Layered Design with Energy and Character
Redesigned the entire basement for teen living & entertaining, new glass door to existing wine cellar, updated a portion of the main level flooring & the spiral staircase; new fireplace feature in the Living Room.
The renovation challenge
The renovation focused on rethinking a spiral staircase that spanned all levels while navigating structural constraints. The plan also opened the wall between the hallway and living room to improve flow while preserving traditional moulding details. A dark, heavily panelled family room added to the challenge.
The Family Room was fully panelled in cherry with a built-in bar & ceiling beams that made for a dark moody library-like atmosphere that was a bit heavy for the desired light & airy main floor.
The basement had a series of dated features that included a dropped t-bar ceiling, sauna, a red hot tub (ooh-la-la) and a 1980's entertainment bar. Only the sauna was requested to remain in place. Several features were required in the new TV/Entertainment space: a wet bar, a larger TV, a modern fireplace and some way to have the space feel "separate" but at the same time "open". We also needed to carve out a new bathroom layout with access from the main space and a new bedroom while keeping the existing sauna, adding secondary laundry facilities, creating additional storage space and developing a bedroom space with lots of room for a homework station and good closet space.
Reorganizing the laundry, bathroom & entry to the existing sauna were all on the table.
the family
New to the region, this family returned from California and purchased a home ready for renewal. The first phase focused on transforming the basement into a teen retreat and entertaining space, while exploring updates to the spiral staircase, opening the living room, and extending hardwood throughout the main level.
The Pioneer Design-Build Solution
After exploring major staircase changes, the solution focused on refinishing the existing structure with a new railing and updated treads, elevated by a statement light fixture.
Structural constraints also limited opening the hallway to the living room, so enlarged openings and a new fireplace feature created a greater sense of space while blending traditional and contemporary elements.
The basement was transformed into a complete retreat, featuring an entertainment bar, three-sided fireplace, partitioned living areas, and a bedroom with ensuite and sauna.
