A Basement Makeover
- The Bottom Line

Good Life in the City - March - April 2009

The home owners are thoroughly enjoying the results of their 950 sq. foot, basement makeover that includes environmentally friendly products, state of the art media equipment, a full gym for the family’s serious athlete and attached 3 piece bathroom. They’d resided on this South-Barrie property for about 27 years before making the decision to build their dream home, replacing the original 80 year old house they’d renovated to the point where they felt nothing more could be done. The property is set well off the main road, lending a sense of ‘country’ in a semi-urban environment. When the leaves fall from the bordering trees, there’s even a view of the lake from the second story.

Project

The basement makeover was a project they faced with great enthusiasm in mid October, 2008 and happily attribute the ultimate success of the project (completed Jan 2009) to the ‘trades’ people. The home owners offer, that it was their attitude and professionalism which helped to make the experience almost effortless. They give credit to their general contractor, Steve Crisp of ‘Basement Concepts,’ who responds; “When you are in someone’s home for 4-5 weeks, it’s important to have a personable and presentable team. It gives me great satisfaction to continually hear the same wonderful comments from clients.”

The Descent

The immediate impression as you descend the stairs is one of serenity and a zen-like calm. This effect can be attributed to the Benjamin Moore, colour palette of rich neutrals in an ultra-matte finish, the choice of materials and the absence of typical basement, recreation room ephemera. The space is divided into three, separate rooms and as you arrive at the bottom of the thickly carpeted stairs, you are facing a small alcove that holds a tall, round table with stools tucked beneath. Media Room

This area opens to the media room. The long wall holds a 52” state of the art, plasma t.v., which can be enjoyed from a comfy sofa or the bar area. It’s mounted above a long, cabinet that’s also anchored to the wall, and holds the stereo and essential, operating equipment. Floating shelves flank both sides the plasma. The wood finishes on cabinets, trim and doors are stained dark, adding to the richness of the room.

The bar concept is an ingenious use of the existing, iron support beams. They had the base of the bar custom made to match the iron of the beams and then attached them between two of the beams, closest to the stair railing. The counter surface is a richly coloured slab of Caesarstone, a high-end, 93% quartz material that is sustainable and eco-friendly.

Opposite the media area is a complete wet bar, located beside a cold storage room that is intended to be converted into a wine cellar. The vision for this room includes an ornate, wood and/or glass door in a contemporary, European look that will blend with the existing aesthetic of the room.

Gym

At the far end of the media room, double doors of wood with frosted glass panel inserts, and white metal hardware, open into a full gymnasium, equipped with everything a serious athlete needs. The exterior wall holds several windows and a bank of mirrors, before which the owner practices her advanced, martial arts techniques. The floor is cork tiling, chosen for it’s ability to absorb the shock of a strenuous workout. The walls are painted a paler shade of the neutral, matte palette and the room is well lit for night time workouts, via several rows of pot lights strategically located in the ceiling.

Spa Bathroom

After a good workout, who wouldn’t want the convenience and luxury of stepping into a Zen-like spa? The calm, neutral palette has been continued here, adding continuity to the connecting rooms. White metal hardware adorns dark stained cabinets and cupboards and large, porcelain tiles cover the floor. The focal point of the room is a white, Kohler vessel sink that was chosen for its likeness to a work of art and sits atop a long, Caesarstone vanity counter. An adjustable, three sided, offset mirror hangs above the sink, creating additional sparkle in the room. There are banks of drawers beneath and opposite, is a cupboard with 6 open shelves to display thirsty, colour coordinated, rolled towels and drawers that holds other bathroom paraphernalia that might otherwise interfere with the desired effect of a serene, clutter-less environment. The generous glass shower-stall includes a wall of large, black porcelain tiles, juxtaposed by the floor which is set in a pattern of smaller, neutral ones. An oversized, rain-shower head was centrally installed and a hand held shower was added for ease of cleaning the expanse of glass wall. The American Standard (Cadet 3) toilet is an efficient, low-flush ‘Green Choice.’

Flooring Materials

The initial project began with the building of a sub floor over which luxurious, real leather tiles (media room) and cork flooring (gym) were installed. The guaranteed, ‘Uniclic’ joints of this flooring, resists gapping and warping, thereby eliminating the need for messy glues, nails or chemicals for installation. All of the windows, baseboards, casings and doors are custom milled and stained, solid pine. The owners declare the basement to be so warm and cozy there’s no need for supplemental heating. Cork is considered an eco-friendly ‘Green’ product that’s a carefully harvested, sustainable material (re-growth every 9 years). Cork is 50% air, impact resistant, hypoallergenic and a natural fire retardant and insulator, both thermally and acoustically. The leather tiles are also an environmentally friendly product made from 80% recycled leather and manufactured in a natural way that insures a cycle of material re-use.

Are We There Yet?

Aside from the finessing of additional decor items and the completion of the wine celler this spring, they are in the process of framing a cherished, collection of vintage, black & white sports photos, depicting an adored family member - to be lovingly hung in gallery style on the media room walls. In addition, there are immediate plans to add additional cabinets to the upstairs laundry room and a larger, more functional, kitchen island that will seat four.

“He Said - She Said”

He.. wants to add a bookshelf and new, leather furniture to the media room.

She.. wants a free-standing, ‘heavy’ bag for the gym.