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.

We love these LED-lit screens! This client found us on houzz because he saw a previous installation that we had done with this screen. We went out and performed a consultation to see what all this client was wanting. After the proposal was agreed upon, we began ordering product and pre-wired the basement. Product listing is as follows... 110" Screen Innovations Black Diamond Zero Edge Screen w/ Ambiance Kit Epson America Home Cinema 8350 Center Speaker - Definitive Technology Mythos XTR-50 Front Speakers - Definitive Technology Mythos XTR-40 Surround & Surround Back Speakers - Definitive Technology Mythos XTR-20BP Subwoofer - Sunfire SDS8 Receiver - Denon North America AVR-X2000 Remote - Universal Remote Control, Inc. MX-780 & MRF-260 with URC RF Dimmers All of the components are in the back closet controlled with a RF remote. All lighting is controlled with the universal remote as well!

This basement renovation involved installing Medallion Lancaster Frappe cabinetry in the bar area. On the countertop is Dolomite-Pietra Caravino granite with a leather finish. Also installed: A Miseno Apronfront stainless steel sink and a Moen chrome Arbor bar faucet, 3 Hinkley Linear pendant lights and a new pool table light. New basement stairs were installed using Kraus Landmark 5” plank floor whistle stop color and a new custom barn door. On the floor is Enstyle Culbres wide – Inglewood Luxury Vinyl Tile.

This elegant and sophisticated stone and shingle home is tailored for modern living. Custom designed by a highly respected developer, buyers will delight in the bright and beautiful transitional aesthetic. The welcoming foyer is accented with a statement lighting fixture that highlights the beautiful herringbone wood floor. The stunning gourmet kitchen includes everything on the chef's wish list including a butler's pantry and a decorative breakfast island. The family room, awash with oversized windows overlooks the bluestone patio and masonry fire pit exemplifying the ease of indoor and outdoor living. Upon entering the master suite with its sitting room and fireplace, you feel a zen experience. The ultimate lower level is a show stopper for entertaining with a glass-enclosed wine cellar, room for exercise, media or play and sixth bedroom suite. Nestled in the gorgeous Wellesley Farms neighborhood, conveniently located near the commuter train to Boston and town amenities.

Flatscreen + Apple TV + surround sound. Scott Amundson Photography

Area under the stairway was finished providing sitting / reading area for children with built-in drawer for toys. Post was framed out. Stairway post, handrail, and balusters are removable to allow furniture to be moved up/down the stairway.

Photo by Michael J. Lee

The black painted open ceiling is the perfect solution for basements in older homes. Basement remodel completed by Meadowlark Design + Build in Ann Arbor, Michigan

©Finished Basement Company

Gary Yon

Inspiro 8

Charis Brice

©Finished Basement Company

Dana Steinecker Photography, www.danasteineckerphotography.com