Agnieszka Jakubowicz

The stairs to the basement

With the pending arrival of a beautiful baby girl, the homeowners of this 1928 Minneapolis Tudor wanted a basement that was conducive to a young child, but would still allow a place for family to gather and the occasional house guest. The original basement was typical; cold, lacking natural light with tiny, uncomfortably confined rooms and that “unique” basement smell. The goal was to reverse all of the ill effects of a rarely unappreciated space while increasing the performance of the older home. The frigid temperatures and wet, mildew odor was remedied by demolishing the entire slab floor and excavating to gain an extra six inches in ceiling height. It also allowed us to insulate to R-15, moisture proof under the new slab, install a drain tile and sump pump. Within the concrete slab is a hydronic, in-floor radiant heating system which further helps to add comfort to the space. Lastly, we also sprayed a closed-cell, expanding urethane foam on the inside of the foundation walls all the way to the first floor. To help bring more light down to the basement, we started by opening up the staircase on both sides. A curved wall bends light into the lower level while a countertop and cubbies below provide storage space for odds and ends. On the opposite wall, creatively placed cubbies provide places for paintings, ceramics and plants. We also removed the tiny 18” x 34” window on the south wall and installed a full-sized, high-efficiency, triple pane Pella egress window. To let lots of natural light into the window, we expanded the size of the cedar-lined egress well and included a built-in planter at the base to help bring life into an otherwise empty cavity. Small, unspecified spaces that became storage areas now have purpose. The areas are defined, yet open. Upon descending down the stairs, one is greeted by a large living room with curved walls, custom design media center, built-in daybed and bookshelves. Use of paint was important in the design. Naturally in older homes basements are going to have exposed beams, soffits and a whole gambit of nooks and crannies. Instead of disguising them, we played them up, which created a layer effect with the color. The color also adds a touch of playfulness which anyone, regardless of age, can enjoy. We scavenged the client’s garage and discovered that the previous homeowner kept the old, full-view glass front entry door in the garage. We re-installed the original glass knob and attached the door to sliding barn door hardware which was attached to the main structural beam of the lower level. On the other side of the door was the homeowners’ combined office and small fitness area. The office floor is a blend of thin strips of different colored cork. A built-in storage cabinet sits across from a site-built desk which forms to the curve of the dividing wall. A small, square hole in the curved wall provides a view to see who is coming down the stairs. Opposite of the office area and directly at the base of the stairs is a place for the homeowner’s treadmill. Hidden is the mechanical room, which is home to many green and energy efficient products. The washing machine is a low-water consumption unit while the dryer requires less energy to operate than most standard units. Both sit atop a checkerboard pattern of different colored VCT tiles. We also replaced the aging boiler, which only heated the first and second level, with a 95% efficient heat source for the entire house—including the basement. Behind the curved wall, the bathroom is conveniently located. A large, custom built no-formaldehyde added vanity supports the slab of remnant granite countertop. A piece of eco-resin wall panel, embedded with organic material, contains water in the shower and blends beautifully with the updated colors. Tucked under the stairs, we installed a dual-flush, low-water consumption toilet. Through creative space planning, we packed a lot of into a rather small space. As a result, we have three very happy homeowners who are enjoying their light, clean and safe lower level of their home—however, they’ve been hard pressed to think of it as a “basement”. highlights Moisture management system Insulated slab Hydronic in-floor heat Formaldehyde free cabinetry MN-made custom cabinets Ultra-low VOC paints Wool carpet Dual-flush toilet Cork floor No recessed lights Cedar egress window well with planter Re-used door Eco-resin

Tim Clarke-Payton

Wool sisal stair runner bordered with black leather.

Photo Credit: Jim Bartsch

Wir ließen das vorhandene Geländer demontieren und stattdessen einen Handlauf an der Außenwand anbringen. Die Antritte der Stufen wurden mit Platten geschlossen und die gesamte Treppe weiß lackiert. Auf den Stufen liegen auf Maß gefertigte Stufenmatten aus grauem Teppichboden. Sie sorgen nicht nur für eine Geräuschminderung beim Begehen, sie dämpfen auch den Tritt und erhöhen so den Gehkomfort. Einbaustrahler an jeder zweiten Stufe in der Außenwange beleuchten die Treppe, ohne zu blenden. Das Treppenauge wurde mit einer U-förmigen Gipskartonwand geschlossen. Die so entstandene Nische bietet Platz für einen raumhohen Garderobenschrank und ein offenes Regal für Bücher. Gleichzeitig werden so die unterschiedlichen Tiefen der beiden Seiten überspielt. Der Grauton der Schrankfronten ist – ebenso wie die Griffe – angepasst an die vorhandenen Schränke im Eingangsbereich. Durch eine leicht strukturierte Tapete in Grautönen setzt sich das Treppenhaus optisch ab und bildet eine Einheit.

Flowers flooring

Mark and Cindy wanted to update the main level of their home but weren’t sure what their “style” was and where to start. They thought their taste was traditional rustic based on elements already present in the home. They love to entertain and drink wine, and wanted furnishings that would be durable and provide ample seating. The project scope included replacing flooring throughout, updating the fireplace, new furnishings in the living room and foyer, new lighting for the living room and eating area, new paint and window treatments, updating the powder room but keeping the vanity cabinet, updating the stairs in the foyer and accessorizing all rooms. It didn’t take long after working with these clients to discover they were drawn to bolder, more contemporary looks! After selecting this beautiful stain for the wood flooring, we extended the flooring into the living room to create more of an open feel. The stairs have a new handrail, modern balusters and a carpet runner with a subtle but striking pattern. A bench seat and new furnishings added a welcoming touch of glam. A wall of bold geometric tile added the wow factor to the powder room, completed with a contemporary mirror and lighting, sink and faucet, accessories and art. The black ceiling added to the dramatic effect. In the living room two comfy leather sofas surround a large ottoman and modern rug to ground the space, with a black and gold chandelier added to the room to uplift the ambience. New tile fireplace surround, black and gold granite hearth and white mantel create a bold focal point, with artwork and other furnishings to tie in the colors and create a cozy but contemporary room they love to lounge in. Cheers!

Beautiful carpet runner in blue and biege stripes

Modern Curved Staircase with Clean Lines and Open Risers. Includes Wood Handrail, Posts, and Support Spindles with Stainless Steel Flat Bars installed Horizontally. Wood Posts incorporate Metal in the Caps. photos by Joshua Kehler Photography

Design by 27 Diamonds Interior Design www.27diamonds.com