That extra space you are looking for to accommodate entertaining…it might just be in your basement! Many times, basements become the catch all for furniture that no longer fits in the upstairs spaces of your home. This plan works well when there are children in the home, after all, their entertainment needs aren’t horribly refined.

Enter in to the empty nest phase of life when entertaining space takes on a whole new meaning – perhaps a women’s group, a book club, a Bible study, an association meeting. THIS sophisticated basement remodel is a great example of purpose, plan and execution as they relate to home renovations.

There are multiple design strategies that make this space work so very well. It is hard to say which is most important actually. Separation of spaces by use of flooring, lighting, and feature tile wall with fireplace is a start. A very intentional lighting plan does wonders to not just make this space brighter, but very purposeful for each new zone. The overall paint color adds a whole new level of life to the space. Compare the before pictures below to the full gallery of after pictures for full appreciation.

Our homeowner’s passion for football and all things Texan provided the vision for this personal sports bar with family friendly space. Rusted corrugated steel behind the bar creates a dramatic contrast with the high end appliances and flat screen monitor; reclaimed planks at soffit and leg area of bar show natural weathering; dry stacked stone and Alamo inspired tile work drive home the theme.

Reclaimed planks create faux pillars (steel beam above) to frame children’s area. Stone fireplace and reclaimed timber mantle hold the 72” screen. Favorite details – steel countertop supports with stars and rivets, strapping on mantle, niches for candles.

Move over ping pong table…this basement space is now needed for a more sophisticated purpose.

As kids got older and the parents were able to reclaim basement space, the idea of this sophisticated basement bar was born. What a nice blend of comfort, style, function and class in this space that is family and friend friendly.

Design & Materials

This basement bar design is a home run for sure. Blending the warm medium-dark tones of rustic alder cabinets (Autumn stain and Ebony glaze), the natural dry-stacked stone on the backsplash/walls, wood plank luxury vinyl tile flooring, and brushed finish Black Pearl granite gives the perfect level of warmth and maturity to our new favorite basement space. Lighting design just takes it to the next level.

The homeowner’s list of desires required creativity and custom cabinetry design to carefully weave all the pieces together into this approximately 12′ x 12′ blank slate without overwhelming the space. Don’t miss a single detail or a single appliance as you browse through the pictures.

  • Bar sink
  • 2 Burner gas cooktop
  • Cooktop ventilation
  • Beverage refrigerator
  • Dual zone wine cooler
  • Under cabinet microwave
  • Open shelving with lighting for display
  • Under cabinet and in cabinet lighting
  • 6 Bottle wine storage cabinet feature
  • Proper space for TV viewing
  • Under cabinet outlets for uninterrupted stone wall feature
  • Out of sight outlet placement on side panel of island

Counter height bar peninsula ensures comfort for all ages and keeps the room open to other activities. It’s pretty yet masculine and inviting to all.