A picture is worth a thousand words, but it's difficult to describe this exquisite basement in a photograph. Designed for a couple who are a party waiting to happen, this walkout basement was destined to be spectacular. Once a cold, blank slate of concrete, the basement is now an extraordinary multi-functional living space. The luxurious new design includes a stunning full bar with all the amenities. The cabinetry was done in Brookhaven Bridgeport Oak in a Bistro finish and granite countertops. In the lounge area an older fireplace was removed and replaced with a Lennox direct-vent fireplace. Gorgeous stacked quartz stone in Glacier white surrounds the unit and Corian was used for the hearth. A home theater room is tucked away yet open to the lounge area. Custom woodwork also helps to set this basement apart. Unique art deco columns were designed by the M.J. Whelan design team, along with several art nooks peppered throughout the space. Beautiful trim molding wrap the entire space. Tray ceilings help to define different areas of the space. Lighting is layered throughout, including indirect cove lighting wrapping every tray. A spa room and full bathroom were also a part of the new design.

URRUTIA DESIGN Photography by Matt Sartain

© Casey Dunn Photography

Black laundry room cabinetry.

Guest Bath using hand made, crackle ceramic tiles from Walker Zanger. Marble mosaic flooring from Akdo. Custom window treatment in cotton print fabric with Samuel & Sons Fan Braid trim.

A spine wall serves as the unifying concept for our addition and remodeling work on this Victorian house in Noe Valley. On one side of the spine wall are the new kitchen, library/dining room and powder room as well as the existing entry foyer and stairs. On the other side are a new deck, stairs and “catwalk” at the exterior and the existing living room and front parlor at the interior. The catwalk allowed us to create a series of French doors which flood the interior of the kitchen with light. Strategically placed windows in the kitchen frame views and highlight the character of the spine wall as an important architectural component. The project scope also included a new master bathroom at the upper floor. Details include cherry cabinets, marble counters, slate floors, glass mosaic tile backsplashes, stainless steel art niches and an upscaled reproduction of a Renaissance era painting.

On the 16th floor with views over the River Thames this tiny balcony gives the owner somewhere to enjoy the air when weather permits!

Charles Smith Photography

NOW YOU SEE IT, NOW YOU DON'T. Moving the exterior basement stairs created a new rear entrance and mudroom—and simultaneously solved a long-time water-runoff issue for the clients. The remaining stairwall was underpinned to carry its new load of the master suite above. Photography by Morgan Howarth