Lower Levels

2006 WRA Silver Award – Lower Level Over $50,000

This home had an unfinished basement and the homeowner’s desire was to create a multi-use family area that could facilitate several activities at once.  The project called for a family entertainment area by the fireplace, an exercise room, pool table area, playroom for their son, kitchenette, small bathroom and extra storage room. 

With the kitchenette and exercise room already framed and dry walled; an area for storage was framed and dry walled.  That created the basic layout for the basement.  French doors were installed between the exercise room and play area so there was a view between each room.  For convenience purposes, a small bathroom, including a shower, toilet, vanity and closet was built adjacent to the playroom. 

The kitchenette included a two-level island countertop, Butter Rum Granite laminate and maple Holiday Kitchens custom cabinetry.  Can lights and decorative track lighting were installed over the island.  The kitchenette also included two small refrigerators inside the island, a dishwasher and microwave oven.  An existing small window was replaced with a doublewide casement window to allow for more natural lighting and a view of the wooded backyard. 

Furthermore, the homeowner wanted a soft feel to the kitchenette and did not want square soffit.  Curved soffit was created above the island and to create a continuous flow, we used Duraflex Crown, stained to match the existing Maple crown throughout the basement.  This crown molding was also used to hide the rope lighting.  Three separate pieces of ¾” stock wood, cut into 1” strips, were used to support the crown off of the wall.  The rope lighting, on a dimmer switch, gave the room a movie theater ambiance. 

Holiday Kitchens cabinetry was also installed off of the kitchenette by the pool table.  It holds sporting memorabilia and keeps within the continuity of the room.  Puck lighting and glass shelves enhance the look of the cabinetry and draw attention to the sports mementos. 

The family entertainment area included modular cabinetry, built around the television and fireplace, and included an audio system complete with speakers placed throughout the area to create a movie theater environment.  High-density insulation, 5/8” drywall and resilient channel were used to help deaden the sound between the upper and lower levels.

The length of the entertainment center is 15’ and the height spans from floor to ceiling.  Since the center had to be built around the television and fireplace, it had to be pieced together properly to create a cohesive module.  The center included three bookshelves, one on either side of the fireplace and one at the far end of the center.  Built at the same height as the fireplace, the shelves helped connect the focal points together. 

This project required us to overcome a few creative challenges.  Ultimately, however, the homeowner’s needs were met and the entire family has a comfortable space they can spend time in; whether it’s together or apart.