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.

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.

This built-in buffet off of the dining area features a mix of stained, cherry cabinetry and painted, gray cabinetry by Crystal Cabinets. Hardware is Subtle Surge by Berenson. Flooring is Mannington Adura Max, Aspen, Lodge. Wall color is Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore.

Pool parties and sports-watching are cherished activities for the family of this 1961 ranch home in San Jose’s Willow Glen neighborhood. As the design process evolved, the idea of the Ultimate Cocktail Bar emerged and developed into an integral component of the new bright kitchen.

A perfect nook for that coffee and tea station, or side bar when entertaining in the formal dining area, the simplicity of the side bar greats visitors as they enter from the front door. The clean, sleek lines, and organic textures give a glimpse of what is to come once one turns the corner and enters the kitchen.

Basement remodel completed by Advance Design Studio. Project highlights include new flooring throughout, a wet bar with seating, and a built-in entertainment wall. This space was designed with both adults and kids in mind, and our clients are thrilled with their new basement living space!

This basement kitchen is given new life as a modern bar with quartz countertop, navy blue cabinet doors, satin brass edge pulls, a beverage fridge, pull out faucet with matte black finish. The backsplash is patterned 8x8 tiles with a walnut wood shelf. The space was painted matte white, the ceiling popcorn was scraped off, painted and installed with recessed lighting. A mirror backsplash was installed on the left side of the bar

Custom bar with viewing window into home gym.

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.