Subterranean Transmogrification
One expects transformation with a remodel. The results of this particular basement remodel are so dramatic that I’m calling it “transmogrification.” The beautiful space below . . .
used to look like this:
Since I’m not an engineer or an architect, I called upon Wade Freitag at Craftsman Design and Renovation to help with the construction design for this very large basement remodel, and he did not disappoint. Since I had worked with the clients before, I wanted to choose the finish materials, and determine where to put the furnishings the homeowners inherited from their family, along with new furnishings provided by my trade-only sources. It was a happy collaboration. Wade’s first task was figuring out how to get the monster furnace out of the basement:
Once the giant furnace was replaced with a much smaller, more efficient one, it was possible to carve out a wine cellar, a reading nook, a large TV viewing area, a home office, a laundry room, and a very large storage room. What was once a dark, cluttered, chaotic jumble of cast-off items, knob-and-tube wiring, and exposed pipes became an oasis of calm.
View from the egress window wall, looking toward the wine cellar:
Doing laundry in the old laundry room, with it’s original knob-and-tube wiring, fluorescent lighting and exposed plumbing pipes, could be scary!
The new laundry room includes beautiful cabinets with a sink, a counter, a place to hang laundry, and a drop-down ironing board. There is also an area for sewing and crafts. It’s not obvious, but the only things that did NOT change were the the washer and dryer.
One last view of the room at the bottom of the stairs as we leave this inviting and functional space . . .
My deepest thanks to the clients who entrusted this project to Emery & Associates, and much appreciation to Craftsman Design and Renovation for their dedication to historically sensitive remodels, as well as their high standards of quality.
Give Emery & Associates a call if you need design inspiration. We love helping clients achieve the comfortable and inviting spaces they dream about.
(Photo credits: Eckert and Eckert Architectural Photography)
There are 6 Comments to "Subterranean Transmogrification"
Kathia,
It’s beautiful! What I wouldn’t give to be able to have you come in and redo my entire house including my basement. You do such amazing work.
Beth
Great use of space, Kathia! As always, beautiful work.
What a beautiful recreation. I can’t remember seeing a basement transformed into such a warm, truly residential feeling space. Wonderful, Kathia.
What an incredible transformation. Now the owners have spaces that are bright, cheerful, and usable, instead of the old dark, dingy basement full of tubes and monsters! Fabulous collaboration, Kathia!
Wow … gorgeous! What an amazing transformation. With the fabulous wine cellar and cozy reading nook, I’d be tempted to never leave this “basement.”
Great work. It’s fabulous to know that out triad loves their work and is pursuing the creative.