“Custom Basement”
Another trend on the rise is transforming the basement into a usable space for friends and family to enjoy. Whether its completing an unfinished basement (although most today are finished due to buyer preferences), or renovating a previous income suite back by a new home owner for their own personal enjoyment. As in this case of a Basement Renovation, the project’s main goal was to give the husband his “Ultimate Man Cave”, again another trend we are seeing today. Not your typical “sports bar” in favorite team colors but one with sophistication, having an “old boys exclusive private club” feel.
Purchasing the home originally with the idea of having a “Theatre room” and a “Custom Bar and Games Room”. A sports enthusiast with a collection of memorabilia, a love for the game of poker, a casual billiards player and the joy of entertaining his guy friends during the “play-offs” or other “main events”, this old income suites potential lent for a very decisive “Lets make an Offer”. A “Custom Basement” in the planning from the moment the papers were signed. A renovation project approved before the family would even move in. A sterile Three Bedroom and Den basement would soon under-go a major transformation.
When designing this “Custom Basement” many factors were examined. The function of the total space as well its overall look and feel. Specific wants for sections dedicated for a “Traditional Sports Bar”, for the “Poker Lounge”, another for a “Bar Regulation Pool Table”, and a “Theatre Room”. Particular attention was paid not only to Space Planning, but many factors including unique home Audio and Visual and electronics requirements. A Wall mounted TV positioned for viewing from various angles, depending on which activity (poker or pool) one was doing at the time; a sound system that could be projected through the entire space including the outdoors when enjoying the deck or yard. A lot of Planning went into this project, and i3c Solutions designed this space for the one of the most savvy “Man Cave” enthusiasts.
Choosing to go with warm tones and lighting gave an immediate inviting feel to the space. Removing the carpet and a section of tile which separated the kitchen area (that happened to be positioned right in the middle of the room) and replacing it with dark walnut laminate flooring. Tile removal that posed a challenge to even the experienced equipment rental store staff, and a concrete floor that afterwards needed leveling just to lay the laminate properly. Professionally installing crown molding throughout the basement added style and sophistication to this Custom Basement. Offset by the dark cherry crown molding around the custom bar and fireplace cabinetry brought another level of elegance into the space. Details in every aspect of the design further gives the feel that you were just invited to an “exclusive private members only club”.
Rich browns reflected in the decor of this masculine space balanced well with the collection of sporting memorabilia. When decorating the space rustic elements where chosen throughout, adding some old sporting equipment finds at local antique shops and hanging relating sport collage prints complemented the memorabilia without making everything so literal. A space often shared by everyone, feminine touches we’re discreetly added, as in this furniture set chosen specifically for its lines and details. Masculine dark-toned leather balanced with wood accents in a feminine pattern and soft cushions made the space inviting for all. Adding decor pieces like candles, books, and some artificial branch foliage arrangements gave the space that lived in feeling.
Keeping the existing dishwasher and wall oven, swapping out a large double sink for a bar sink from the old kitchen layout was a great choice. Allowed for convenient cleaning of glassware and for heating appetizers during parties or a pizza on poker nights. Changing out the stark white vinyl blinds on the old kitchen window for wooden blinds, in a rich brown tone matched the bar perfectly and now made the window blend into its surrounding backdrop. A Custom built valence with lights also defined the massive bar area that centered the room.
An inviting corner fireplace with custom built-in shelving above it, and matched the tones of the bar gave the impression it was always there. Left behind by the previous owner it became the inspiration for the rich dark cherry wooden bar. It also added a nice warmth to the space when the basement became a little cool for some guests . Extra seating when hosting parties also needed attention, the arrangement of furniture around the poker table meant those that were knocked out could reflect back on their mistakes while waiting to buy back into the next game, or a place where deep conversations about life could take place away from all the action.
With the big reveal came a speechless husband, taking a couple days to truly take it all in and that this was really “his” space. A mature space with a more “Traditional Bar and Clubhouse” feel, he didn’t have to be convinced that ever having a “Sports Themed” bar in team colors only made someone a true fan. Surpassing the homeowners expectations beyond belief, and all those fortunate enough to be invited in to view it were made speechless with its spectacular and grandiose appearance. A “Custom Basement” deserving of this luxury home.
