Basement of the Week: Guests Get a Cottage-Like Stay
You may not have the space, budget or zoning to make a dreamy guest cabin, but believe it or not, you can make exactly the same feeling from the basement. When a single girl in Bethesda, Maryland, wanted some personal space for visiting friends and family, she made a bright and charming guest cabin–like space under her two-story colonial home.
Michael O’Hearn, unique project designer in Case Design/Remodeling, transformed this formerly dark and somewhat frightening basement into an inviting area full of a living area, bedroom, full bath, hidden washer-dryer station and workspace.
Basement at a Glance
Location: Bethesda, Maryland
Size: Around 580 square feet
Budget: About $69,000, not including the flooring tiles
Before Photo
The ceiling had five different heights and has been covered in acoustic tile; the greatest sections of the new ceilings are 7 feet, 1 inch high, while the components using reconfigured ductwork hang as low as 6 feet, 8 inches.
The renovation has been down to the studs, and then they had to eliminate the studs also. As the builders removed the walls, they understood there was irreparable structural harm and had to eliminate each the present framing.
The entire project comprised reconfiguring ductwork; placing in a new drywall ceiling; gutting, extending and renovating the bathroom; replacing the windows; moving the washer-dryer and developing a designated laundry station; tiling the entire floor; moving cabinets; putting the utilities in a single large closet; adding recessed lighting; moving some electric work around; moving the closet into the bedroom; putting hidden sump pumps to manage water; and incorporating custom cabinets plus a workspace.
Case Design/Remodeling, Inc..
The owner chose to splurge and tile the entire basement flooring with ceramic tile that looks like stone. “Tiling almost 600 square feet of space is absolutely an investment, but worth it,” designer O’Hearn says. “It could stand up to any possible water issues, and it attracts a wonderful return if she ever should sell.” The owner estimates the floors cost between $8,000 and $10,000.
The vinyl flooring helps create a more soothing coastal cottage-inspired space and is sensible to maintain dry and clean. A traditional striped area rug from Dash & Albert continues a subtle beachy feel.
Before Photo
The space was not very usable, particularly the regions to the right and left of this photo, because of the layout. The pit in the ground on the left is a sump pump.
Case Design/Remodeling, Inc..
AFTER: Along the back wall, a nook to the left is presently a workstation complete with built-in bookshelves and a desk with a laminate top. O’Hearn rerouted ductwork and electrical work to make the most of the ceiling peaks. Now the double doors on the right hide the HVAC plus also a hot water heater, and tile conceals the sump pump underneath the workstation.
Case Design/Remodeling, Inc..
Intelligent cabinetry into the right of the utility closet’s double doors is hiding something …
Case Design/Remodeling, Inc..
… a front-loading washer and dryer. O’Hearn worked with the designers in Closet Factory to configure the built-in closets and closets. There’s lots of space for folding clothing right on the washer and dryer’s laminate top. And there’s room to store laundry supplies in the tall, narrow closet to the left.
Case Design/Remodeling, Inc..
Initially, there were five different ceiling peaks. Now they are 7-feet, 1-inch large, except the lower parts covering the ductwork, which are approximately 6 feet, 8 inches higher. The white paint and recessed lighting make them feel higher.
Case Design/Remodeling, Inc..
Across the area is a stairwell with more bookcases. “Now there is more usable space, more lighting, and she has kept the space easy and tidy,” O’Hearn says.
Case Design/Remodeling, Inc..
Before Photo
BEFORE: The hallway into the bedroom was not the least bit enticing.
Case Design/Remodeling, Inc..
The new full bathroom and guest bedroom provide the homeowner’s family and friends their own realm and solitude when they stay here.
The new bathroom has a spacious shower stall and tons of space for linens and toiletries from the new dressing table. O’Hearn replaced the existing window at the stall with glass block for solitude.
Case Design/Remodeling, Inc..
In the bedroom a jute rug grounds the bed, and a reconfigured layout puts the closet, which formerly cut off the space, in an unobtrusive spot.
Now the homeowner’s basement is a high-functioning and comforting space that welcomes guests with open arms.
More: Get a contractor’s tips for completing a basement the Ideal way