Drab to Fab: A Basement Remodel

February 24 From Drab to Fab: Transforming a Basement into a Stylish Space

Given the hilly terrain of East Tennessee, many homes are constructed with lower levels or basements. These spaces are often an economical and straightforward way to add more square footage to a home. Unfortunately, many people tend to overlook these areas, treating them as afterthoughts. Once they move in, homeowners are usually eager to focus on furnishing and decorating the main living areas and bedrooms, leaving the lower levels neglected. Frequently, these spaces become dumping grounds for old furniture from previous homes (sometimes even relics from college dorm rooms!), storage boxes, outdated exercise equipment, and zones for young children to roam freely. For some families, keeping the lower level unfinished works well since the main floors offer ample living space. Alternatively, it may serve as a safe, unpolished play area for young kids. However, for others, there comes a point when additional space is needed—whether due to a growing family—or when the existing layout simply needs improvement as the household evolves. This was precisely the situation faced by a family who reached out to us, seeking assistance in turning their cramped, underused, outdated basement into a versatile, stylish, and functional living space filled with great storage solutions. When they moved into their home over a decade ago, the basement was merely a storage area. As they upgraded the main living spaces, the older furniture migrated downstairs. When their son was younger, the room functioned as a playroom, with the old pieces serving adequately for toy storage. Over time, however, the accumulation of toys, exercise equipment, and miscellaneous items rendered the entire space cluttered and inefficient. At our initial meeting, the clients clearly outlined their wishlist: they wanted the space to cater to multiple functions—not only for their son and his friends but also for family gatherings, parties, and entertaining. The area needed to accommodate a seating arrangement for six people and a desk for their son. They wished to retain their treadmill while integrating an antique game table currently occupying the space. Additionally, they desired a table for serving food and snacks as well as a bar with refrigeration capabilities. Our task list was extensive; despite the room’s size, we had to create at least six distinct functional zones within it: a seating/game area, a treadmill space, a wet bar with dining, and, of course, a desk. The full bathroom on this level required updating, and improved storage solutions were essential. Beyond functionality, the clients sought a space that was aesthetically appealing and easy to maintain. They envisioned a room that exuded elegance while still feeling cozy enough for relaxation and socializing. The dated carpet needed replacement, and the space required brightening and modernizing to feel fresh and contemporary. Back at our office, we began brainstorming a comprehensive plan. First, a new layout was necessary to accommodate the various functional areas requested by the clients. Several configurations were considered, and we ultimately settled on a design that maximized the longest wall in the space. A large 80-inch television was placed on this wall, with the remaining space utilized for much-needed built-in storage. Incorporating the desk area at the end of this wall not only provided excellent storage for the desk but also helped maintain symmetry and balance within the built-in wall unit. Opposite the TV, we positioned the seating group to ensure the best viewing angle and to use the back of the sectional as a visual divider between the entertainment space and the wet bar/dining area. The wet bar was placed along the wall adjacent to the bathroom to simplify plumbing logistics. Across from the bar, the plan included a round table and chairs. Our design uses a counter-height table and stools, ensuring those seated at the table have a direct view of the TV screen. The final floor plan utilized the two far ends of the room—the bay area overlooking the garden and the wall near the staircase—for the treadmill and game table. For everyday use, the treadmill remains in the bay window, offering a beautiful garden view and an excellent TV screen perspective. During parties or family gatherings, the treadmill folds up and moves along the stair wall or into an adjoining closet, allowing the game table to take center stage in the bay window area. This layout offers exceptional flexibility for the homeowners. With the floor plan approved, it was time to select materials and finishes for the new space. A porcelain tile, designed to mimic antique wood, was chosen for the entire space. This choice unified all areas while providing low-maintenance, easy-to-clean flooring. Inspired by the exterior garden, we selected a wallpaper from Thibaut for the wet bar and dining area. Its silhouette design of tree branches brings an outdoor element into the space. Since this section of the room has a lower ceiling, the vertical branches help enhance the room's height. We opted for a wall color that complements the wallpaper's background, ensuring continuity throughout the room, and paired it with a warm white paint for all trim and the built-in storage unit. Previously, the drapes at the bay window hung below the soffit, obstructing the view of the yard and sky. For the redesign, we chose a light and airy cream and green lattice-pattern fabric and installed it high against the ceiling, opening up the window space and maximizing the view. This placement also visually increases the room's height. We recognized the wet bar as a focal point of the space and wanted it to reflect its importance. Walnut wood was chosen for the custom cabinetry, complemented by a beautiful rhomboid-shaped glass backsplash from Oceanside Glass Tile. This choice brought the pale blue and soft green hues of the outdoor garden into the space. For the adjoining bathroom, we continued with the white paint and walnut wood from the main area and added a custom accent wall of Calacatta marble. This marble not only adds visual interest but also serves as a practical backsplash for the vanity and toilet. Its pattern reminded us of the surrounding mountains. With our material selections approved, our team began demolition and the transformation of this outdated space into a stunning new room. After weeks of hard work from our carpenters, painters, electricians, plumbers, and tile installers, we were finally ready to install the furnishings and settle the family into their new space. Most of our furnishings followed a neutral palette. This decision was intentional, allowing the garden views and the focal points of the wallpaper and wet bar tile to truly stand out. We chose durable, easy-to-clean fabrics and let texture play a key role by blending smooth vinyl ottomans against the tweed of the sofa, the cut pattern of the rug, and the raised geometric woven fabric of the swivel chair. With texture, neutral colors don’t have to be boring. For visual excitement, we incorporated green and blue tones inspired by the outdoors, along with our accent glass tile, strategically placing them around the room using some of the clients' existing accessories and custom accent pillows, as well as a newly acquired piece of art. The clients are thrilled with the outcome. They’ve gained an entirely new level to their home. Their son can now comfortably do his homework at the desk, the family enjoys movie nights on the big-screen TV, and exercising feels more enjoyable with the beautiful garden view or TV screen in sight. When guests visit, they’re greeted by an elegant yet functional adult space complete with ample storage and spots for various activities and socializing. What was once an unused area has transformed into an inviting and versatile space that no one wants to leave.    

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