Traynham - Wood Paneled Basement Redesign

Today I'm so excited to share a really unique project - a wood paneled basement redesign - where we kept the wood paneling!

It seems so often folks want to remove or paint over existing paneling. I have to admit that before this project, I probably would have been in that camp. However, after seeing the possibilities - I'm not so sure anymore!

This client approached me with a few requests: keep the wood paneling, incorporate a cow hide rug if possible, explore different types of flooring/window treatments and incorporate rich jewel tones (greens, blues, mustards, plum, etc.).

I have to admit, this was quite a challenge for me - I'm usually quite neutral! But I'm really pleased with what I came up with, and so was the client! She later wrote:

I am absolutely blown away! Like, jaw-on-the-floor blow away. It really feels like you nailed three very distinctive parts of my personal design aesthetic. I'm so pleased. You've done an absolutely amazing job ... Thank you again. I'm really in love with everything you've come up with.

As with all projects, I leveraged virtual design and 3D renderings to help the client visualize three different design concepts.

In the first, I gave her three distinct areas - a table/game area, couch/media area and kids play area. The shelves were used for kids toys and books. I added free-standing shelves on the opposite wall to house games near the game table. I painted the fireplace black, mounted the TV above it and installed sconces on either side. I incorporated the jewel tones via dark blue couch. The cow hide rug lived under the coffee table (though admittedly a bit hidden), and I placed large prints on the stairwell wall. I showed blonde wood flooring and blinds in this option.

In the second, I increased the couch/media area and incorporated some counter seating along the back wall. The shelves were still used for kids toys and books, though I removed the toy table. I painted the fireplace white, mounted the TV above it and installed a museum light above that. I incorporated the jewel tones via a emerald rug and throw pillows, which unfortunately meant the cow hide rug didn't make it here. On the stairwell wall, I showed three poster-type prints with more jewel tones. I didn't mean to suggest she should purchase three of the same print, but I liked the contrast between the tones in the prints and the rug/pillows and wanted to suggest she find a series of prints with similar elements. I showed beige carpet and long drapes in this option.

The third option was cozy, yet dramatic! I kept the couch/media footprint the same but showed a different layout. I showed the shelves being used for decor, with a bar cart in front. I painted the fireplace black, mounted the TV above it and installed more modern sconces on either side. This option did not have the jewel tones but had a large cowhide rug underneath the couch/media area. On the opposite wall, I showed a series of enclosed shelving to hide kids toys but showcased kids art above them and showed some kids play/art pieces in front of the shelves. On the stairwell wall, I showed a series of simple black and white photographs. I showed a knottier blonde flooring and no window treatments in this option. The most dramatic change, however, was the clearly the ceiling! Again, I thought it brought a cozy yet dramatic feel to the space and wanted the homeowner to be able to visualize that option.

The homeowner is now reviewing the renderings and will leverage the complimentary revision process to refine the concepts further to her and her husband's liking - perhaps she likes option 3 the best overall but wants to swap the decor for that shown in option 2 ... or maybe she wants to incorporate the floorplan from option 1 with the ceiling from option 3? Or maybe she wants to see tweaks to each design? She'll be able to request any of it in the revision phase, and when she's ready, I'll incorporate her feedback and return the renderings back to her within 10 business days.

Interested in re-imagining your own basement? Schedule a Meet & Greet with me today, and let's explore how I can help!

Goals

Reimagine a wood paneled basement while keeping the paneling itself
Explore three different design concepts, showing different colors, layouts, flooring, window treatments and decor