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.

Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Construction Administration, Custom Millwork & Furniture Design by Chango & Co. Photography by Jacob Snavely
Inspiration for an expansive transitional fully buried basement in New York with grey walls, dark hardwood floors and a ribbon fireplace.

Photographer: Bob Narod
This is an example of a large transitional look-out basement in DC Metro with brown floor, laminate floors and multi-coloured walls.

This basement Rec Room is a full room of fun! Foosball, Ping Pong Table, Full Bar, swing chair, huge Sectional to hang and watch movies!
Inspiration for a large contemporary fully buried basement in Los Angeles with a game room, white walls and wallpaper.

Whit Preston Photography
Inspiration for a large country fully buried basement in Austin with grey walls, concrete floors and no fireplace.

Large transitional walk-out basement in Atlanta with a home bar, black walls, light hardwood floors, beige floor and recessed.

A light filled basement complete with a Home Bar and Game Room. Beyond the Pool Table and Ping Pong Table, the floor to ceiling sliding glass doors open onto an outdoor sitting patio.

This is an example of a large transitional fully buried basement in Chicago with grey walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround, brown floor and brick walls.

Photo of a large midcentury basement in Omaha.

Photo of a large contemporary look-out basement in DC Metro.

Photo of a large transitional look-out basement in Omaha with white walls, carpet, no fireplace and green floor.

Design ideas for a large contemporary fully buried basement in New York with black walls, dark hardwood floors and no fireplace.

Huge basement in this beautiful home that got a face lift with new home gym/sauna room, home office, sitting room, wine cellar, lego room, fireplace and theater!

Custom TV Wall (with LED Fireplace and unique puck-style lighting)
Inspiration for a large modern walk-out basement in Louisville with grey walls, carpet, a hanging fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and grey floor.

Marina Storm
Large contemporary fully buried basement in Chicago with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, brown floor and a metal fireplace surround.

Open plan family, cinema , bar area refusrished from a series of separate disconected rooms. Access to the garden for use by day, motorised blinds for cinema viewing

Flooring: Encore Vinyl Plank Cabinets: Dark Ale Tori Oak Paint: SW 7044 Amazing Gray Countertop: Ebony Fusion-Beveled Edge
Photo of a large modern fully buried basement in Detroit with grey walls, vinyl floors and brown floor.

Luxury finished basement with full kitchen and bar, clack GE cafe appliances with rose gold hardware, home theater, home gym, bathroom with sauna, lounge with fireplace and theater, dining area, and wine cellar.

The game room built-in bar is made with rustic cherry wood with a matte finish. The stone walls with heavy timber lintel gives this space a rustic look. This is a perfect space to enjoy a game of pool while watching the game on TV. Modern Rustic Homes