Remodeling a Finished Basement From the 2000s

We recently completed a project for our clients Joe and Lila, entrepreneurs with two young boys. Originally, we were hired to redesign and reimagine the inefficient kitchen in their home in the Prairie Home Estates neighborhood in Middleton, WI. They were so impressed with our design-build process that, midway through the project, they re-engaged us to redesign and remodel their already-finished basement. They were unhappy with the original design. The existing movie theater was mostly unused, and they wanted a more cohesive and usable basement space their young boys could enjoy.

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Stepping Back to Early 2000s Luxury

Their existing finished basement design was like their kitchen, a perfect example of an early 2000s luxury home. Unfortunately, it also featured all of the inefficiencies of that dated style. A nicely sized gathering space sat right at the bottom of the stairs. Unfortunately, it was not properly isolated from the main floor, allowing noise from the living space to enter. To the immediate left of the stairs was a closed room, the home theater, another staple of early 2000s luxury.

Addressing the Existing Noise Issue

Another challenge was addressing the noise from the main level. Our solution is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. We framed a door at the top of the stairs and installed a decorative French door leading to the updated space.

View The Kitchen We Design-Built For These Clients

Creating Open Space

Since they were not utilizing the home theater space, Joe and Lila wanted to open up the existing theater to incorporate it with the rest of the basement to create a larger open space for entertaining family and friends. The first step in the redesign process was addressing the challenge of creating a usable space. The stairs land right between the two exiting spaces so opening the doorway between them would still result in the stairs splitting the new room. To keep their project on budget, reframing the stairs to turn them was not an option. Our creative solution was to pull back the side walls of the staircase and install an open railing to invite activity between the rooms by creating a sightline. It's a compelling and visually dramatic design solution!

Creating a Warm Rustic Design Feel

Once we addressed the physical construction, we turned to the interior design element. Joe and Lila wanted a rustic design theme to create a cozy, warm, and inviting feel. We installed a decorative faux wood beam ceiling in the main space and Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring to create a cohesive flow. We designed a new bar area incorporating cabinets with the same wood as the ceiling beams, installed a decorative brick backsplash, a subzero wine refrigerator/freezer, and an island table with a chevron pattern wood top. To ensure winter comfort for the expanded space, we incorporated an electric fireplace, which also serves as the centerpiece of the new media wall, visible from the other room. The great thing about an electric fireplace is that it can go virtually anywhere without worry about chimney or venting, and the “flame” can be enjoyed year-round with or without heat!

The Result Finished Basement Remodel

When Joe and Lila first approached us about updating their finished basement design, one of their primary goals was to create an entertainment space for their young boys that could evolve and grow as their kids grow and their interests change. By reimagining their basement, we created an attractive and flexible space that will grow with their family for years into the future!