We started with a blank slate on this basement project where our only obstacles were exposed steel support columns, existing plumbing risers from the concrete slab, and dropped soffits concealing ductwork on the ceiling. It had the advantage of tall ceilings, an existing egress window, and a sliding door leading to a newly constructed patio. This family of five loves the beach and frequents summer beach resorts in the Northeast. Bringing that aesthetic home to enjoy all year long was the inspiration for the décor, as well as creating a family-friendly space for entertaining. Wish list items included room for a billiard table, wet bar, game table, family room, guest bedroom, full bathroom, space for a treadmill and closed storage. The existing structural elements helped to define how best to organize the basement. For instance, we knew we wanted to connect the bar area and billiards table with the patio in order to create an indoor/outdoor entertaining space. It made sense to use the egress window for the guest bedroom for both safety and natural light. The bedroom also would be adjacent to the plumbing risers for easy access to the new bathroom. Since the primary focus of the family room would be for TV viewing, natural light did not need to filter into that space. We made sure to hide the columns inside of newly constructed walls and dropped additional soffits where needed to make the ceiling mechanicals feel less random. In addition to the beach vibe, the homeowner has valuable sports memorabilia that was to be prominently displayed including two seats from the original Yankee stadium. For a coastal feel, shiplap is used on two walls of the family room area. In the bathroom shiplap is used again in a more creative way using wood grain white porcelain tile as the horizontal shiplap “wood”. We connected the tile horizontally with vertical white grout joints and mimicked the horizontal shadow line with dark grey grout. At first glance it looks like we wrapped the shower with real wood shiplap. Materials including a blue and white patterned floor, blue penny tiles and a natural wood vanity checked the list for that seaside feel. A large reclaimed wood door on an exposed sliding barn track separates the family room from the game room where reclaimed beams are punctuated with cable lighting. Cabinetry and a beverage refrigerator are tucked behind the rolling bar cabinet (that doubles as a Blackjack table!). A TV and upright video arcade machine round-out the entertainment in the room. Bar stools, two rotating club chairs, and large square poufs along with the Yankee Stadium seats provide fun places to sit while having a drink, watching billiards or a game on the TV. Signed baseballs can be found behind the bar, adjacent to the billiard table, and on specially designed display shelves next to the poker table in the family room. Thoughtful touches like the surfboards, signage, photographs and accessories make a visitor feel like they are on vacation at a well-appointed beach resort without being cliché.

©Finished Basement Company

This formerly unfinished basement in Montclair, NJ, has plenty of new space - a powder room, entertainment room, large bar, large laundry room and a billiard room. The client sourced a rustic bar-top with a mix of eclectic pieces to complete the interior design. MGR Construction Inc.; In House Photography.

Golf simulator in Elgin basement renovation.

The feature wall in this basement was part of the original structure of this house. The fireplace brick surround was built from the original chimney bricks.

One of the highlights of this space is the private workroom right off the main living area. A work and study room, sectioned off with gorgeous maple, sliding barn doors, is the perfect space for a group project or a quiet study hall. This space includes four built-in desks for four students, with ample room for larger projects. Photo by Mark Quentin / StudioQphoto.com

Photo by Michael J. Lee

©Finished Basement Company

Joe Tighe

The vast space was softened by combining mid-century pieces with traditional accents. The furniture has clean lines and meant to be tailored as well as durable. We used unusual textiles to create an eclectic vibe. I wanted to breaks away from the traditional white enamel molding instead I incorporated medium hue of gray on all the woodwork against crisp white walls and navy furnishings to showcase eclectic pieces.