OUR WORK
Lower Level Remodel in Ann Arbor
An unfinished basement became a family room, bar, playroom and gym, with room for everyone to do their own thing.
THE STORY
What the homeowners wanted, and what we found.
WHAT THEY WANTED
This young family had one shared space upstairs, and when the TV was on it took over the room. A new baby needed a safe place to play and somewhere to put the toys. Two big dogs were slipping on the hardwood floors. They wanted a lower level where everyone could do their own thing, with a different feel than the main floor, and they weren't sure what was possible in an unfinished basement.
WHAT WE FOUND
HOW WE DESIGNED IT
We turned one open, unfinished basement into five rooms that each do one job well.
THE INSPIRATION
Rustic modern, with a warmer feel than the main floor. Emerald green cabinets, a quiet white countertop and light wood open shelves set the tone at the bar. Carpet throughout keeps it soft for the baby and sure-footed for the dogs. Brass hardware and warm wood are the accents, so the look stays relaxed and easy.
THE PLAN
We laid out the lower level around how the family actually spends time. A family room with a built-in media wall sits at the center, with a full bar beside it for hosting. The playroom is its own room next to the family room, so toys stay put and parents stay close. A gym fills the far end, a three-piece bath serves guests, and storage and mechanical space stay unfinished and useful.
THE OUTCOME
How it turned out
The family now has a lower level where everyone has a place. Movie nights happen in the family room, friends gather at the bar, the kids have a playroom that keeps the toys contained, and workouts happen at home. The dogs move easily on carpet, guests have a bath of their own, and the whole level feels like a real part of the house.
FINAL PHOTOS
The finished space.
AT A GLANCE
A Lower Level With Room for Everyone
A full lower-level finish with a family room, bar, playroom, gym and bath.
Ann Arbor.
Emerald green bar with light wood shelves, built-in media wall, dedicated playroom, home gym, three-piece bath, planned storage.
THE FLOOR PLANS
What changed, and why.
We turned one open, unfinished basement into five rooms that each do one job well.
BEFORE
AFTER
WHAT MAKES IT WORK
Three details that carry the design.
FEATURE 01
The bar is the heart of the hosting side of the room. Emerald green cabinets, a white quartz island and light wood open shelves give it a rustic modern feel, and a wood cabinet with sliding doors keeps bottles and glassware organized and out of sight.
FEATURE 02
A built-in media wall in deep green anchors the family room. Floating wood shelves and a low console give the TV a home without taking over, and the sectional faces it so movie night works for the whole family.
FEATURE 03
The playroom is a room of its own, right off the family room. Soft carpet, low storage for toys and space to spread out mean the kids can play while the adults stay close by, and the room can change as the family grows.
THE PROJECT
A Lower Level With Room for Everyone
AT A GLANCE
A full lower-level finish with a family room, bar, playroom, gym and bath.
Ann Arbor.
Emerald green bar with light wood shelves, built-in media wall, dedicated playroom, home gym, three-piece bath, planned storage.
THE STORY
This young family had one shared space upstairs, and when the TV was on it took over the room. A new baby needed a safe place to play and somewhere to put the toys. Two big dogs were slipping on the hardwood floors. They wanted a lower level where everyone could do their own thing, with a different feel than the main floor, and they weren't sure what was possible in an unfinished basement.
HOW WE DESIGNED IT
We laid out the lower level around how the family actually spends time. A family room with a built-in media wall sits at the center, with a full bar beside it for hosting. The playroom is its own room next to the family room, so toys stay put and parents stay close. A gym fills the far end, a three-piece bath serves guests, and storage and mechanical space stay unfinished and useful.
