Lower Level Living - Basement Renovation

You think you have a big house, until your teenagers, pets, hobbies, and active social life start to make it feel cramped.  This is the point where you think about moving, right?  

But wait, what about all that space down there.... in the basement?

It's not just for storage and hoarding great deals on detergent and paper towels.  

Especially if you have a larger home, it could be hundreds of square feet or more that are wasted.

That's what happened to my clients.  

They have a 10-year old home with a  large basement (about 1000 square feet) that was merely storing bikes, sporting equipment, and lots of boxes of stuff that was barely touched in years.  They needed more function out of all that space; more room to entertain, and for the kids to hang out with their friends.

So, they asked me to help them make the most of the space 

WISH LIST

A full size kitchen with an island

separate dining area

 media space with a large TV

 3 piece bathroom

exercise space

a large laundry room 

a crafting space

lots and lots of storage

No problem!!  I'll have the plans to you next week (HA!)

Here's the BEFORE of the unfinished basement

I had a pretty good brief and spent lots of time getting to know my client's needs and the specifics of how they wanted to use the space.  I started off creating zones for all the activities required.  We had a couple of options for where the kitchen could be located, but all the other areas were determined based on the architecture of the home and working around the endless bulkheads, plumbing and HVAC that is a necessary evil in every home.

Here's the overall floor plan and the furniture layout I came up with.

Note:  red dots show where the lighting goes - potlights & ceiling fixtures

As you can see,  every inch of space has been allocated to this highly functional space. 

So after some new plumbing, HVAC, electrical, framing, dry walling, 

installing floors, doors, cabinetry, fixtures, tiles, lighting and paint....oh my!!  

Here's the AFTER

KITCHEN

I designed this kitchen without upper cabinets because of the low ceilings.  I prefer to see open shelving and a beautiful back splash all the way up the wall; this one is a glass mosaic.  

There was lots of room for two open cabinets on either end of the kitchen and a very large pantry (far right) for all kinds of storage.  The island houses a dishwasher and microwave oven.

I had custom live-edge walnut shelves made to float on the tiled backsplash and along the side wall 

to add warmth and display pretty dishes and glass ware.  

White quartz counters in Calacatta Nuvo from Ceasarstone provide contrast to the espresso brown cabinets and help brighten up the space .  

Sleek grey, backless stools with chrome legs invite guests to hang out with the cook.  

Glass pendants with industrial bulbs are light and airy, adding artisan quality.

Rustic wood-look laminate floors in a warm greige tone were installed throughout.  

They are great for basements, and durable enough for teen gatherings & the family pets.

DINING / BAR ZONE

Adjacent to the kitchen is an eating area / bar hangout.  

The space between the two pillars was the perfect size for a table and created a cozy nook 

that would otherwise just have been a hallway.  

I chose a bar height table so that it could facilitate watching the TV while having a brew

 and by altering the height from the counter height of the island, 

it creates more interest and feels like a distinct "room".  

The table is reclaimed wood and the white powder-coated steel stools can be tucked away 

under the table when not in use.  

A single industrial ceiling pendant helps ground the space while adding to the pub vibe.

An overview of the kitchen and bar area from the stairs (shown below).

MEDIA ZONE

The main colour of the basement is Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter with a couple of accent walls in Van Deusen Blue.  Low media cabinets from Ikea were selected to create a modern, sleek design where the TV could sit on while a single side tower cabinet offers some height in the space and a contemporary look for additional storage.  The client's sofa and loveseat were reupholstered in grey/blue coordinating fabrics.  Pillows in lemon and aubergine add fun pops of colour.

The reading nook wall was given an accent colour and dedicated lighting to create it's own zone.

A large graphic area rug in light blue and cream grounds the space and makes it extra cozy.  

Only artwork still remains to be purchased.  There will be a series of black & white photographs from the client's travels framed on the large side wall (right) and a few more accessories.

CRAFTING ZONE

This area at the bottom of the stairs houses a custom built cabinet with chunky shelves that store craft supplies and the home owner's treasured vintage books.  

A cork craft project in progress (featuring the letter T)  shown on the table below.

The wall behind the bench is painted in chalkboard paint. 

The light fixture was a vintage flea market find the client was holding on to 

until it found the perfect spot right here.  A grey tufted bench offers more storage.

Pedestal table and chairs are durable, easy for clean-up, and stylish for this hard working space.

Back wall is done in chalkboard paint - a large, vintage white frame will hang here

FITNESS ROOM

My client is very active and exercise is important to her.  

This space is her sanctuary for yoga and TRX training, so it also had to be ZEN, which is why 

it's the only closed off space (with double doors), other than bathroom and laundry. 

I chose a light grey wall colour, Benjamin Moore Marilyn's Dress, to coordinate with the floors.   

Built-in cabinets are finished in the same colour to keep the space feeling very calming.  

Custom built panel door covers the home's electrical panel.

Off camera on the other side of the room is a small wall-mounted TV. 

LAUNDRY ROOM

The original laundry room was located in the main floor mudroom that was the family's main entry access from the garage.  It was small, dark and always cluttered with the necessities of daily life.  So we moved it to the basement and created a large, bright hardworking room of its own.

We created a fresh, modern and highly efficient space with a quartz countertop in Frosty Carrina, large light gray porcelain tiled floors, white subway tiles above the stainless steel sink with an industrial faucet for washing the pet dog.   

The walls are painted Benjamin Moore Wedgewood Grey.

Large glass canisters hold soap and detergent keeping the counter free of bulky plastic bins.

The white organizer rack on the wall serves as the dedicated "lost sock" destination.

Stainless steel drying racks installed on the wall to the left (and off camera) make maximum use of some awkward corners.  Lots of pot lights make this space bright and super functional.   

My client actually loves doing laundry in this space now.

BATHROOM

The floor is a wood-look porcelain tile to coordinate with the rest of the basement.

Countertop is Frosty Carrina quartz, cabinets were painted Benjamin Moore Stormy Monday

walls are BM Cement Gray.  Mosaic tile laid in 12" wide vertical pattern helps make the narrow space feel taller.

Still needs some art and a couple of bathrobe hooks on the back wall.  

The quartz-like door handles and "bubbles" mirror add a touch of whimsy

 to this modern chic space.

The bubble-glass finish of the sconces is echoed in the etched glass mirror surround.  

A sleek chrome faucet with single "joystick" handle is cool and fun!

At the end of it all my clients are using the space daily and bypass the main floor living space often to hang out on the lower level.  It's now a space that the whole family can enjoy, 

although Mom tells me that the kids have taken it over!.  

It just goes to show that the basement is an untapped goldmine when left unfinished.  

When you take the time to think about what kind of space you need for your lifestyle and invest in the design of the basement with the same care and attention that you give the rest of your home, 

lower level living can truly rise to new heights!

Kitchen Design Tips

House Beautiful

Every kitchen I've designed, although all different in style and space, all started with the same issues:

dated finishes
not enough storage

not functioning well

poor layout

In every case when I start a project it always starts with the 20 questions!

Although it's obvious that the main function of the kitchen is to cook there are many nuances that go into a good design plan that works specifically for you.

How many cooks in the kitchen?

This is a baseline question because if the answer is more than one,  than I have to consider multiple work zones or stations are required to be used at the same time. 

Or, it may simply mean we take turns cooking, or we cook with the kids on the weekends, or I want to be able to bake with my grand kids when they come over.
All of these answers feed into the plan and each one translates into a different feature of the kitchen that changes as a result.

In this client's kitchen I added a second sink for prep, with the main sink on the back wall for clean up next to the dishwasher.  There's also 46" between them so that two cooks can easily work simultaneously.  I've also separated the cook top (left) from the wall oven (not shown) to ensure lots of space to move around.

Do you like to entertain?  

If so, how often, and how large a group?

Based on this conversation, I may create an island with bar stools so the cook can be part of the fun or we take down a wall between the kitchen and dining room to open up the entertaining space.
I may bring in a free standing credenza or sideboard that can act as a buffet to accommodate frequent large cocktail parties or a small bistro table for small dinner parties for four.
For someone that has frequent dinner parties, I may recommend coordination or extension of kitchen cabinetry into an open plan dining space.

In this client's kitchen (pictured above), I actually removed the raised bar counter on the peninsula because the client's never used it and their top priority was storage.  I was able to extend the cabinetry behind the sink to add an additional 7 foot x 12 inches of storage space that was just used for bar stools.

If you have the space, a Butler's Pantry between the kitchen and dining room is the way to go.  Leave some shelves open for display and easy access to items you use often.  This is also a great place for a small wine fridge.

Do you need to have a dining table in the kitchen?

You may think this is an odd question, but in a small space forgoing a separate table for a large island with required seating could be the best option.  

See below Before picture (with table) and After (with seating for 4 at the island).

This was an IKEA kitchen makeover.  See the whole project HERE

Change the material of the counter top and the height to create a cozy dining space.  The reclaimed wood on the back wall helps keep the white space with concrete floors from feeling too cold.  And check out that view!!

Nothing like Black and White and Marble all over to create big drama!
Over sized pendants are the right size for an island this large.
Keep in mind scale as well as function when designing your space.

What small appliances do you like to use?

Bread maker, toaster oven, food processor, stand mixer, crock pot,

all of these items can be stored out of the way if they are considered up front in the design plan.

Notice a coffee maker was not on the list?  In my world this daily use appliance should be out front and center, and space permitting, should be housed in a Coffee Station with lovely mugs, pretty serving pieces and a chocolate shaker for your latte.

This coffee station would wake up any kitchen!  Open shelves above give it a Bistro feeling.

This is a design concept I did for a client with a cabinet wall built to hide all the kitchen gizmos

Here pocket doors are installed so you can choose to display or hide the appliances.

Do you want a desk or computer area?

This is a big one!  Almost every client I work with has some requirement for a space to sort mail, pay bills, store paperwork, to place a computer or laptop, store cook books or other books.  Depending on the age of the children in the home, this may be the place for homework as well.  

A dedicated area can be built into the design of cabinetry if you plan ahead, even small kitchens can use a practical space like this that may have been otherwise unused.

These are just some of the basics for planning your kitchen design.
Find all the links to pictures above and lots of great ideas on my KITCHENS board on Pinterest.

The most important thing is to give yourself lots of time in the planning stage to consider all your options.  Spend time visiting showrooms and looking at lots of pictures so that you can really hone in on your desired style once the practical elements are figured out.

Of course, if it all feels overwhelming please contact me for some professional help!

Masculine Chic Design

Who says guys don't want to have chic spaces too?

Have I got your attention?
If you thought Adam Levine was cool before, check out his LA home that he helped designed here!

One of my favourite bachelor clients contacted me recently to help him with his main floor renovation.
I did his spa bathroom a while back, and now the kitchen, living room and dining room needed updating too.

We will be taking down two main walls between the kitchen, dining room and living room for an open concept space - totaling about 23' x 18' including the foyer.  Not a huge space, but it has a lot of potential.

The look he wants includes clean lines but classic too; is modern but not stark;
and very functional but not overly stodgy... no problem!
He has NONE of this now by the way and, not a lot of furniture or storage either.

 The kitchen currently looks like this

I pulled some inspiration shots to get him thinking about the feel of the space. 

Here are some ideas for the kitchen

This kitchen feels very masculine - reclaimed wood beams, industrial lighting & hood vent,
stone backsplash, even the hardware on the cabinets is "manly"



We'll be doing something interesting on the end of the kitchen island
because it has a clear view from the front hall and living room.

We are going with a palette of light cabinetry (probably off-white or dove grey)
Dark quartz countertops
 Hardwood floors throughout the main floor

Cabinetry in a classic shaker style

Lighting and hardware aged bronze industrial, maybe forged iron

          

My client also wants to store his liquor somewhere in the kitchen....um, so not cool!

I'll make space for it in the living or dining room so that it can be displayed nicely 

and be easily accessible when needed...kind of like this!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the living room/family room/everything room, he needs shelves for books, storage and minimal display - there would probably be only books if he had his way, but as a designer, I can't let that happen;
we need some styled shelves for this open plan space.

The living room's wood-burning fireplace isn't working so it will be replaced with a new gas insert and flanked with shelving & storage and a place for a new TV.  

Of course, the first question he asks me is "how big of a TV can I put in here?".   

My reply,  "let's see what works in the plan first".  

Good thing he's actually not a huge TV watcher, so I don't have to decorate around a 60-inch screen.

I love the warmth of the caramel, tufted leather with the dark walls and velvety teal (or navy) pillows.  

This may be the start of a very chic colour scheme for the living & dining room!

The contrasting textures make this desk area really interesting:

grasscloth walls

lacquer & chrome desk

leather chair

wooden accents on wall and desk

black glossy paint on mirror and lamp

So Delicious Dahling!

as Martyn Lawrence Bullard would say!

Here's the living room now... dark & dated, no lighting and no personality!

I've got my work cut out for me but I love a challenge.

Sourcing for fireplaces, fixtures and tiles - then the dining room next.  

Stay tuned!

All images via my Pinterest Boards - Masculine Spaces & Kitchens

Kitchen Kraze

Over the last few months I've seen a growing interest in kitchen renovations from clients, friends and family.  My Real Estate Agent friends also tell me that people are looking to buy homes with mediocre kitchens so that they can build the spaces of their dreams to meet their specific needs.  It's worth the investment too because a good kitchen renovation can increase the value of your home by up to 15%!

I love a classic white kitchen with marble counters, open shelving, and restaurant grade appliances - it's a favourite look in the design community and the shelter magazines because it's timeless, elegant and works for almost any style.  

BUT... I also want to see something different. 

So where to start, you ask??

With any kitchen client, the basic functional needs are similar:  good storage, ample counter space, improved lighting, and overall better flow and integration with the rest of the home for the way people are living today.  We spend a lot of time getting the layout right to maximize every inch of space and provide a highly organized work space customized to the client's specific culinary needs (or lack thereof!).

However, from an aesthetic point of view, the sky's the limit! 

Once we've determined we're going classic, transitional or contemporary, 

the options for finishes are extensive.

Here are some recent inspiration shots that were chosen for 3 different clients - all of whom said they didn't want a white kitchen.  

You'll see a variety of styles for classic, transitional and eclectic kitchen styles.

I love how the quartz top on the counter was used for shelving on the island.
Open and closed storage allows for function and pretty to live together in harmony.

I like the different materials used for the island to create interest and drama

Industrial pendants and metal cabinet doors really make a statement in this eclectic kitchen by Nate Berkus.

A classic white kitchen with a twist - the punch of blue cabinetry with wooden counter top on the island turns this traditional kitchen into a real showpiece!

How smart is this?  See how happy mom is?

I would love to see these finishes in a loft with concrete floors and exposed brick walls.

Aya Kitchens

I think grey is the new white - it's definitely a classic look!

Now, scroll back to the top and look at how different all the light fixtures are in each space.  Each kitchen style can accommodate a variety of lighting options based on the feel of the space.  

Lighting is an integral part of kitchen design; whether to add sparkle and drama, or to contrast with the cabinetry, enhance counter tops and of course, provide much needed task lighting.

This is just a tiny sample of how you can create a truly unique space that fits your family's lifestyle and your design aesthetic... 

and why it's a great idea to hire a designer to help you get the best looking kitchen in the neighbourhood!

images via