Original built in bookshelves got a makeover with bright teal and white paint colors. Shiplap was added to the basement wall as a coastal accent.

Today’s basements are much more than dark, dingy spaces or rec rooms of years ago. Because homeowners are spending more time in them, basements have evolved into lower-levels with distinctive spaces, complete with stone and marble fireplaces, sitting areas, coffee and wine bars, home theaters, over sized guest suites and bathrooms that rival some of the most luxurious resort accommodations. Gracing the lakeshore of Lake Beulah, this homes lower-level presents a beautiful opening to the deck and offers dynamic lake views. To take advantage of the home’s placement, the homeowner wanted to enhance the lower-level and provide a more rustic feel to match the home’s main level, while making the space more functional for boating equipment and easy access to the pier and lakefront. Jeff Auberger designed a seating area to transform into a theater room with a touch of a button. A hidden screen descends from the ceiling, offering a perfect place to relax after a day on the lake. Our team worked with a local company that supplies reclaimed barn board to add to the decor and finish off the new space. Using salvaged wood from a corn crib located in nearby Delavan, Jeff designed a charming area near the patio door that features two closets behind sliding barn doors and a bench nestled between the closets, providing an ideal spot to hang wet towels and store flip flops after a day of boating. The reclaimed barn board was also incorporated into built-in shelving alongside the fireplace and an accent wall in the updated kitchenette. Lastly the children in this home are fans of the Harry Potter book series, so naturally, there was a Harry Potter themed cupboard under the stairs created. This cozy reading nook features Hogwartz banners and wizarding wands that would amaze any fan of the book series.

Paul Saini

A comfortable and contemporary family room that accommodates a family's two active teenagers and their friends as well as intimate adult gatherings. Fireplace flanked by natural grass cloth wallpaper warms the space and invites friends to open the sleek sleeper sofa and spend the night. Stephani Buchman Photography www.stephanibuchmanphotgraphy.com

This contemporary-style basement has a beautifully exposed stonewall full of windows to overlook the property. Gorgeous custom staircase with metal railings brings a contemporary feel to this space. Architect: Meyer Design Photos: 716 Media

Photography by Mark Wieland

The Basement was renovated to provide additional living space with walk-out access to the patios and decks. Photography: Kevin Wilson Photography

Michael Bowman

The fireplace brick and simple wood slab mantle were painted to complement the room color. The fireplace is full functional, if needed. C. Augestad, Fox Photography, Marietta, GA

This beautiful home in Brandon recently completed the basement. The husband loves to golf, hence they put a golf simulator in the basement, two bedrooms, guest bathroom and an awesome wet bar with walk-in wine cellar. Our design team helped this homeowner select Cambria Roxwell quartz countertops for the wet bar and Cambria Swanbridge for the guest bathroom vanity. Even the stainless steel pegs that hold the wine bottles and LED changing lights in the wine cellar we provided.

This room was totally remodeled. The existing fireplace opening and plinth was faced with natural stone and wired to accept the TV. Installed custom angled wooden side cabinets for storage and media needs. Ceramic tile with underfloor heating throughout the basement. On the left side, was a simple storage closet which was totally transformed into a beautiful wine cellar with insulated glazing, cherry wood racks and shelving to display the wine. The space is air conditioned to maintain required temps. Photo: Ron Freudenheim