How to Transform a Storage Basement into an Entertainment Oasis

November 08, 2018

This beautiful family home in Lawrence Park has been immaculately maintained and restored over its 90 years. A large original front door opens up to a marble foyer built for entertaining. This family of 4 with 2 teenage girls moved into this home in 2014. It was their dream home; the open floor plan, main floor office, resort like backyard, pool and pool house was just what this family was looking for. A large kitchen is situated between a bright window nook for family dining, and a cozy fireplace.

With the girls growing out of the toys phase, this family enjoyed board games and movie nights together. They wanted a room that was classy, inviting and highly functional. The basement was the obvious place to create this, but like many of our homes, the basement was  “where furniture goes to die.”  A mismatches collection of old furniture, a non-functioning fireplace and obstructive bulkhead were all obstacles that stumped my client.

With a healthy budget of $35k, we wanted to maximize seating and create 2 separate spaces for movie watching and games. The walls were painted a deep warm grey with Benjamin Moore Platinum Grey  HC-179. In order to maximize the clarity of the projector image, we installed black-out roller blinds on the windows, and painted each window well an equally dark inky grey with Benjamin Moore’s Raccoon Fur 2126-20.  The same paint was then repeated on the baseboard, window frame and door frames. The feature wall hits a huge impact with a Cole & Sons Fornasetti Mural.

We decided to keep the existing tile floor, but remove the fireplace.  A large piece of remnant broadloom was cut to size to cover the tile floor, with a thick underpad for a soft and warm feel.  My 5 year old tested it out for “squishyness,” of course. He approved and declared that this carpet was “very fast!”.

4 wall sconces were added for subtle lighting during movies. Beautiful cabinetry sourced from Sunpan created separation between the two areas, as well as a larger sideboard under the window that miraculously was within 2” of the available space. This addition saved us budget that was originally allocated for a built-in custom solution. 

In order to maximize comfortable seating, as well as accommodate the bulkhead and projector hanging from the low ceiling, we designed 2 sectional sofas with the perfect dimensions. Finished in a rich yet practical textured velvet, these sectionals can withstand years of butter popcorn fingers.

Finishing touches are my favorite part! Large 60” ottomans were custom made to provide foot rests for each sectional, and can also be pushed together easily for entertaining. We played with texture and pattern in the oversized, feather stuffed toss cushions. Lastly, using a colour palette of black, ivory and gold, we strategically placed lamps, wall art and a few bits of whimsy.

Completed over the course of 5 months this spring, we are just waiting for our invitation for a winter movie marathon!

Item Source

Table – Elte MKT

Chairs – Elte MKT

Sideboard and cabinets – Sunpan

Ottomans – Custom by Mint Decor

Sectional Sofa – Custom by Mint Decor

Wall Sconce – Elte MKT

Table Lamps – Flow Decor

Toss Cushions – Custom by Mint Decor

Carpet – The Carpet Mill

Small C-Side table –Sunpan

Wallpaper – Avenue Interiors, Cole & Sons