Large open floor plan in basement with full built-in bar, fireplace, game room and seating for all sorts of activities. Cabinetry at the bar provided by Brookhaven Cabinetry manufactured by Wood-Mode Cabinetry. Cabinetry is constructed from maple wood and finished in an opaque finish. Glass front cabinetry includes reeded glass for privacy. Bar is over 14 feet long and wrapped in wainscot panels. Although not shown, the interior of the bar includes several undercounter appliances: refrigerator, dishwasher drawer, microwave drawer and refrigerator drawers; all, except the microwave, have decorative wood panels.

©Finished Basement Company
This is an example of a large transitional walk-out basement in Minneapolis with grey walls, carpet, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and grey floor.

Inspiration for 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.

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.

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.

Our in-house design staff took this unfinished basement from sparse to stylish speak-easy complete with a fireplace, wine & bourbon bar and custom humidor.

Inspiration for a large transitional walk-out basement in Atlanta with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround and brown floor.

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern fully buried basement in Minneapolis with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and multi-coloured floor.

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

Jon Huelskamp Landmark
Large traditional walk-out basement in Chicago with beige walls, porcelain floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Jenn Cohen
Design ideas for a large midcentury fully buried basement in Denver with white walls, light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Kayla Kopke
Design ideas for an expansive contemporary fully buried basement in Detroit with beige walls, carpet, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Media storage in the basement recreation room Scott Bergmann Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional walk-out basement in Boston with green walls, carpet, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

This custom designed basement features a rock wall, custom wet bar and ample entertainment space. The coffered ceiling provides a luxury feel with the wood accents offering a more rustic look.

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.

Custom cabinetry is built into this bay window area to create the perfect spot for the budding artist in the family. The basement remodel was designed and built by Meadowlark Design Build in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Photography by Sean Carter.

Family area in the basement of a remodelled midcentury modern house with a wood panelled wall.
Inspiration for a large midcentury basement in Seattle with white walls, carpet, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and grey 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 is an example of a large transitional look-out basement in Other with beige walls, carpet, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and grey floor.