Remodeling Guides
Basement of the Week: Mediterranean Wine Cellar Style in Michigan
Drop in on a converted basement that evokes an old-world feel with its new kitchen, dining room and media room
This homeowner wanted the walk down into her condominium's basement to take her far away — all the way to Europe. "The owner wanted to create a cozy Mediterranean wine cellar look," says Lisa Whelan of M.J. Whelan Construction. A series of elliptical archways separate the spaces, and warm neutrals, tiles that resemble tumbled stone and Venetian plaster wall treatments lend old-world style. Once a yucky concrete wasteland, the basement is now a favorite spot for cozying up and entertaining.
Basement at a Glance
Who lives here: An interior designer
Location: Milford, Michigan
Size: About 1,500 square feet
Estimated cost: $67,000
Basement at a Glance
Who lives here: An interior designer
Location: Milford, Michigan
Size: About 1,500 square feet
Estimated cost: $67,000
This basement was a typical raw basement space.
There were two ugly egress windows in the basement, so the team came up with a unique solution, which you can see on the wall on the left. "We created custom woodwork around them to make them look like double hutches and added stained glass windows, which the client custom designed herself," says Whelan. The natural light from the egress windows is enhanced by lights installed behind them.
Elliptical archways add to the Mediterranean wine cellar look, create separate intimate areas and leave the overall space feeling open and large. In the media room, comfortable overstuffed sofas face the TV and fireplace.
Chandelier: Pottery Barn