Last Updated on August 30, 2024 by Advance Design Studio – Home Remodeling
Our team recently partnered with a Lake Barrington couple looking to transform their spacious basement into a multi-functional, custom living space.
REMODEL TOUR: LAKE BARRINGTON BASEMENT
As they pondered what the ideal basement would look like, our clients knew they wanted an entertaining space for their family as their kids got older. Their existing basement served primarily as unfinished, open storage. They wanted to be more organized and take advantage of their untapped lower level. Advance Design Studio helped the couple design and build this beautiful basement, which they now enjoy daily! This basement is part of our Most Popular Basements lineup, see the rest of our fan-favorite basements here.
DESIGN WISHLIST
The main spaces on our clients’ wishlist were an open living space, a private gym, a kitchenette with an island, and a bathroom with a steam shower. They didn’t want to lose all the storage space in their basement, but they wanted it to be more disguised and organized.
The ADS design and field crew worked with the Lake Barrington homeowners to finalize plans for an extensive basement renovation. Let’s take a closer look and reveal our clients’ favorite features!
SPOT THE TRENDS
Our clients wanted their basement to feel bright but visually balanced. To achieve this, black accents were utilized throughout this basement, most notably in the decorative doors, stair balusters, wine cellar, and windows. Keep an eye out for this as we tour the basement. The black contrasts beautifully with the white oak flooring, support beams, walls, and lighter-toned furnishings. Because of this, the basement feels elevated, yet approachable.
THE KITCHENETTE
The kitchenette has already been a game-changer for our clients. Serving family and friends feels effortless now, and cleanup is even easier. The kitchenette is equipped with two beverage fridges, a spacious island, a dishwasher and microwave, and plenty of built-in storage for kitchenware. Our client’s favorite part of the kitchen? The waterfall countertops and wood accent wall behind the TV. To ensure our clients still had ample storage space for things like holiday decor and large bins, the kitchenette was built with a storage room behind it, accessible by two sets of double doors on either side of the kitchenette. Plenty of storage remains with no style sacrificed!
THE LIVING ROOM
Having enough room for everyone to unwind in the basement together was important to our clients. Our client wanted a cozy corner for a large, comfy couch, and she got it! An additional window was installed to encourage more natural light on both sides of the new brick fireplace.
During the design phase, our design team encouraged these homeowners to consider a glass wine cellar display on the wall adjacent to the fireplace. Our clients loved the idea, and it’s now one of their favorite moments in their basement! Fun design moments like this often develop during the design process, so keep your mind open as you work with your designer. They may see the potential for design elements you have not thought of yet but will ultimately love!
We love that our clients wanted to support a local design-build firm for their basement remodel, and their commitment to small businesses didn’t end with their remodel with Advance Design! As Barrington locals, our clients chose to furnish their new basement with many pieces from local Barrington businesses. Local artist Erin Shechtman was commissioned to complete a piece for the base of the stairs, and many of the furnishings were sourced from Tattered Tiques, Kate Marker Home, KED at Home, and Bente Vintage.
THE HOME GYM
Having an intentional space to work out in was very important to our clients. The mirror wall and sport court flooring are two of our clients’ favorite gym features, and being able to close the glass doors keeps the space private. The black, exposed ceiling gives the gym a more industrial look while maximizing the ceiling height. Specialty spaces like this add great value to your home, click here for other popular basement features to consider.
THE BATHROOM
The existing basement did include a bathroom, but it was ready for a total redesign. Our clients wanted to enjoy the health benefits steam showers offer (especially during our midwest winters), so this was a priority in the redesign. Black and white details dance together for the perfect mix of personality. The trend of mixing metals is on full display here, with plumbing fixtures in both silver and gold sharing the spotlight.
The custom teak bench folds up when not in use for a more spacious shower experience. With a rain shower head, handheld sprayer, standard shower head, and body jets, this steam shower is a recipe for relaxation. Explore more bath inspiration here.
A WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT
We all know it’s important to have a healthy home life, and for this family, investing in their basement remodel has changed their home life for the better. They have already hosted birthday parties, movie nights, game nights, and more – they can’t imagine their home without this fantastic lower level!
The aesthetics of this basement fit our clients’ style perfectly, and the walk-out style now floods the space with natural light. It doesn’t feel at all like a traditional basement! Our clients love the attention to detail in the craftsmanship of their basement and can’t believe how high the ceilings feel!
If you’re itching to create a customized basement for your family but aren’t sure where to start, one of our designers will chat with you and help you plan and conceptualize a one-of-a-kind basement of your own. Speak with our designer to help you break down the steps needed to complete your specific basement remodel and answer your questions regarding investment ranges, layout ideas, timeframes, and more.