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.

Our clients live in a beautifully maintained 60/70's era bungalow in a mature and desirable area of the city. They had previously re-developed the main floor, exterior, landscaped the front & back yards, and were now ready to develop the unfinished basement. It was a 1,000 sq ft of pure blank slate! They wanted a family room, a bar, a den, a guest bedroom large enough to accommodate a king-sized bed & walk-in closet, a four piece bathroom with an extra large 6 foot tub, and a finished laundry room. Together with our clients, a beautiful and functional space was designed and created. Have a look at the finished product. Hard to believe it is a basement! Gorgeous!

This is an example of a mid-sized modern look-out basement in Chicago with grey walls, porcelain floors, no fireplace and grey floor.

This is an example of a large country basement in Atlanta with white walls and porcelain floors.

Photo of a large industrial basement in Other with beige walls and laminate floors.

Beautiful living area with wood-looking vinyl floors, with french barn doors leading into the office space. The back wall features a full wall mirror perfect to work out in front of.

Mariana Sorm P
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary fully buried basement in Chicago with beige walls, porcelain floors and beige floor.

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern walk-out basement in Atlanta with white walls and light hardwood floors.

Inspiration for a large beach style walk-out basement in Other with white walls and ceramic floors.

Photo: Berkay Demirkan
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional look-out basement in DC Metro with beige walls, porcelain floors and no fireplace.

Greg Hadley
Design ideas for a basement in DC Metro.

©Finished Basement Company
Design ideas for a large transitional walk-out basement in Minneapolis with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a corner fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and brown floor.

Finished basement has limited light so staging was simple to let the scale of the space be the focus.
This is an example of a mid-sized eclectic look-out basement in DC Metro with grey walls.

Ultra modern family home, photography by Peter A. Sellar © 2012 www.photoklik.com
Modern basement in Toronto.

A sprawling basement expanse that includes a gaming area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a family room designed with an open concept, offering a versatile and spacious setting for diverse activities.

Inspiration for an eclectic basement in Salt Lake City.

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary basement in DC Metro with blue walls, light hardwood floors and wallpaper.

Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic look-out basement in DC Metro with white walls, no fireplace and white floor.

Transitional basement in St Louis.