Wet Bar with beverage refrigerator, open shelving and blue tile backsplash.

Butlers Pantry features inset, shaker style, glass, two-tiered cabinetry with wine X storage, undermount bar sink and under counter refrigerator.

Photo Credit: Studio Three Beau

Wine is one of the few things in life that improves with age. But it can also rapidly deteriorate. The three factors that have the most direct impact on a wine's condition are light, humidity and temperature. Because wine can often be expensive and often appreciate in value, security is another issue. This basement-remodeling project began with ensuring the quality and security of the owner’s wine collection. Even more important, the remodeled basement had to become an inviting place for entertaining family and friends. A wet bar/entertainment area became the centerpiece of the design. Cherry wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances complement the counter tops, which are made with a special composite material and designed for bar glassware - softer to the touch than granite. Unused space below the stairway was turned into a secure wine storage room, and another cherry wood cabinet holds 300 bottles of wine in a humidity and temperature controlled refrigeration unit. The basement remodeling project also includes an entertainment center and cozy fireplace. The basement-turned-entertainment room is controlled with a two-zone heating system to moderate both temperature and humidity. To infuse a nautical theme a custom stairway post was created to simulate the mast from a 1905 vintage sailboat. The mast/post was hand-crafted from mahogany and steel banding.

Kristen Vincent Photography

Interior Design: Bob Michels & Bruce Kading | Photography: Landmark Photography

Dark moody butler's pantry

A nod to the custom black hood in the kitchen, the dark Blackstone finish on the wet bar cabinets in Grabill's Harrison door style is a showstopper. The glass door uppers sparkle against the black tile backsplash and gray quartz countertop.

Karen and Chad of Tower Lakes, IL were tired of their unfinished basement functioning as nothing more than a storage area and depressing gym. They wanted to increase the livable square footage of their home with a cohesive finished basement design, while incorporating space for the kids and adults to hang out. “We wanted to make sure that upon renovating the basement, that we can have a place where we can spend time and watch movies, but also entertain and showcase the wine collection that we have,” Karen said. After a long search comparing many different remodeling companies, Karen and Chad found Advance Design Studio. They were drawn towards the unique “Common Sense Remodeling” process that simplifies the renovation experience into predictable steps focused on customer satisfaction. “There are so many other design/build companies, who may not have transparency, or a focused process in mind and I think that is what separated Advance Design Studio from the rest,” Karen said. Karen loved how designer Claudia Pop was able to take very high-level concepts, “non-negotiable items” and implement them in the initial 3D drawings. Claudia and Project Manager DJ Yurik kept the couple in constant communication through the project. “Claudia was very receptive to the ideas we had, but she was also very good at infusing her own points and thoughts, she was very responsive, and we had an open line of communication,” Karen said. A very important part of the basement renovation for the couple was the home gym and sauna. The “high-end hotel” look and feel of the openly blended work out area is both highly functional and beautiful to look at. The home sauna gives them a place to relax after a long day of work or a tough workout. “The gym was a very important feature for us,” Karen said. “And I think (Advance Design) did a very great job in not only making the gym a functional area, but also an aesthetic point in our basement”. An extremely unique wow-factor in this basement is the walk in glass wine cellar that elegantly displays Karen and Chad’s extensive wine collection. Immediate access to the stunning wet bar accompanies the wine cellar to make this basement a popular spot for friends and family. The custom-built wine bar brings together two natural elements; Calacatta Vicenza Quartz and thick distressed Black Walnut. Sophisticated yet warm Graphite Dura Supreme cabinetry provides contrast to the soft beige walls and the Calacatta Gold backsplash. An undermount sink across from the bar in a matching Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop adds functionality and convenience to the bar, while identical distressed walnut floating shelves add an interesting design element and increased storage. Rich true brown Rustic Oak hardwood floors soften and warm the space drawing all the areas together. Across from the bar is a comfortable living area perfect for the family to sit down at a watch a movie. A full bath completes this finished basement with a spacious walk-in shower, Cocoa Brown Dura Supreme vanity with Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop, a crisp white sink and a stainless-steel Voss faucet. Advance Design’s Common Sense process gives clients the opportunity to walk through the basement renovation process one step at a time, in a completely predictable and controlled environment. “Everything was designed and built exactly how we envisioned it, and we are really enjoying it to it’s full potential,” Karen said. Constantly striving for customer satisfaction, Advance Design’s success is heavily reliant upon happy clients referring their friends and family. “We definitely will and have recommended Advance Design Studio to friends who are looking to embark on a remodeling project small or large,” Karen exclaimed at the completion of her project.

Peter Medilek

Wet bar with floating metal shelves, tile accent wall, slab counter, blonde oak cabinetry, art lighting, and integrated beverage center.

This 600-bottle plus cellar is the perfect accent to a crazy cool basement remodel. Just off the wet bar and entertaining area, it's perfect for those who love to drink wine with friends. Featuring VintageView Wall Series racks (with Floor to Ceiling Frames) in brushed nickel finish.