Basement Remodel
A Trip to Tuscany Inspires Much Needed Updates
A tired, cold, poorly lit basement with little natural light and very limited headroom made these clients reluctant to invest in a lower level remodel.
The temperature and light issues were easily solved with the readjustment of poorly designed duct work, the installation of supplementary in-floor heat, and the addition of full view doors on the walk-out side of the home.
But what to do with the low ceilings? The clients' recent trip to Italy and memorable Tuscan dinner set in a low, vault-like restaurant provided the inspiration.
We came up with a thoughtful design that turned the worst attributes of this 650 sq. ft. basement - extensive low duct work, an awkward structural column and, in the words of the client, "a horrific 1960s fireplace" - into the space's most defining attributes.
Three low, broad arches supported upon a massive column recalled the Tuscan evening and divided this lower level into its functional spaces: gathering area with large screen TV; home office area; and craft station.
All three areas remain open to one another, despite their formal delineations, to allow light and conversation to flow from one space to the next.
(Click images to enlarge)
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