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.

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern fully buried basement in Denver with grey walls, vinyl floors, a hanging fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and grey floor.

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional look-out basement in Grand Rapids with beige walls, vinyl floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and grey floor.

Small contemporary fully buried basement in Detroit with a home bar, black walls, vinyl floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor and wallpaper.

Inspiration for a 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.

Photo of a large modern look-out basement in Other with black walls, vinyl floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and wallpaper.

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

Basement Remodel with multiple areas for work, play and relaxation.
Design ideas for a large transitional fully buried basement in Chicago with grey walls, vinyl floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Design ideas for a mid-sized eclectic walk-out basement in Denver with grey walls, vinyl floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and multi-coloured floor.

Laundry room with patterned wallpaper and custom cabinetry storage.
Photo of a mid-sized transitional fully buried basement in Chicago with a home bar, grey walls, vinyl floors, a wood fireplace surround and grey floor.

Custom built in interment center with live edge black walnut top. Fitting with a 60" fireplace insert.
Design ideas for a large country basement in New York with blue walls, vinyl floors, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround, grey floor and planked wall panelling.

The layering of textures and materials in this spot makes my heart sing.
Inspiration for a large country walk-out basement in Other with grey walls, vinyl floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, brown floor, exposed beam and wood walls.

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.

Flooring: Windsong Oak Encore Vinyl Plank Cabinets: Dark Ale Tori Maple Paint: Requisite Grey SW7023
Photo of a mid-sized country basement in Detroit with grey walls, vinyl floors, a hanging fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Speakeasy entrance.
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional fully buried basement in Chicago with a home bar, grey walls, vinyl floors, a wood fireplace surround and grey floor.

Photo of a large modern look-out basement in Other with black walls, vinyl floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, recessed and panelled walls.

Edmunds Studios Photography
Photo of a mid-sized beach style walk-out basement in Milwaukee with beige walls, vinyl floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Sarah Timmer
Inspiration for a large country fully buried basement in Milwaukee with beige walls, vinyl floors, a hanging fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and brown floor.

Originally the client wanted to put the TV on one wall and the awesome fireplace on another AND have lots of seating for guests. We made the TV/Fireplace a focal point and put the biggest sectional we could in there. Photo: Matt Kocourek