Below Buchanan is a basement renovation that feels as light and welcoming as one of our outdoor living spaces. The project is full of unique details, custom woodworking, built-in storage, and gorgeous fixtures. Custom carpentry is everywhere, from the built-in storage cabinets and molding to the private booth, the bar cabinetry, and the fireplace lounge. Creating this bright, airy atmosphere was no small challenge, considering the lack of natural light and spatial restrictions. A color pallet of white opened up the space with wood, leather, and brass accents bringing warmth and balance. The finished basement features three primary spaces: the bar and lounge, a home gym, and a bathroom, as well as additional storage space. As seen in the before image, a double row of support pillars runs through the center of the space dictating the long, narrow design of the bar and lounge. Building a custom dining area with booth seating was a clever way to save space. The booth is built into the dividing wall, nestled between the support beams. The same is true for the built-in storage cabinet. It utilizes a space between the support pillars that would otherwise have been wasted. The small details are as significant as the larger ones in this design. The built-in storage and bar cabinetry are all finished with brass handle pulls, to match the light fixtures, faucets, and bar shelving. White marble counters for the bar, bathroom, and dining table bring a hint of Hollywood glamour. White brick appears in the fireplace and back bar. To keep the space feeling as lofty as possible, the exposed ceilings are painted black with segments of drop ceilings accented by a wide wood molding, a nod to the appearance of exposed beams. Every detail is thoughtfully chosen right down from the cable railing on the staircase to the wood paneling behind the booth, and wrapping the bar.

The photo showcases a newly renovated basement that has been transformed from a damp and potentially hazardous space into a warm and inviting living area. The renovation process began with water-proofing the basement to prevent any future water damage. The space was then updated with gray carpet, providing a comfortable and stylish flooring option. The addition of new framing and drywall gives the basement a fresh and modern look, while also providing improved insulation and soundproofing. The renovation has effectively maximized the basement's potential, making it a functional and attractive living space. The combination of form and function in this renovation make it a standout addition to the home.

The basement bar area includes eye catching metal elements to reflect light around the neutral colored room. New new brass plumbing fixtures collaborate with the other metallic elements in the room. The polished quartzite slab provides visual movement in lieu of the dynamic wallpaper used on the feature wall and also carried into the media room ceiling. Moving into the media room we included custom ebony veneered wall and ceiling millwork, as well as luxe custom furnishings. New architectural surround speakers are hidden inside the walls. The new gym was designed and created for the clients son to train for his varsity team. We included a new custom weight rack. Mirrored walls, a new wallpaper, linear LED lighting, and rubber flooring. The Zen inspired bathroom was designed with simplicity carrying the metals them into the special copper flooring, brass plumbing fixtures, and a frameless shower.

Full finished custom basement

The basis for this remodel is a three-dimensional vision that enabled designers to repurpose the layout and its elevations to support a contemporary lifestyle. The mastery of the project is the interplay of artistry and architecture that introduced a pair of trestles attached to a modern grid-framed skylight; that replaced a treehouse spiral staircase with a glass-enclosed stairway; that juxtaposed smooth plaster with textured travertine; that worked in clean lines and neutral tones to create the canvas for the new residents’ imprint.

In this project, Rochman Design Build converted an unfinished basement of a new Ann Arbor home into a stunning home pub and entertaining area, with commercial grade space for the owners' craft brewing passion. The feel is that of a speakeasy as a dark and hidden gem found in prohibition time. The materials include charcoal stained concrete floor, an arched wall veneered with red brick, and an exposed ceiling structure painted black. Bright copper is used as the sparkling gem with a pressed-tin-type ceiling over the bar area, which seats 10, copper bar top and concrete counters. Old style light fixtures with bare Edison bulbs, well placed LED accent lights under the bar top, thick shelves, steel supports and copper rivet connections accent the feel of the 6 active taps old-style pub. Meanwhile, the brewing room is splendidly modern with large scale brewing equipment, commercial ventilation hood, wash down facilities and specialty equipment. A large window allows a full view into the brewing room from the pub sitting area. In addition, the space is large enough to feel cozy enough for 4 around a high-top table or entertain a large gathering of 50. The basement remodel also includes a wine cellar, a guest bathroom and a room that can be used either as guest room or game room, and a storage area.

A “cigar smoking” room with paneled walls was created with a secret door to the unfinished area of the basement.

Friends and neighbors of an owner of Four Elements asked for help in redesigning certain elements of the interior of their newer home on the main floor and basement to better reflect their tastes and wants (contemporary on the main floor with a more cozy rustic feel in the basement). They wanted to update the look of their living room, hallway desk area, and stairway to the basement. They also wanted to create a 'Game of Thrones' themed media room, update the look of their entire basement living area, add a scotch bar/seating nook, and create a new gym with a glass wall. New fireplace areas were created upstairs and downstairs with new bulkheads, new tile & brick facades, along with custom cabinets. A beautiful stained shiplap ceiling was added to the living room. Custom wall paneling was installed to areas on the main floor, stairway, and basement. Wood beams and posts were milled & installed downstairs, and a custom castle-styled barn door was created for the entry into the new medieval styled media room. A gym was built with a glass wall facing the basement living area. Floating shelves with accent lighting were installed throughout - check out the scotch tasting nook! The entire home was also repainted with modern but warm colors. This project turned out beautiful!