A basement may be the most overlooked space for a remodeling project. But basements offer lots of opportunities. This Minnesota project began with a little-used basement space with dark carpeting and fluorescent, incandescent, and outdoor lighting. The new design began with a new centerpiece – a gas fireplace to warm cold Minnesota evenings. It features a solid wood frame that encloses the firebox. HVAC ductwork was hidden with the new fireplace, which was vented through the wall. The design began with in-floor heating on a new floor tile for the bar area and light carpeting. A new wet bar was added, featuring Cherry Wood cabinets and granite countertops. Note the custom tile work behind the stainless steel sink. A seating area was designed using the same materials, allowing for comfortable seating for three. Adding two leather chairs near the fireplace creates a cozy place for serious book reading or casual entertaining. And a second seating area with table creates a third conversation area. Finally, the use of in-ceiling down lights adds a single “color” of light, making the entire room both bright and warm.

Our clients were living in a Northwood Hills home in Dallas that was built in 1968. Some updates had been done but none really to the main living areas in the front of the house. They love to entertain and do so frequently but the layout of their house wasn’t very functional. There was a galley kitchen, which was mostly shut off to the rest of the home. They were not using the formal living and dining room in front of your house, so they wanted to see how this space could be better utilized. They wanted to create a more open and updated kitchen space that fits their lifestyle. One idea was to turn part of this space into an office, utilizing the bay window with the view out of the front of the house. Storage was also a necessity, as they entertain often and need space for storing those items they use for entertaining. They would also like to incorporate a wet bar somewhere! We demoed the brick and paneling from all of the existing walls and put up drywall. The openings on either side of the fireplace and through the entryway were widened and the kitchen was completely opened up. The fireplace surround is changed to a modern Emser Esplanade Trail tile, versus the chunky rock it was previously. The ceiling was raised and leveled out and the beams were removed throughout the entire area. Beautiful Olympus quartzite countertops were installed throughout the kitchen and butler’s pantry with white Chandler cabinets and Grace 4”x12” Bianco tile backsplash. A large two level island with bar seating for guests was built to create a little separation between the kitchen and dining room. Contrasting black Chandler cabinets were used for the island, as well as for the bar area, all with the same 6” Emtek Alexander pulls. A Blanco low divide metallic gray kitchen sink was placed in the center of the island with a Kohler Bellera kitchen faucet in vibrant stainless. To finish off the look three Iconic Classic Globe Small Pendants in Antiqued Nickel pendant lights were hung above the island. Black Supreme granite countertops with a cool leathered finish were installed in the wet bar, The backsplash is Choice Fawn gloss 4x12” tile, which created a little different look than in the kitchen. A hammered copper Hayden square sink was installed in the bar, giving it that cool bar feel with the black Chandler cabinets. Off the kitchen was a laundry room and powder bath that were also updated. They wanted to have a little fun with these spaces, so the clients chose a geometric black and white Bella Mori 9x9” porcelain tile. Coordinating black and white polka dot wallpaper was installed in the laundry room and a fun floral black and white wallpaper in the powder bath. A dark bronze Metal Mirror with a shelf was installed above the porcelain pedestal sink with simple floating black shelves for storage. Their butlers pantry, the added storage space, and the overall functionality has made entertaining so much easier and keeps unwanted things out of sight, whether the guests are sitting at the island or at the wet bar! The clients absolutely love their new space and the way in which has transformed their lives and really love entertaining even more now!

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

Basement Wet bar

The dry bar provides a designated area for beverages, especially for entertaining.

Custom made bar from reclaimed barnwood. Made by Country Road Associates. Granite top with leathered finish and chiseled edge. Beverage refrigerator, in cabinet lighting, deep divided drawer for bottle storage.

Contemporary custom built kitchen in historic OKC neighborhood. Solid walnut floating shelves in inset nook. Dry Bar complete with soft close drawer glides and quartz countertops

Tom Arban Photography

A new bar and back of bar in clear finished walnut and a beautiful sage green paint. Quartz countertops throughout with a matched veining from upper to lower counter. Walnut floating shelves and wine storage finished off the project.

Cambria quartz countertops, custom cabinets, tile backsplash, floating shelves, shiplap detail on bar front

Home Bar

A comprehensive remodel of a home's first and lower levels in a neutral palette of white, naval blue and natural wood with gold and black hardware completely transforms this home.Projects inlcude kitchen, living room, pantry, mud room, laundry room, music room, family room, basement bar, climbing wall, bathroom and powder room.

Stylish Drinks Bar area in this contemporary family home with sky-frame opening system creating fabulous indoor-outdoor luxury living. Stunning Interior Architecture & Interior design by Janey Butler Interiors. With bespoke concrete & barnwood details, stylish barnwood pocket doors & barnwod Gaggenau wine fridges. Crestron & Lutron home automation throughout and beautifully styled by Janey Butler Interiors with stunning Italian & Dutch design furniture.

Our Carmel design-build studio planned a beautiful open-concept layout for this home with a lovely kitchen, adjoining dining area, and a spacious and comfortable living space. We chose a classic blue and white palette in the kitchen, used high-quality appliances, and added plenty of storage spaces to make it a functional, hardworking kitchen. In the adjoining dining area, we added a round table with elegant chairs. The spacious living room comes alive with comfortable furniture and furnishings with fun patterns and textures. A stunning fireplace clad in a natural stone finish creates visual interest. In the powder room, we chose a lovely gray printed wallpaper, which adds a hint of elegance in an otherwise neutral but charming space. --- Project completed by Wendy Langston's Everything Home interior design firm, which serves Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, and Indianapolis. For more about Everything Home, see here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/portfolio/modern-home-at-Holliday Farms

Photo Credit: Tiffany Ringwald Photography

Marco Ricca