A large basement is a great asset for any home. The additional square footage for living space and storage off the main floor really can't be beat. Without a plan, however, basements can quickly become cluttered, disjointed, and unusable. Reclaiming the basement was the goal of this Western Hills family, who were looking for a place that could better accommodate their growing family and be a comfortable space for friends and family to spend time.
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Project Tour: Modern Farmhouse Basement Remodel in Western Hills
Posted by Steve Hendy on Tue, Feb 2, 2021
Topics: Project Spotlight, Lower Level
Have you ever wished for a second kitchen to store items you use for entertaining along with extra appliances and a sink for preparing food? If you’re planning a basement remodel, you may find the extra space you need. When designing a lower level living space, think of a basement kitchen, kitchenette or bar area the same way you would if you were remodeling the primary kitchen of a home. Here are seven design considerations for creating an attractive and functional second kitchen in your home.
Read MoreTopics: Lower Level, Kitchens, Lighting, Countertops
5 Practical Ideas for Remodeling or Adding a Family Room
Posted by Frank Kuhlmeier on Mon, Jun 8, 2020
Family rooms have evolved over the years. The concept was first introduced in the 40's, but didn't really come into vogue until dens were included in home designs along with the wider-spread ownership of television sets which homeowners didn't want in their formal sitting rooms. In the 1990s, family rooms were included in many new home designs as a "great room" that combined the kitchen, dining room and family room as one open space- a home design style that's still being used in newly built homes. Today's family rooms are designed according to the lifestyle needs of modern homeowners. A family room can be located in a central area of a house but also on a second story or basement, ideal for homes in which there is limited space for a family room on the main floor. Homeowners are also building home additions to provide space for new dens or family rooms. Often a family room addition will be built off a kitchen to create an open and functional space for the family and guests.
Topics: Lower Level, Home Remodeling, Lighting, Storage
This Western Hill's client desired a basement space in the home to entertain both family and adult friends. The existing basement wasn't quite able to keep up with the variety of needs for the new space. With several rooms and alcoves off the main area, the floorplan provided a good opportunity to maximize the function of the space. Key to achieving success in the new lower level design was to define the purpose of each zone and unify the entire basement with a cohesive design.
Read MoreTopics: Project Spotlight, Lower Level