This 1933 Wauwatosa basement was dark, dingy and lacked functionality. The basement was unfinished with concrete walls and floors. A small office was enclosed but the rest of the space was open and cluttered. The homeowners wanted a warm, organized space for their family. A recent job change meant they needed a dedicated home office. They also wanted a place where their kids could hang out with friends. Their wish list for this basement remodel included: a home office where the couple could both work, a full bathroom, a cozy living room and a dedicated storage room. This basement renovation resulted in a warm and bright space that is used by the whole family. Highlights of this basement: - Home Office: A new office gives the couple a dedicated space for work. There’s plenty of desk space, storage cabinets, under-shelf lighting and storage for their home library. - Living Room: An old office area was expanded into a cozy living room. It’s the perfect place for their kids to hang out when they host friends and family. - Laundry Room: The new laundry room is a total upgrade. It now includes fun laminate flooring, storage cabinets and counter space for folding laundry. - Full Bathroom: A new bathroom gives the family an additional shower in the home. Highlights of the bathroom include a navy vanity, quartz counters, brass finishes, a Dreamline shower door and Kohler Choreograph wall panels. - Staircase: We spruced up the staircase leading down to the lower level with patterned vinyl flooring and a matching trim color. - Storage: We gave them a separate storage space, with custom shelving for organizing their camping gear, sports equipment and holiday decorations. CUSTOMER REVIEW “We had been talking about remodeling our basement for a long time, but decided to make it happen when my husband was offered a job working remotely. It felt like the right time for us to have a real home office where we could separate our work lives from our home lives. We wanted the area to feel open, light-filled, and modern – not an easy task for a previously dark and cold basement! One of our favorite parts was when our designer took us on a 3D computer design tour of our basement. I remember thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, this could be our basement!?!’ It was so fun to see how our designer was able to take our wish list and ideas from my Pinterest board, and turn it into a practical design. We were sold after seeing the design, and were pleasantly surprised to see that Kowalske was less costly than another estimate.” – Stephanie, homeowner

Beautiful transitional basement renovation with kitchenette is a study in neutrals. Grey cabinetry with gold hardware, wood floating shelves and white and gold accents. Herringbone patterned tile backsplash and marble countertop.

With an athletic court (disco ball included!), billiards game space, and a mini kitchen/bar overlooking the media lounge area -- this lower level is sure to be the coolest hangout spot on the block! The kids are set for sleepovers in this lower level–it provides ample space to run around, and extra bedrooms to crash after the fun!

Golf simulator in Elgin basement renovation.

Basement Remodel with multiple areas for work, play and relaxation.

TEAM Architect: LDa Architecture & Interiors Interior Design: LDa Architecture & Interiors Photographer: Sean Litchfield Photography

This huge sectional from West Elm (it’s 13 feet long!!) gives plenty of seating and fills the space. It turned out that the cats liked the new sofa as much as the humans… not good. So the homeowner brilliantly layered a few Mexican blankets and a sheepskin over the cushions and arms of the sofa to protect it from the cats, and inadvertently added a level of bohemian texture and pattern to the room that is absolutely fantastic!

This basement renovation transformed the space from a dark and dated lower level, to a light, cozy, and inviting space with classic design to stand the test of time. The renovation included a powder room remodel, great room space with custom built-ins and fireplace surround, and all new furniture. It also featured a large bedroom with plenty of room for guests and storage.

Basement remodel in Dublin, Ohio designed by Monica Lewis CMKBD, MCR, UDCP of J.S. Brown & Co. Project Manager Dave West. Photography by Todd Yarrington.

Wow! Check out this indoor climbing gym and play room that Janet Aurora created for her clients. Rock climbing, rope climbing, basketball, mini jungle gym with slide with a durable rubber floor!