The Yellow Cape Cod: Family Cave ~ Lower Level Basement Living Room, Bar and Game Room

We've had a fantastic January in the design studio!

I'm excited to announce we have just a few spots left this month for new online design projects! Now is the time to book, once we are full, I'll make an announcement on the blog. After that, we'll start adding new clients to our waiting list.

Today's featured project is a multi room design plan we created for Kristin's lower level basement. We took a 940 square foot, open space and divided it into five zones that all add up to the perfect "Family Fun Cave".

(Product Sources Listed at The End of This Post)

Calling this area a "cave" is a stretch, it's a gorgeous, open, light filled space that features large day light windows and a triple french door walk out to the back yard.

Here is a look at the true to scale floor plan illustration we created showing Kristin where everything in her design plan should be placed. In this drawing, you can see the five zones we created; A Living Room Area, A Game Table Area, A Wet Bar Area, A Pool Playing Zone and a Kids' Refreshment Zone…

Kristin's desire for the space was to have a child friendly design that is also sophisticated and elegant. She loves rustic touches combined with elegant details. She wanted her lower level to beckon the kids and their friends. At the same time, she wanted us to create a beautiful, sophisticated space that the entire family would enjoy. We accomplished this by creating a design with layers of elegance, whimsy and rusticity.

We started by recommending a wood grain look ceramic tile for the entire space. The paint palette we selected to repeat throughout all five zones is a combination of grays, warm white and blue.

We placed the Living Room Zone in the far corner of the basement. We centered it around a stacked stone fireplace surround that stretches from wall to wall. We placed a large flat screen TV over the fireplace, this allows the TV to be viewed by any of the five zones. We selected a large, comfortable sectional sofa in gorgeous herringbone upholstery. The occasional tables we placed in the space feature a beautiful parquet pattern which provides lots of texture and interest. A large area rug softens the ceramic tile, provides pattern and contrast and also grounds the seating area created by the sectional and a pair of cozy club chairs. A pair of over sized poufs in a fun print and a cool mix of toss pillows finish off this zone.

Behind the Living Room Zone, we created a Game Table Zone. We found a character rich table with a rustic elegance about it that also has a convenient adjustable base. We added upholstered bar stools, a round area rug and a simple centerpiece that all add to the sophisticated look of this Game Zone. Not only is this a perfect spot for family board game night, but it is also a gorgeous dining area that can be used while entertaining guests or watching the big game.

The third zone we created is a fantastic Wet Bar. We recommended a custom built bar area/kitchenette that features a peninsula/island wrapped in stacked stone that matches the fireplace surround in the Living Room Zone. The colors we chose for the custom cabinetry are gray and white with oil rubbed bronze hardware. We selected a stunning Silestone counter top that features grays, whites and bronze. It looks absolutely gorgeous with the color palette used throughout the space. For bar stools we recommended these fun stools from Ballard Designs, they have a lot of personality. Speaking of personality, check out the pendant lights we placed over the bar area!

The pendant lights over the bar area are from the same collection as the stunning fixture we selected for over the pool table in the Pool Playing Zone. This light fixture keeps the design feeling young and fresh, and not too serious. It makes a gorgeous focal point out of the pool table. To further enhance the pool table zone, we placed a pretty area rug under the table, added whimsical billiards art and incorporated a fun, rustic pine cue rack.

The last zone in our Family Cave is the Kids Refreshment Zone. Upon entering the basement from the stairs is a landing area that is perfect for a help-yourself refreshment zone. Having this set up here sets the tone for the main purpose of this entire level…FUN.

We placed a fantastic popcorn maker in a black finish next to a beautiful bar cart stocked with refreshment supplies. Over the bar cart, we selected Etsy Prints that spell out help yourself.

We really enjoyed this project. We are excited for the good times Kristin, her family and their friends will have in this space for many years!

There is so much more to this design plan, but for the sake of the length of this post we aren't able to share all of the elements we recommended. As with all of our online design projects, this plan included everything Kristin needs to create a beautiful, completely finished, custom design in her basement. This project is the equivalent of a three room design plan. We offer a discount for multi-room projects. Working on more than one room at a time is a great way to ensure "design flow" throughout your home!

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