pppssst: see the reveal here!
If you’ve been here for a while, then you know that what we love the most about our projects, is creating something out of nothing. Well, usually there’s a little something there from the beginning. But we believe that the most challenging {and fun} projects are not brand new builds, but conjuring beauty from the most um, lacking of spaces. {Who knew our entire house could be so fun? We’re not tooting our horns – it scared my family the first time they laid eyes on it. It was a journey but there’s nothing more gratifying than seeing a vision come to life.}
We currently have three basement/garage projects going on right now, where we’re more than happy to help the fabulous owners create a fabulous space. They’re all at various stages, and we’ll be sharing updates soon, on the others. But the third that we want to share, is this awesome space. Because we have so many going on, we’ve decided to start affectionately giving them their own creative names. Thus ‘the pole basement project’ – since it’s been a fun challenge so far.
When we were contacted by these awesome clients to help them create a basement with lots of specifics, we were more than happy to begin. They had an entire additional unfinished house under their house, which is essentially a treasure trove of unrealized square footage {not to mention house value multiplication}. But more than that, a space that they can use to entertain and utilize for years to come.
Isn’t that the most important part?
For this project, they had a few items on their list to make the basement area as functional as possible.
They knew they wanted a new entry way, a seating area to entertain with a bar area, an office, and spare bedroom. We’re also adding a full bath on the downstairs level.
And not just any bath – the couple has two large and adorable fur baby dogs, and it will come in handy for all things shower.
The challenge, however was all of the support poles in the basement. We wanted to cover as many poles as possible, and make the space flow with their needs in place.
All. Of. The. Poles.
So here’s a rough sketch out of the existing plan, along with the location of said poles.
Another one of the biggest challenges, if you can tell from our drawing, is that they weren’t all lined up. Some of them are off by a smidge, so the challenge was coming up with a great plan.
And here’s what we came up with in the way of adding a little style:
It felt a lot like putting together a puzzle, but we ended up with one lone column left, which will be built out to add a little style to the space.
So far, so good! We were able to check out the work progress on site the other day, and here’s where we are so far. The entire basement has been framed out, along with all things electricity. So here’s the plan for a few built ins we have underway, to fully utilize their space.
As always, designs evolve as we go {some things have already changed} but in the meantime, here’s what we’re sharing today.
This is their main entryway area, where we’ve designed some lockers and a bench area.
It can grow with them and provide lots of useful storage down the road.
This is the bar area, where they’ll be able to entertain friends and family and watch the game and movies with special gatherings.
On the other side of this wall, will be the office.
And the office, where they can use lots of built in space for a highly functional area.
The rest of their seating area will be found here. One of the challenges in hiding the poles was a recessed area {across from the bar, but right beside their fireplace and seating area.
The other side of this wall holds the additional bedroom, where they’ll be adding a new window from Window World – they couldn’t have chosen a better company! {And replacing the older ones for great energy efficient options, as well.} We recommend them to all our clients.
So we’ve begun the next step of the process like lighting components, their bathroom elements, flooring and paint colors… the fun stuff.
The lighting has already changed from this version {as most projects do} but we love bringing in some great pieces from Kichler!
Here are just a few of the things we’ve cooked up for their bathroom, including this great tile from Jeffrey Court!
Such a great start so far, and we can’t wait to get them in this basement so that they can do life… from working to entertaining and the perfect guest room. So many great ways to utilize their space, and really spread out in their home.
So stay tuned guys, we can’t wait to send more your way!
Have an inspired day.
Renea says
Fun!! I can’t wait to see the progress and get updates.
Renea
Iowa
Rose Lefebvre says
Looks like a big project! It will be cool to see it when all done.