color palate them for the entire common area of this lower level. New premium textured carpeting covers most of the floor, and on the ceiling, we added LED lighting, Madagascar ebony beams, and a two-tone ceiling paint by Sherwin Williams. The media stand houses most of the AV equipment and the remaining is integrated into the walls using architectural speakers to comprise this 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos Setup. We included this custom sectional with performance velvet fabric, as well as a new table and leather chairs for family game night. The XL metal prints near the new regulation pool table creates an irresistible ambiance, also to the neighboring reclaimed wood dart board area. The bathroom design include new marble tile flooring and a premium frameless shower glass. The luxury chevron wallpaper gives this space a kiss of sophistication. Finalizing this lounge we included a gym with rubber flooring, fitness rack, row machine as well as custom mural which infuses visual fuel to the owner’s workout. The Everlast speedbag is positioned in the perfect place for those late night or early morning cardio workouts. Lastly, we included Polk Audio architectural ceiling speakers meshed with an SVS micros 3000, 800-Watt subwoofer.

Traditional basement in Baltimore with green walls, laminate floors, beige floor and exposed beam.

Design ideas for a large transitional walk-out basement in Minneapolis with a home bar, grey walls, vinyl floors, brown floor and exposed beam.

The photo showcases a newly renovated basement that has been transformed from a damp and potentially hazardous space into a warm and inviting living area. The renovation process began with water-proofing the basement to prevent any future water damage. The space was then updated with gray carpet, providing a comfortable and stylish flooring option. The addition of new framing and drywall gives the basement a fresh and modern look, while also providing improved insulation and soundproofing. The renovation has effectively maximized the basement's potential, making it a functional and attractive living space. The combination of form and function in this renovation make it a standout addition to the home.

Sump pump room in the basement. Egress windows let the light flood in. Polished (original) concrete floor. Design and construction by Meadowlark Design + Build in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Professional photography by Sean Carter.

Inspiration for a large traditional basement in Atlanta with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and exposed beam.

Photo of a traditional look-out basement in Columbus with beige walls, carpet and exposed beam.

Large modern walk-out basement in Salt Lake City with a game room, grey walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and exposed beam.

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