Amoura Productions

Phot Credit; Trish Hennessy

It's 5 o'clock somewhere. This happy corner is ready at any hour for festivities to begin with bold wallpaper, brass hardware, and plenty of glasses.

Landmark Remodeling partnered on us with this basement project in Minnetonka. Long-time, returning clients wanted a family hang out space, equipped with a fireplace, wet bar, bathroom, workout room and guest bedroom. They loved the idea of adding value to their home, but loved the idea of having a place for their boys to go with friends even more. We used the luxury vinyl plank from their main floor for continuity, as well as navy influences that we have incorporated around their home so far, this time in the cabinetry and vanity. The unique fireplace design was a fun alternative to shiplap and a regular tiled facade. Photographer- Height Advantages

Entertaining takes a high-end in this basement with a large wet bar and wine cellar. The barstools surround the marble countertop, highlighted by under-cabinet lighting

The bar faces into the main living area of the basement creating an open area for gatherings. ©Finished Basement Company

Floating shelves are sitting in front of a mirrored backsplash that helps reflect the light and make the space feel bigger than it is. Shallow bar height cabinets are below and offer more storage for liquor bottles. A raised countertop on the great room area offers seating for four.

Dave Fox Design Build Remodelers This room addition encompasses many uses for these homeowners. From great room, to sunroom, to parlor, and gathering/entertaining space; it’s everything they were missing, and everything they desired. This multi-functional room leads out to an expansive outdoor living space complete with a full working kitchen, fireplace, and large covered dining space. The vaulted ceiling in this room gives a dramatic feel, while the stained pine keeps the room cozy and inviting. The large windows bring the outside in with natural light and expansive views of the manicured landscaping.

Kitchenette with open shelving.

With connections to a local artist who handcrafted and welded the steel doors to the built-in liquor cabinet, our clients were ecstatic with the results.

The client wanted to add a wet bar area to their family room so when they entertain there is a nice gathering point. We changed out the existing window to allow for the cabinetry, did extensive plumbing and electrical work to accommodate the new plan and installed new luxury vinyl plank flooring. New shaker style cabinetry in a dark chestnut stain. New granite countertops and backsplash tile were installed. The entire room was painted to complete the update.

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 were lucky to work with a blank slate in this nearly new home. Keeping the bar as the main focus was critical. With elements like the gorgeous tin ceiling, custom finished distressed black wainscot and handmade wood bar top were the perfect compliment to the reclaimed brick walls and beautiful beam work. With connections to a local artist who handcrafted and welded the steel doors to the built-in liquor cabinet, our clients were ecstatic with the results. Other amenities in the bar include the rear wall of stainless built-ins, including individual refrigeration, freezer, ice maker, a 2-tap beer unit, dishwasher drawers and matching Stainless Steel sink base cabinet.