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 photo was taken at DJK Custom Homes new Parker IV Eco-Smart model home in Stewart Ridge of Plainfield, Illinois.
Inspiration for a large country fully buried basement in Chicago with white walls, ceramic floors and brown floor.

Basement bar with white paneling and a gold foot rail
This is an example of a large traditional fully buried basement in Chicago with white walls, carpet, no fireplace and brown floor.

Bruce Cole
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary basement in Other with white walls and grey floor.

TEAM Architect: LDa Architecture & Interiors Interior Design: LDa Architecture & Interiors Builder: Kistler & Knapp Builders, Inc. Photographer: Greg Premru Photography

Referred to inside H&H as “the basement of dreams,” this project transformed a raw, dark, unfinished basement into a bright living space flooded with daylight. Working with architect Sean Barnett of Polymath Studio, Hammer & Hand added several 4’ windows to the perimeter of the basement, a new entrance, and wired the unit for future ADU conversion. This basement is filled with custom touches reflecting the young family’s project goals. H&H milled custom trim to match the existing home’s trim, making the basement feel original to the historic house. The H&H shop crafted a barn door with an inlaid chalkboard for their toddler to draw on, while the rest of the H&H team designed a custom closet with movable hanging racks to store and dry their camping gear. Photography by Jeff Amram.

The stairs open to give this basement family room an open feel. The room feature natural wood barn doors, brown carpet and white walls.
Large country fully buried basement in Minneapolis with white walls and carpet.

Luxury sports themed basement
Expansive transitional fully buried basement in New York with carpet, white walls, no fireplace and beige floor.

Inspiration for a contemporary fully buried basement in Minneapolis with white walls, carpet and beige floor.

Low-maintenance, easy to clean concrete floors are perfect for this young, active family. Design by Kristyn Bester. Photos by Photo Art Portraits.
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional fully buried basement in Portland with white walls and concrete floors.

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.

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.

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.

This is an example of a large traditional fully buried basement in Atlanta with white walls, light hardwood floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Basement closest. Polished concrete basement floors with open painted ceilings. Design and construction by Meadowlark Design + Build in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Professional photography by Sean Carter.

Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury walk-out basement in Toronto with white walls, vinyl floors, brown floor and panelled walls.

Modern geometric black and white tile wall adds dimension and contemporary energy to the snack and beverage bar. Photos: Jody Kmetz
This is an example of a large modern fully buried basement in Chicago with a home bar, white walls, carpet, grey floor, exposed beam and panelled walls.

Inspiration for a large country walk-out basement in Minneapolis with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and brown floor.

Cozy basement entertainment space with floor-to-ceiling linear fireplace and tailor-made bar
Photo of a mid-sized transitional look-out basement in Toronto with white walls, a ribbon fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.