A casual area for relaxing, a kitchenette for convenience, a family computer area, powder room, private work out space, a home office, and a young children’s’ play area visually accessible but acoustically separated from the private areas are the elements of this 1960 square foot lower level design.
The lower level of this executive quality home was previously completely unfinished. The goal was to create an additional casual living level for the whole family that maintained the integrity of the two other levels of the house. Loads of special features were included in this remodeling project; a gas fire place, illuminated wall niches, custom built-in cabinetry, a bar/kitchen area with under cabinet lighting, special lighting effects, built in sound system with individual room controls, and a “kids cave” under the steps were designed into the space.
Virtually all of the space was finished with the exception of approximately 250 square feet to accommodate the mechanical systems. To accomplish the goal of having acoustical privacy while maintaining visual access to the kids, the home office and the separate exercise areas have double French doors that define the spaces. The use of louvered doors in the family room conceals the two water heaters and allows for code required combustion air supply to the appliances. The open balustrade and the fireplace mantle surround were borrowed elements from the upper level of the home.
The bar area was dog legged and extended to a table area for gaming and gathering while allowing easy viewing of the television.
Lastly, through creative design only one of the many structural support columns in the lower level could not be concealed in wall architecture.
The finished space strikes a warm and inviting chord with the client, their family, and guest’s cant believe that this once was just a basement.
