Some very customized features were needed in this quilting-sewing room. Different height counters, dozens of drawers for all the necessary tools needed for both sewing and quilting. Fabric storage and space for display and books all were incorporated into a challenging angled room.

The basement serves as a hang out room, and office for Malcolm. Nostalgic jerseys from Ohio State, The Saints, The Panthers and more line the walls. The main decorative wall is a span of 35 feet with a floor to ceiling white and gold wallpaper. It’s bold enough to hold up to all the wall hangings, but not too busy to distract.

Photo of a large modern fully buried basement in Philadelphia with green walls, carpet and no fireplace.

The basement of this suburban home was transformed into an entertainment destination! Welcome to Philville! Something for everyone. Relax on the comfy sectional and watch a game on the projection screen, shoot a game of pool, have a ping pong tournament, play cards, whip up a cocktail, select a good bottle of wine from the wine cellar tucked under the staircase, shuffle over to the shuffle board table under the Fenway Park mural, go to the fully equipped home gym or escape to the spa bathroom. The walk out basement also opens up to the private spacious manicured backyard.

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.

JMC Home Remodeling
Inspiration for an expansive traditional fully buried basement in New York with beige walls, medium hardwood floors and orange floor.

Design ideas for a large traditional walk-out basement in Cincinnati with beige walls, carpet and beige floor.

This is an example of a large country fully buried basement in Calgary with a stone fireplace surround, beige walls and a standard fireplace.

Inspiration for an expansive country look-out basement in Denver with blue walls, medium hardwood floors and no fireplace.

In-home golf simulator featuring Carl's Golf enclosure, BenQ projector, Uneekor EYE XO swing tracker
Design ideas for a large modern fully buried basement in Toronto with a game room, black floor, white walls and carpet.

Winner of Home of The Year 2022 - Western Living Magazine
Photo of a large eclectic basement in Calgary with a standard fireplace.

Inspiration for a large modern fully buried basement in Philadelphia with green walls, carpet and no fireplace.

A warm and welcoming basement invites you to indulge in your favorite distractions. Step into this beautifully designed basement where entertainment is only the beginning. From the bar to the theater, family and friends will embrace this space as their favorite hangout spot.

This is an example of an expansive traditional fully buried basement in Boston with white walls and medium hardwood floors.

The basement of this suburban home was transformed into an entertainment destination! Welcome to Philville! Something for everyone. Relax on the comfy sectional and watch a game on the projection screen, shoot a game of pool, have a ping pong tournament, play cards, whip up a cocktail, select a good bottle of wine from the wine cellar tucked under the staircase, shuffle over to the shuffle board table under the Fenway Park mural, go to the fully equipped home gym or escape to the spa bathroom. The walk out basement also opens up to the private spacious manicured backyard.

Inspiration for a large traditional walk-out basement in Cincinnati with beige walls, ceramic floors and brown floor.

Some very customized features were needed in this quilting-sewing room. Different height counters, dozens of drawers for all the necessary tools needed for both sewing and quilting. Fabric storage and space for display and books all were incorporated into a challenging angled room.

Just because your ceilings are a bit low in your basement and you have a very old house, it doesn't mean you can not do anything with it. This basement has been transformed into a great gathering space/mudroom/guest room/guest bathroom adding a new level of living space for the house. Although the cabinetry is contemporary, the existing exposed brick and beam bring character and warmth to the new space.

Photography: Landmark Photography
This is an example of a large traditional look-out basement in Minneapolis with yellow walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.