Basement of the Week: Fun for All Ages in Connecticut

Faced with a large, unfinished basement and an active pair of daughters, a Connecticut couple asked interior designer Catherine O'Brien of Grande Interiors to create a fun and healthy space for the entire family to enjoy.

New insulation keeps the space warm, while a moisture seal and dehumidifying system keep it healthy. But the real attraction is how this underground lair accommodates billiards, a wine cellar, crafts, a screening room, homework, storage — even indoor soccer. C'mon down and check out this stylish subterranean dream space.

Basement at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple and their daughters (ages 11 and 13)
Location: Connecticut
Size: 2,300 square feet

The basement was purely utilitarian but had been designed with finishing in mind, with ceilings that measure a generous 8½ feet high.

"My client was very clear that she didn't want to come down here a year after finishing it and have it smell like a basement," O'Brien says. "She was very concerned with allergies, mold and moisture, and wanted to be sure the space was healthy."

Additional insulation and moisture barriers protect the exterior walls and ceiling, and a separate basement heating and air conditioning system (complete with dehumidification unit) defends against moisture, mustiness and mold as well.


The very steep staircase was another safety concern. Part of the remodel involved redoing the steps, which also helped the plan's flow.

The new staircase stops at a low landing and splits in two directions, with one side leading to the "adult" playroom, with a billiards table. Cabinets along one wall provide storage and a countertop. Recessed lights and pale paint help brighten the space.


The couple had owned the custom pool table for years, and its copper and stainless steel accents inspired the room's warm color palette. A built-in rack stores all of the pool table equipment.

The room has some relaxing spots for spectators, including two cushy armchairs, a bench and a pub table. There's a very nice flow from room to room throughout the basement; that large doorway to the right of the window leads to the media room.

Armchairs, rug: Global Views; cut-velvet throw pillows: Crate & Barrel; wall paint: Galveston Gray, Benjamin Moore; trim paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore. (This paint combination was used in the billiards room, media room and hallway.)


Because the basement gets no natural light, O'Brien installed a large window between the billiards room and the wine cellar.

Laminated wood flooring adds warmth underfoot. Even though the floors came with a moisture seal, O'Brien doubled up and added another moisture barrier beneath them.


A new wall curves around from the billiards area to this doorway, which leads into the wine cellar. That room has additional blown-in insulation and moisture barriers for proper wine storage. (By the way, if the spot where the textured wallpaper ends seems odd to you, you're right. This photo was taken before the team had finished papering, but I really wanted to show you the curved wall.)


The copper from the pool table carries through to the wine room. The hammered-copper backsplash reflects the light and adds texture. A honed dark granite counter provides contrast, while an antique wine press adds a rustic touch. The drawer underneath provides a spot for stashing wine openers for tastings.

The homeowners are relatively new wine collectors, but their cellar has room for 950 bottles.


The glass door offers a view from the wine cellar to the media room. It and the interior window give this small space a more open feeling.

The walls are custom-painted stripes; Benjamin Moore's Galveston Gray is the base, and there's a Dolphin glaze on top.

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The media room is all about watching movies and having enough room for the girls to get their Wii on. The ottomans are very versatile: They can be moved around easily, they make comfortable footrests, they have storage inside, and the tops can be flipped over to serve as trays.

Table lamps, rug: Crate & Barrel; side table: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams; sofa: Bassett



A chocolate-brown sofa helps conceal stains. The colorful green from the craft room (shown in the background) carries through via pillows, throws and table lamps.


The girls were very involved in the craft room's decor, choosing the rug, the colors and the chandelier. (O'Brien admits this great Ikea fixture is a total pain to put together — have you ever done it? It really is a nightmare but totally worth it.) The wall dots were professionally hand painted. O'Brien left plenty of room to hang and display the girls' finished artwork on designated walls and shelves.

There is another bookcase niche just out of view; each girl has her own to display trophies, artwork and other memorabilia. The doors on the right are closets, and the door on the left leads to the storage room.

Play table, lamp: Ikea; chairs: West Elm; rug: custom; white paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore; other paint: custom mixed



This homework area is at one end of the craft room. Each girl has her own station complete with desk, drawers and inspiration board. The desks also have laptop hookups and charging stations.

The Caesarstone counter wraps all the way around this area in a U shape, extending to a handy cleanup sink behind the desks.

Chairs: Room & Board; desks: custom


The active adult area, the home gym, can be used for all sorts of activities. It has rubberized flooring, space for stretching and yoga, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, a television, gym equipment and storage space.

Tips for transforming part of your basement into a home gym


The other side of the split staircase leads to a space for active play. It was also designed so that it could be enclosed and turned into a guest suite someday.

For now the girls love to play soccer in this long area. When their friends join them for slumber parties, this is where everyone rolls out their sleeping bags.


This cozy reading nook along the side of the room has space for two. The deep drawers underneath provide storage, and the sconces overhead add ambience and reading light.

Wall paint: Squish Squash; trim paint: White Dove, both by Benjamin Moore

URL: Basement of the Week: Fun for All Ages in Connecticut http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-21714.html