Probably one of the most exciting parts of a project is seeing how the beginning influences the final outcome. From client discovery comes concepts and ideas for a space that both express the mood of a clients' environment and provides design solutions for its functionality. During our R&D phase, we generally compile a mood board of images that evoke the atmosphere we decide is best for the client.
For this cellar project (some of you may remember the initial two-part post HERE and HERE), we chose a wintery theme to contrast the warm desert sunset mood of the remaining brownstone. Snowy white capped mountains, piercing blue skies and the beauty of a cold environment translated to icy blues, shades of white and dark wood. The literal physicality of descending from a sunny space into a wintery wonderland was quite a fun concept to work with.
The sunken floor and weird angled corner posed an initial challenge, but we easily overcame that. Like a lot of our work, we maximized the cellar's functionality by combining a hangout area with room for a desk, an exercise area and significant storage, all playing into the unique qualities of the room.
Check out the photos below for the transformation from an unlivable concrete basement reminiscent of an abandoned public pool to a cozy multifunctional retreat.
We chose to install ceiling height cabinetry in that odd space to house seasonal items and the room's media equipment. The dark wood panel wall now hides the exposed pipes and brings a bit of drama and contrast to the space. The TV wall complements the dark wood panel and gives our clients a place to showcase family mementos. Lastly we designed custom storage boxes to house easy to access books, but more importantly to act as a barrier between the landing, now used as a play space, and the sunken living area.
Our mood board was definitely the jump off for what is now an intimate space with a cozy feel pratical enough for an entire family to hang out in or entertain in. What better way to get everyone in the family into that foreboding cellar space?
To see more of this project, click HERE.
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