A Raw Washington Basement Gets Serenity Now
Neutral tones and custom storage infuse a family's newly finished basement with a restful air
Neighborhood charm and views of Puget Sound sold this family on their Washington house, despite their knowing they would soon need extra living and play space for their 6-year-old twins, a boy and a girl. The basement was in a way-too-scary condition for kids, but it had potential. They tapped interior designer Kari Hill of Studio Home to transform it into a serene space with room for play, storage and hosting guests.
Basement at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple and their 6-year-old twins
Location: Gig Harbor, Washington
Size: About 1,000 square feet; 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, plus family room
Basement at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple and their 6-year-old twins
Location: Gig Harbor, Washington
Size: About 1,000 square feet; 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, plus family room
BEFORE: The existing basement, with its concrete floor and objects falling out of the ceiling, was not exactly family friendly, and the existing framing would have created awkward closet-size rooms.
A photograph of the original Tacoma Narrows Bridge, which connects Gig Harbor to Tacoma, hangs in a recessed wall niche near the family room. Soft, extra-thick carpeting, with 8-pound padding underneath, is kid friendly and warm underfoot.
Carpet: Sparrow, Elegant Illustration by Shaw
Carpet: Sparrow, Elegant Illustration by Shaw
The serene color palette extends into the full bath. The cabinetry is maple with an onyx finish.
Tumbled slate 3- by 3-inch floor tiles connect the vanity colors to the beige walls. The counters are Mojave quartz. The shower is lined in 6- by 6-inch cream-colored ceramic tile, which Hill laid out in a brick joint pattern for added interest.
Cabinetry: Medallion
Tumbled slate 3- by 3-inch floor tiles connect the vanity colors to the beige walls. The counters are Mojave quartz. The shower is lined in 6- by 6-inch cream-colored ceramic tile, which Hill laid out in a brick joint pattern for added interest.
Cabinetry: Medallion
A sectional sofa in chocolate is also kid friendly and provides a comfy spot where the family can kick back and watch movies. Hill designed the media center through Medallion Cabinetry. "We used a maple wood with an onyx stain and chose Shaker doors," she says. "Because maple is so hard, it creates a nice wash."
The large photograph is also from Ikea. "We also drywalled a separate storage area, so the kids can keep their toys there and bring them out into the family room when they want to play with them," Hill says.
Cabinetry: Medallion Cabinetry
The large photograph is also from Ikea. "We also drywalled a separate storage area, so the kids can keep their toys there and bring them out into the family room when they want to play with them," Hill says.
Cabinetry: Medallion Cabinetry
"My client wanted serene tones in grays, tans and blacks," Hill says. The client then chose these coordinating botanical photographs from Ikea to add to the calm feel.
Wall paint (used throughout the basement): Balanced Beige, Sherwin-Williams; photographs: Ikea