What began as a blank slate, this unfinished basement was transformed into an expertly designed and crafted multi-use entertainment haven that communicates a high-end contemporary style against a timeless backdrop.
Master Remodelers’ resident architectural designer, Junko, was given near-full reign of the color palette, finishes, architectural details, and layout to create this incredible space. The outcome? An entertainment destination right underfoot that’s sure to wow guests and bring this young Pittsburgh family joy for years to come.
One of the main goals of the homeowners was to have an airy and open space that could easily host plenty of friends and family for birthday parties, lively hangouts, and memorable gatherings. Junko and the production team delivered an open floor plan by cleverly concealing the steel support posts typical of a basement within stylish columns with wood trim detailing.
Luxe Relaxation
You’ll find a comfortable living room on one end of the main living space with a fireplace clad in slate gray adamantium granite flanked by built-in cabinets and gallery-worthy alcoves. The coffered ceiling in this space is one of those timeless architectural elements that bring incredible presence to the room, especially because it is accented with a color in the recesses.
A Night Out at Home
At the other end is a stunning bar crafted from Sapele, which boasts a gorgeous linear grain pattern. The uniform grain anchors the dramatic veining of the Quantum granite bar countertops. Both bar and the built-in cabinets were custom created to the homeowner’s specifications.
Outfitting the bar is an under-counter refrigerator concealed by a cabinet front, a microwave hidden away in a drawer, a Bosch dishwasher, and a True Clear ice machine. Junko chose a copper sink and matte black faucet that coordinates beautifully with the deep golden tones in the wood and bold dark veins of the granite.
The bar’s spectacular granite countertop is high-end and was slightly out-of-budget, but the color and veining pattern was perfect for the space and the client’s taste. Junko acquired this striking feature by balancing the budget elsewhere and working closely with one of Master Remodelers’ trusted and dedicated vendors.
A Friendly Game of Pool
The billiard area is yet another entertainment space that offers the homeowners and their guests an opportunity to relax and share a game of pool over conversation or between plays during a Steelers game on the television. The navy color chosen for the walls gives the atmosphere of a classic pool hall but is lightened up with white wainscoting. The trim and entryway columns are custom, as is the cue and rack storage compartment.
A petite at the end of the room, with views of the bar and fireplace, keep everyone feeling connected. The Urban Electric Chiltern fixture over the billiards table furthers the classic pool hall feel, while the arresting Hubbardton Forge Gossamer chandelier over the petite seating area is a showstopper.
Self Care Convenience
Another must-have for these homeowners is a home gym that’s larger than average to house all of their equipment. With young children and a busy professional life, the couple wanted to avoid the inconvenient gym commute. The heavy-duty commercial-grade flooring is made of recycled rubber. Also in the home gym is an accent wall covered with Great American Spaces Ponderosa Pine weathered shiplap planks to give this industrial space a dose of warmth.
An Entertainment Haven Necessity
Just off the gym, sits a full bathroom with the level of style and attention to detail as the rest of this transformed basement. The walls are covered in textured limestone and Ergon white porcelain tiles. On the shower floor is a pattern made from black porcelain tile, while the rest of the bathroom floor is a rich Ergon Anthracite porcelain tile designed to our specifications.
The centerpiece of the bathroom, however, is the vanity. Handcrafted from figured walnut, it features natural irregularities giving the piece a one-of-a-kind grain pattern. The vanity is topped with a Caesarstone slab in Supernatural Ultra.
The Wine Enthusiast’s Dream Escape
Of all the great spaces in this luxury Pittsburgh basement remodel, the wine-tasting room just beyond the bar takes the cake, and is Junko’s favorite. The bond created within the client-designer relationship allowed Junko to unleash her creativity.
Junko designed the space to evoke an Old World feel, with arches echoed throughout the room, including in the brickwork, the built-in alcove that houses a commercial wine-opener, and the steel and glass door. The homeowners can host fellow wine enthusiasts to taste unique varietals and enjoy this impossibly charming space.
Problem-Solving with Style
The statement ceilings serve two purposes: to express the homeowners’ elevated taste and to conceal necessary ductwork and electrical systems. Luckily, the home’s basement ceiling height was enough to use the space comfortably. To avoid bringing the entire ceiling height down to accommodate these systems, Junko employed a coffered ceiling in the main living area and an octagonal tray ceiling over the billiard room’s sitting area.
The Master Remodelers Difference
These Pittsburgh homeowners knew they wanted to transform their unfinished basement into a place for fun and fitness. They yearned for an open space with many entertainment options to host parties and get-togethers, large and small. Their trust in Junko’s design capabilities allowed them to sit back and relinquish control over every demanding detail. At the same time, Junko did what she does best: create a clever, well-planned space boasting a tremendous amount of tasteful and luxurious style.
To learn what Master Remodelers design-build process can do for your space, contact us. We’d love to learn about your project and explore ways to check off your Pittsburgh area home wish list.
