One of the most important things we consider when working on a project is: How can we maximize the space? How can we turn this room, area, corner into a spot that will bring a smile to someone’s face? How can we make every inch feel welcoming? Even if it’s just a little nook in a corner, I want it to add value to the space. In this case, the basement was the perfect opportunity to add something special to this house. Over the years, it hadn’t been used for anything besides storage, but we had a vision that this underused space would make an ideal wine cellar and tasting room. It would be, yet again, another place for friends to mingle and enjoy an evening together.

BEFORE

The basement was a bit of a clean slate and it had great bones, so this was the easiest room in the house to renovate. This turned out to be a fun and unique tucked away space. We moved the duct work to the side, kept the rafters and added brick flooring to make it feel more like a wine cellar. Dave added white oak beams to support the room upstairs. He also made the wine storage built-ins, dining table, side table made from reclaimed wood and a bench for more seating in an empty corner. The built-ins add a different layer of texture to the walls and make the space look unique. There are a lot of special details you might not have been able to see on the show. There’s an owl light that’s so fun; it makes me happy every time I see it. On the way down the stairs, there’s a reminder sign to “Mind the step.” The chairs around the dining table are upholstered in a rich pink velvet that add sophistication. The pink chairs and the caning on the doors are light and delicate and balance the darkness of the cellar. Wine barrels from our berry farm add a personal touch. A hole in the wall, that might have been for a safe, now holds a candle to set the mood as you walk down the stairs. I wish you could all see how pretty the wine cellar looks with all the candles lit. It feels like an old-world cellar. Our hope is that it will be used as a wine tasting room for special celebrations and fundraising events.

AFTER

SOURCES

Sconce in Stairwell | Anthropologie

Dining Table Pendants | Eurofase

Dining Chairs | HK Living USA

Cabinetry | Dave Marrs

Dining Table | Dave Marrs

Tile Floor | Benton House Flooring