Story:
Before: Typical 1970s lower level with asbestos tile floor, dark wood paneling, low-hanging boiler and plumbing pipes… and a post and beam covered with green carpet!
After: This rustic contemporary lower level is sunny, warm, and comfortable, with one of a kind salvaged wood accents blended with custom tile and a fireplace for the family to gather around.
Highlights:
- Carpeted post and beam were uncovered to reveal beautiful 100-year-old fir that are now embraced as a focal point
- Salvaged cedar decking was milled and assembled to create new sliding barn doors on heavy iron tracks
- Welcoming bedroom includes a spacious closet and large, sunny egress window with cedar window well
- Open stair rail blends seamlessly into the existing fir beam structure
- New gas fireplace runs on a remote control thermostat for comfort, wherever you want to sit
- Fireplace is surrounded by herringbone pattern limestone and topped with a fir beam reclaimed from a basement in the same neighborhood
- Open shelving and linen closet provide multi-functional storage options
- Low-hanging plumbing and radiator pipes were removed, and new Pex tubing run through the ceilings, to maximize ceiling height
- Oil rubbed bronze Emtek crystal door knobs are a nod to the original character of the upper levels of the home, while integrating with the decor in the lower level
- Hand-painted Italian tile in the bathroom is warmed by in-floor heat and controlled by a programmable thermostat
- Reclaimed cedar forms the sink countertop, with hand-forged iron brackets for support
- Newport Brass wall-mount faucet and American Standard vessel sink add to the contemporary but rustic theme
- Wall lanterns with blown-glass globes
- Custom recessed medicine cabinet with traditional turn-latch hardware
Photography: Todd Hafermann