The document describes a renovation project transforming a basement into an entertainment area inspired by a Cape Cod vacation theme, incorporating elements like a bar, playroom, exercise room, guest bedroom, and bath. Key architectural changes included opening up the space with larger windows, reconfiguring the stair layout, and utilizing warm materials such as reclaimed wood and painted ceilings for an inviting atmosphere. The design addresses both aesthetic and functional needs, ensuring smooth traffic flow and accessibility throughout the newly created spaces.

1. FROM BASEMENT TO DELIGHTFUL TERRACE LEVEL

3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Our clients requested an entertainment area that was relaxing with the atmosphere of a Cape Cod vacation.
Our firm designed architectural details that were compatible with the clients nautical theme, but would still
look great with any craftsman style.
We were able to give our clients their desires for a TV area, a bar, a playroom, an exercise room, a full bath
and a guest bedroom. We removed the original interior framing, and created a floor plan with these
objectives in mind:
• Open the main entertaining space to the outside by adding beautiful windows.
• Create a bar by opening a room that was located adjacent to the stair/entertainment space.
• Redesign the stairs and their walls so that the stairs would not exit into a secondary room; but
instead, allow them to flow into the main entertaining room.
• Create a flow pattern that would allow one to enter the Bath and Guest Bedroom without having to
travel through other rooms as the existing plan required.
• Relocate walls to open up the floor plan to make the traffic pattern user-friendly and to create a
dynamic entertaining space.
The floor plan flows nicely now and the two sets of interior French doors create a feeling of openness.

4. FINISHES USED
We love the textures in this space. They play off each other and convey an especially warm feeling.
The stone fireplace is real stone cut into a ledge detail with mitered corners. It is enhanced by the
mantle and channel rustic cedar siding above. We wanted the warmth and detailing of wooden
ceilings, but not another wood grain. We painted the tongue & groove pine and beams bright white.

5. The new exterior door and
adjacent windows along with
interior French doors were
designed to have larger panes
of glass to create a more open
and bolder look.
GLASS WINDOW PANES
RECLAIMED WOOD MANTLE
The fireplace mantle is made from a beam
of reclaimed wood handpicked by our client
from a vintage lumber store. The aged
quality of the mantel gives a wonderful
texture and character to the space.
PROJECT DETAILS

6. WINDOWS

7. WINDOWS & DOORS
The existing wall of the main entertainment space was restructured to
allow for the addition of windows and a new door. What was once a
dark, uninviting space is now bathed in sunlight. The room is
welcoming and seems to be even larger as it brings in the outdoors.

8. LIGHTING & FLOORING
Our firm was excited to transition to small LED recessed cans in the entertaining rooms of this home.
We were able to cut the number of recessed cans in half, have a smaller profile in our wooden
ceilings, and retain the lighting levels that we would have had with more and larger recessed cans.
The main flooring is beautiful and functional. It is a wood grain porcelain tile that is very durable,
while fooling the eye to believe that it is hardwood. Visitors are always amazed by this stylish look.

9. STAIRS
The stair was removed from the point of the first original landing. It
was replaced with new framing and a open stair design that exits
into the entertaining space. Structural and decorative columns were
worked into the design of the stair in order to remove the original
walls that surrounded the space.

10. STAIRS The stair was changed from one of those
stairs hidden behind doors to one that has
become a feature of the space. We opened
it to our new room, flared it at the
bottom, and created a small art ledge
where the stair flares. Two
decorative columns wrap steel
columns with new footings
to support the LVL’s and
floor system above.

11. BAR

12. PROJECT DETAILS
PECAN BAR TOP
PECAN BAR CABINETS
The entertainment bar top is pecan with a
dark finish. We pulled together the spaces
by using cedar, as featured at the fireplace,
for the corbels and paneling.
The inset cabinet doors fit the
craftsman style of the terrace-level
and the antique mirror creates a
subtle reflection and pizzazz.

13. BAR
These pecan cabinets are already dramatic , but the glass pendants
and antique mirror add an element of glitz. The work areas have quartz
countertops, along with a wine cooler, dishwasher, microwave,
refrigerator, and a sink. The hutch cabinet offers additional storage .
Note that the bar was originally a separate room.

14. BEDROOM

15. BEDROOM
Although this room remains structurally similar to its original shape,
it was dramatically changed by rearranging one architectural
element. The closet shown in the “before” pictures below was
moved so that upon viewing into the room, one does not see
the side wall of a closet. This small alteration became very
significant. It opens the room to a panorama view as
one steps inside the doorway. Two new closets were
added on another wall.

16. BATHROOM
The Bathroom is now easily accessible from
all areas of the home. There is no more
need to pass through other rooms to get to
a bath. Therefore, it serves as a Powder
room as well as a full Bath for guests.
The tile flooring flows seamlessly through
the main entertaining spaces, hallway and
into the Bath. This creates an important
continuity throughout the project.
Features of the Bathroom include quartz
countertops with a little sparkle, and
burnished nickel accessories, such as the
light fixture and mirror frame. These
compliment the countertop’s subtle glitz.

17. BATHROOM
Our clients decided on a understated wall tile to
coordinate with the wood grain tile floor. The penny
tile stripe highlights the colors of the tile floor and
adds a touch of fun. The niches became a design
element in addition to a functional space.

18. PLAYROOM

19. PLAYROOM
What fun this room is! We changed the space in significant ways, but then
in other ways, we left it alone. It is still in the same location with the same
windows, but it no longer contains the stairs. It is now a destination space.
The Playroom is entered by glass French doors from the main
entertaining space. Parents can still see the children, yet, the
noise and toys are contained. Children love their own space,
too, with a chalkboard, TV, and plenty of romping room.
Note that the tile carpet pads coordinate with the toy
storage and the wall colors. Our clients’ selections
make this a must visit room!

20. PLAYROOM
THE HIDE-AWAY NOOK
A secret nook to play and read was created under the stairs when
we opened the stair into the Entertainment room. The doll sized
door, light fixture, and carpet makes this an inviting space
for children. This small hall, also, leads to a unfinished
laundry room and storage.

21. VIEW INTO EXERCISE ROOM

22. Glass pocket doors open up this Exercise room into
the Playroom. The children are close, but, again
they are separate. The opening allows these spaces
to adjust to the changes of a growing family.
Perhaps, one day they will expand the Exercise
room, or add a pool table & games in the Playroom.
POCKET DOORS
DOOR AND WINDOW TRIM
Trim details were intentionally designed to be
simpler than the molding on the main upstairs
level. We relaxed the formality, and emphasized
a bold craftsman feel in the detailing
PROJECT DETAILS

23. EXERCISE ROOM
The goal was to place the Exercise room in a space
that could later change function. We located it
adjacent to the playroom with the idea of flexibility
for a growing family. The double glass pocket doors
can later open the spaces to each other for
activities, such as, poker, pool or games.
The Exercise room has a standard door to the
hall, and a closet, if one ever wants to convert
it to a bedroom. A mirrored wall and a TV
compliment this room.

24. CHALLENGES - STAIRS
The stair was ugly, steep, and entered into a secondary room. Obviously, we could not change the
upstairs location of the stair, so we pulled out the lower half of the stair at the landing and redesigned
the bottom section of the stair. We removed the walls around the front and sides and located new walls
behind it. Once we solved the architectural issue of the walls , we then had to concentrate on the code
issues presented by our desire to make it flair and turn at the bottom. After meeting with our local
inspector, we were able to get approval for another landing to make this turn. The stair is now a fun
feature. It was worth the effort!

25. CHALLENGES – SLAB PLUMBING & LIFT STATIONS
It is always inconvenient, messy , and expensive to cut a
slab to provide drain lines for plumbing. But this job was
an even bigger challenge. The previous builder located
the lift station in the main entertaining room not far from
the door to the outside. We had to relocate this lift
station and figure out how we could have a bath on one
end of the home and a bar sink on the other end. The
way the original drains were run gave us no other option
but provide for two lift stations. We installed one in a hall
closet near the bath and one in the mechanical room for
the bar sink. We had to locate original drain lines and
design a new drain system.

26. CHALLENGES - FIREPLACE
BEFORE
DURING
The fireplace needed to vent. We had several
restrictions regarding the vent location, such as, the
height below the deck outside and the ductwork inside.
We found an acceptable path by designing a cabinet
with a paneled header to hide the vent.

27. We hope you enjoyed your tour!
Note the opening to the future wine cellar.