Eclectic Basement Ideas and Designs
Thyme & Place Design LLCWhen 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.
Align Design LLCInspiration for a medium sized bohemian walk-out basement in Other with grey walls, laminate floors, no fireplace and grey floors.
Glas AssociatesAn indoor slide serves as an alternative to the stairs
Photo by Ashley Avila Photography
This is an example of a bohemian basement in Grand Rapids.
This is an example of a bohemian basement in Grand Rapids.
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Reclaimed DesignWorksReclaimed DesignWorks provided the reclaimed beams and ceiling board for this in-home bowling alley.
Eclectic basement in Denver.
Eclectic basement in Denver.
Charleston Building and DevelopmentThis is an example of a large bohemian fully buried basement in Chicago with a game room, green walls, carpet, grey floors and wallpapered walls.
Kitchen and BathFull Basement/Game room
Full Basement Built at Morristown area. Simple finished basement, with children's corner.
Small eclectic basement in New York with a game room, blue floors and wood walls.
Small eclectic basement in New York with a game room, blue floors and wood walls.
Alliance Designs LLCHome Basement Renovation
The previously unfinished basement has undergone a remarkable transformation and now boasts an entirely new living space. With this addition, the overall square footage of the house has expanded, providing more room for relaxation and entertainment. This new space is perfect for hosting parties, movie nights, and family gatherings. By converting the basement into a living area, the homeowners have unlocked the full potential of their house and created a more functional and comfortable living environment for themselves and their loved ones.
Lyn's Design StyleThis is an example of a large bohemian look-out basement in Boise with white walls and concrete flooring.
Blue Sound Construction, Inc.In order to achieve the head height needed for this basement communal space to function, we raised the house several feet in the air and built the area that stands above the shelf. Plywood partitions separate off the office space The rustic, funky vibe of this inn makes it an inspiring launching pad for all the activities our beautiful PNW has to offer, and the space is prepped with bicycles and bike accoutrements to help guests on their way.
Builder: Blue Sound Construction
Designer: Aaron Bush of Workshop AB2C
Photo:Alex Hayden
Mosby Building ArtsThe basement of a St. Louis, Missouri split-level ranch house is remodeled for an intense focus on recreation and entertaining. Upscale and striking finishes are the backdrop for a bar, kitchenette and home theater. Other recreational delights include this pinball arcade to house the homeowners personal pinball machine collection, with plenty of room for proper play AND to display sports memorabilia.
Merrick Design and Build Inc.David Merrick
Inspiration for a medium sized eclectic fully buried basement in DC Metro with red walls, concrete flooring, no fireplace and red floors.
Inspiration for a medium sized eclectic fully buried basement in DC Metro with red walls, concrete flooring, no fireplace and red floors.
Kathy Tufts Beyond Design, Inc.Finished basement has limited light so staging was simple to let the scale of the space be the focus.
This is an example of a medium sized eclectic look-out basement in DC Metro with grey walls.
This is an example of a medium sized eclectic look-out basement in DC Metro with grey walls.
Edmunds Studios Photography, Inc.Photo: Edmunds Studios Photography
Large eclectic basement in Milwaukee with a game room, carpet and multi-coloured floors.
Large eclectic basement in Milwaukee with a game room, carpet and multi-coloured floors.
Moser Architects PLLCInspiration for a medium sized bohemian look-out basement in DC Metro with white walls, no fireplace and white floors.
Studio McGeeShop the Look, See the Photo Tour here: https://www.studio-mcgee.com/studioblog/2017/4/24/promontory-project-great-room-kitchen?rq=Promontory%20Project%3A
Watch the Webisode: https://www.studio-mcgee.com/studioblog/2017/4/21/promontory-project-webisode?rq=Promontory%20Project%3A
Eclectic Basement Ideas and Designs
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