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Epic Entertainment
Wow Factor!
Ever wonder what would happen if you decided to go wild and make the basement of your dreams? That is exactly what these homeowners’ tasked us with. As their children continue to grow, the goal for this basement was to create the “it” place to be for years to come. To achieve this, we explored it all – a theatre, wet bar, wine cellar, fitness, billiards, bathroom, lounge – and then some.
The Set-Up
Our Story begins with a very nice family of four. Although a large basement, fitting the wish-list still posed numerous challenges working within the existing footprint of the foundation. We tucked the main bar strategically under the main staircase, hiding the angle with upper cabinetry and we took advantage of space under the back stair to create a small wet bar for the theatre.
Our canvas in this basement included exposed floor joists above, multiple steel posts, plumbing and waste stacks and loads of ductwork to strategically incorporate.
The Wish List
After a visit to discover what we have to work with, we need to find out what our customers want to create in their basement.
Here is the wish list for this project.
Home Cinema, Projection Screen, Tiered Seating
Bar in Home Cinema
Billiards Area
Stylish Lounge Sitting Area With Fireplace
Large Home Gym
Games Area
Custom Wine Storage
Great Basement Bar
Large Basement Bath
Rendering #1
The concept for this space began with a barnwood wine cellar the customer came across in Montreal. We built up from there, with a customer that was not afraid to pursue moody colours and lots of texture. From the matte black bar cabinetry and concrete-look quartz counters, to smoky hues on the walls in the lounge, fitness, theatre and wine cellar, dark elements throughout anchor the design and provide contrast and drama.
Rendering #2
The home theatre needed to be as authentic as it could be. We included tiered seating, coffered ceilings, cove lighting, a second snack bar and of course, a large screen projector tv. Columns on the walls brought in the textural barn wood that runs throughout the main basement space and reinforced the "theatre" concept.
What you don't see here is the ductwork which was strategically hidden in the bulkheads or the main waste stack which was strategically hidden in a column at the wall and in the raised platform. Basements challenge our wish lists and require a continual ability to think outside the box.
Design Board
Dark elements throughout the space anchor the design and provide contrast and drama. A beautiful collection of greys, wood, matte black, stone and steel strike a balance between modern and rustic - with the overall space feeling warm and inviting.
Let's Start Building
With the concept starting at the barn wood wine cellar, it meant we had to bring in a fair quantity of barn wood to install throughout the space. This included the tv and fireplace wall at the lounge, the "portico" that leads into the fitness room and numerous other small details that repeat this element. The challenge with barn board is that no two pieces are the same - and most of them are not perfectly straight! This is when we are grateful for amazing craftspeople.
Wine Not!
The wine cellar interior used what is called "brown board", from the inside of the barn, and was bordered with a contrasting "grey board" which is typically from the outside of the barn. We used these woods tactfully throughout the basement to add texture without shifting the balance away from modern.
The wine cellar was custom built by our in-house carpenters and has the ability to house hundreds of bottles at the perfect temperature.
Noteworthy Details
Noteworthy details in the space are endless – from the live edge walnut bar slab and custom barn door, to the raised bar at the theatre.
One of our favourite details is the barnwood portico into the fitness area which secretly hides a low duct connected to the main heat run. The horizontal wood installation is repeated at the tv wall and is combined with cold rolled steel at the fireplace to move your eye across the space - allowing you to take in all that this amazing basement has to offer.
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