A Lower-Level Remodel & Transformation
The Vision
Crafting a Unique Haven Beneath Your Feet
Our clients’ home featured a lower level with abundant unused space. Our team remodeled a full bath in the space years ago, and that project was a success. They returned to Meadowlark to partner again, but now the homeowners wanted to take this area of their home up another notch.
They aimed to create a unique space in their house that felt unlike any other. They wanted a feeling of getting away to somewhere new, only for it to be right beneath their feet!
They were also passionate about wanting this level to feel bigger and more functional. Plus, they wanted to incorporate new design elements, drawing inspiration from all over the world.
After meeting with the homeowners and discussing their goals and vision, the Meadowlark Design+Build team crafted a plan to make this a reality.
Project Goals
A lower-level remodel to improve space, style, and function.
Here at Meadowlark Design+Build, our team consists of a wide array of professionals who are excellent at their respective crafts. We built an all-star lineup for this project, including an experienced project manager, fantastic designers, and trusted trade partners. Then, it was time to get to work!
Renovations, Additions, & Expansions:
- Install upgraded appliances in the kitchenette
- Add an egress window to the new spare bedroom
- Create a designated crafting space with wrapping daylight windows
- Upgrade spray foam insulation
- Improve the exterior lower-level and upper-level drainage system
- Build a storage door and room beneath the stairs with custom shelving
Design Elements to Fit the Homeowner’s Needs & Style:
- Update fireplace with a honed black moon soapstone hearth
- Custom trim to match the existing trim for continuity
- Various new carpeting throughout, with a custom tile carpet inset in the media area
Project Challenges
As with most home transformations, this project did pose some challenges. The challenge was to breathe new life into this space, elevating it from its previous unused state. A delicate balance needed to be struck between the necessity for expansion and the imperative of functional design.
One challenge was to incorporate a new, expansive living area that was in line with the upper levels’ design, to avoid a feeling of disconnection. Our team introduced a custom-built media center, seamlessly balancing innovation and aesthetic coherence.
Since this house was originally built in the early 2000s, the space did not have the challenges of low-hanging mechanical elements such as ducts, electrical, and pipes being too low in the ceilings, but it still needed to be thoughtfully addressed in the design. Elevated ceilings contribute to a sense of spaciousness in this lower level.
In addition, our team was challenged with maintaining continuity in design elements while seamlessly integrating novel features. These hurdles allowed our team to showcase their expertise in transforming spaces with both innovation and aesthetic coherence.
Product Selections
In any Meadowlark project, we exclusively choose the most trusted brands to ensure unparalleled quality and satisfaction for the homeowners.
For this project, our curated selection included:
- Matte Cambria quartz kitchenette countertop
- Custom Meadowlark built-in, floor-to-ceiling bamboo paneling
- Custom Meadowlark cabinets and media center
- New Benjamin Moore eggshell paint throughout
- FLOR custom rug design
The Results
From Mundane to Magnificent
Adding onto while keeping true to the original vibe of the house is no small task. Thankfully, our remarkable team is always up for a challenge!
In pursuit of an open and airy ambiance, our designers aimed for a distinctly "non-basement" feel, employing architectural and interior design features to delineate spaces without the need for walls. The custom "floating" media center is pivotal, effectively separating the game room area from the TV-watching space. A long, custom-made, live-edge table further defines the spatial boundaries between the media area and the kitchenette.
Adding to the transformation, a newly introduced spare bedroom is nestled at the back of the space complemented by a detached full bath. Just beyond is a spacious custom kitchenette with half-moon curved cabinetry, contributing to the overall cohesive and sophisticated aesthetic of the lower level. We added recessed lights and new windows to brighten the space and provide optimal light exposure.
What was once a mundane lower level has now received a makeover to transform it into a space unlike any other. The homeowner's intention was for a space where they could bring their family together and host gatherings, all the while doing it in style. Mission accomplished!
Our team is so proud of this project. It was such a success that it was featured in this article from The Scout Guide National!
