ORCHARD DRIVE BASEMENT RENOVATION
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Never underestimate the power of home’s basement. A well planned and thoughtfully designed basement space can impact a home’s flow, function, and organization, and therefore a family’s lifestyle, efficiency, and well, mood. That is exactly what this basement project has provided for this busy family of five. Before the renovation, a drop ceiling with florescent lights felt cramped and artificial, unlit storage spaces lacked easy access, laundry organization was minimal, carpeting was stained and unwelcoming, and a full bath was dark and dingy feeling. The family had high hopes for maximizing the basement space for storage, organization, and recreation. First order of business was to replace the 1923 home’s mechanicals. The old furnace and water heater were swapped for a small wall unit, significantly reducing square footage needs in the mechanical closet. The radiator system received a modern PEX manifold system, making the home’s radiators all manually adjustable from one location in the basement. HVAC ductwork was cleverly relocated in either storage areas or the perimeter of rooms so that bothersome bulkheads were avoided. Next, walls were reimagined to create two separate areas, a large lounging space with beautiful rich wood-look vinyl tile floor. A large wireless tv entertains family and friends tucked in an inset media center featuring a natural slab of soapstone and custom white oak Arrow Cabinet drawers, deep and wide enough to store games, favorite stuffed animals, gaming equipment, and extra pillows and blankets for sleepovers. A huge modular sectional is adjusted and readjusted regularly for guests, game play, and movie watching. The second primary area featured a large and generous mudroom and laundry room. Natural black slate set over radiant floor heat is both luxurious and hardworking. A locker system keeps family members organized and a tall closet stores winter gear. The laundry room is complete with plenty of cabinets, a vintage iron sink with drain board, and beautiful white oak butcher block counters to add warmth and a natural feel to the space. Finally, a hidden folding station, custom built into a storage closet, opens to a well lit and generous surface for folding. Hinged doors close to hide piles of clean laundry. Below the folding station sits open cubbies for rolling bins and woven baskets, all well used to streamline and simplify laundry for a large family. Finally the full bathroom feel like a spa retreat, used often by all family members after enjoying the backyard hot tub. The custom made soapstone sink adds drama and weight to the otherwise neutral finishes. This basement is the superhero of the home, collecting and effortlessly storing and organizing toys, sports equipment, shoes, coats, and even overflow kitchen necessities so that the rest of the house feels uncluttered and calm.
