Another Renovation Complete - a SPECTACULAR Basement Transformation!

Fall 2023 Newsletter

FALL is in full swing and for our next newsletter, we will feature an outstanding project that took a 2003 estate home’s expansive basement to modern spectacular results! This project will be covered in this and the next newsletter in order to do it justice. Read on below to see how we corrected previous design flaws and tackled the first phase of this spectacular project. Each project is unique and while this is a large project, even small projects can benefit from an experts ‘eye’ for what the space can be.

My clients approached me after I completed a design update of their living room and foyer area. They had recently purchased the 6800 sq ft estate home and were eager to continue with changes to make it their own. The already finished basement area, though expansive, was poorly designed creating a dysfunctional floor plan. It encompassed a main bar/gaming area, theatre room, gym, full bath and guest room. After hearing the clients wants for the space, I partnered with Stechert and Micchichi of Tullytown for their expertise in millwork and carpentry. The original design essentially built a wall wherever there was a structural column so as to hide the column. In doing so this created both confining and useless areas. We began troubleshooting how best to implement the columns into the design plan..

The first obstacle to tackle was a wall situated approximately 10 feet from the stairs which created a “vestibule-type” entry to the main entertaining area resulting in unusable space serving no purpose.

Not surprising, this wall hid support columns. Additionally, the ceiling in the room was overly embellished. This, coupled with the wall placement, made the room appear dark and closed off.

The ceiling would need to be “decluttered” leaving a soffit for existing HVAC. Major changes would come in the bar area.

The original bar had attempted to capture an old world feel but was squeezed due to an ‘awkward wall’ with a small refrigerator installed in “unused”wall space. This “unused” area included a door entry accessing an available back storage room. Though the old bar had positives it didn’t reflect the style, function, and design wishes of the new owners. Ingenuity will be needed meet the owners’ expectations.

Although the previous owners spent a good deal of money on the now hugely outdated aesthetics and pub-style elements, the overall design and layout was hindered by lack of creativity with structural aspects. We proceeded to change that by implementing the structural columns into the design….

We expanded the bar area by breaking into the adjacent “unused” space but still provide access to the storage room while giving the client added space as well as a light and airy design.

By incorporating the support column and moving the ‘awkward wall’ the client now has 14 feet along the back wall. In addition, the ~9-foot floating bar is centered in the room. The additional space enabled us to add two built-in refrigerators, an ice maker, and a dishwasher. The front of the bar depth was increased to allow for a quartz countertop prep surface.

The quartz was wrapped around the structural column as a design feature. The column was then wrapped in wood and stained to match the floating wood shelves flanking the flat screen television. Eldorado Tundabrick in Ashland was installed along the perimeter walls to enhance and add striking visual contrast.

Brainstorming:….initial rendering to remove another wall and open the main area and exposing structural column. The column is now incorporated into the design with the creation of a 6’ x 6’ built-in banquette.

Implementation…..maintain the existing soffit for HVAC but add recessed lighting.

The banquette now features faux leather upholstery for durability with bar-height seating so bar stools can be shared with the bar area. A custom wood top stained to match the bar top with chrome x-prong base completes the design.

The pool table is now centered in the room and new gray felt replaces the original blue. Coretec Oak flooring is installed throughout with plush carpet inlay surrounding the pool table. Two tones of wood incorporated throughout the plan coordinate with the existing staircase rail and treads.

The room features 2 flat screen TV’s for viewing with two seating areas. Custom millwork throughout including wainscoting and, built in pool stick holders. Polished chrome hardware with black leather accents provide a modern touch. Sports and gaming memorabilia from the client are dispersed throughout the space to complete this transformation.

In our next newsletter, we will continue by revealing the adjacent rooms in this spectacular basement renovation including one phenomenal theatre area!

You can read more about all of these updates or view the photos on my website under PORTFOLIO - ESTATE HOME REDESIGN.

Until next time….” An empty room is a story waiting to happen, and you are the author” unknown

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