Project Profile: 55 Wareland Basement Remodel
When the clients at 55 Wareland moved from Europe to the United States and purchased their stately New England colonial, they knew they would need to do some work to make the house feel like a home. Although the house was new and fully updated, with hardwood floors, high ceilings, custom built-ins, and high-end finishes, the style was a far cry from what this family was used to. Their previous home was completely modern with sleek minimalistic décor, characteristic of European styling. They needed to bring a touch of their old home in to their new one. They called Masters Touch Design Build to take on a basement remodel to help them bring a touch of Europe to Wellesley, Massachusetts.
The project scope was to finish a basement and add a full bathroom. The clients’ intent was to make a space designed around modern European styling for their two children to play and relax—and hopefully feel more at home in their new country. This was not going to be the standard children’s playroom with bright colors and chalkboard paint on the walls by any means. Instead, the goal was to create a bright, multi-functional space for the kids to escape to that felt cozy and comfortable, but would not be outgrown. The basement was completely unfinished, so it was great to have a “blank slate” to work with.
To attain the desired aesthetic, a neutral color palette was established. We selected a creamy tone instead of a stark white, which allowed the space to be bright and modern, but still warm and inviting. Instead of the expected carpet or luxury vinyl on the floor, a large scale high gloss ceramic tile was selected. The large 24”x24” tiles meant less grout lines for a more streamlined and monolithic feel, which was exactly what the client was hoping for. To keep the tile from being too cold underfoot, Nuheat radiant in-floor heat mats were installed, so the floors can always be toasty warm. Adding this upgrade can quickly turn any cold basement in to a cozy retreat.
Lighting was another important factor in this project. We wanted to make this space feel like just another level of the house, and not a partially underground basement space. We doubled the amount of recessed lights that we would normally do in a basement of this size so there is plenty of bright light, especially with the light bouncing off the glossy floor tile. However, when it is time to watch a movie, all lights are on dimmer switches for optimal light control.
For the bathroom, neutral was the name of the game once again. The same floor tile from the main space carried in to the bathroom on the floor and around the glass shower surround for a continuous look and feel. A tan glass mosaic provided an accent in the shower as well as at the sink area. A Cherry wall-mounted rectangular vanity, plus the squared toilet and faucet add to the clean lines of this new full bathroom.
Ultimately, this space turned out exactly how the client had hoped it would. This finished basement is now a multi-purpose space for watching television, studying, playing the piano, and relaxing. By bringing some European flair to this New England basement, the family at 55 Wareland now truly feel like they are at home.
