For years, lower levels were seen as bonus space for a TV, game table, or kids’ hangout. This remodel takes a different approach. What started as a plan for a wine room and banquette became a chance to create something more meaningful. This space is now fully connected to the rest of the lower level and the way the family lives. It brings together conditioned wine storage, comfortable seating, recreation, and thoughtful details as a warm, welcoming destination for the homeowners and their young adult children.
Creating Wine Storage as an Experience
The defining feature of this remodel is the wine room. It is designed for both bottle and case storage while also serving as the lower level’s focal point.
An architectural black powder-coated steel door with insulated double-pane glass creates a striking presence. This feature maintains a visual connection to surrounding entertainment spaces. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the conditioned environment provides the temperature and humidity control necessary to properly preserve the homeowners’ collection.
The balance between function and aesthetics is evident in every material selected. Storage is needed to perform properly, but it also needed to contribute to the atmosphere rather than feel purely utilitarian.
Custom cabinetry maximizes wine storage, while a durable Quartz countertop in Rugged Concrete pairs with a streamlined Chemmetal brushed aluminum backsplash to complete the design.
Personalized Details That Reflect the Homeowners
The remodel also includes custom features tailored specifically to the homeowners’ lifestyle, including a humidor drawer integrated into the cabinetry. Details like this help the lower level feel personal and thoughtfully designed.
Creating Connection Through Gathering Spaces
The custom banquette area anchors the space as both a gathering point and a visual connection between the wine room and the rest of the lower level. Matching beadboard paneling and trim frame the banquette, create continuity, and define a cozy niche for conversation and relaxation. Built-in seating enhances comfort and flexibility to support intimate evenings, casual family gatherings, and larger celebrations alike.
Designed for Multiple Generations to Enjoy
While the conditioned wine room served as the catalyst for the remodel, the broader goal was to create a lower level where family and friends would naturally want to gather. The homeowners envisioned a space where they and their adult children could spend time together, whether enjoying a glass of wine, engaging in a little friendly competition, or simply relaxing and catching up.
The remodel introduced a dedicated dart board wall that complements the foosball and shuffleboard tables already in place. The custom banquette table also doubles as a game space to further encourages conversation and connection. Together, these elements create an inviting social hub that balances activity and relaxation while complementing the warmth and sophistication of the wine room.
A Lower Level That Feels Like Part of the Home
More than simply adding finished square footage, this remodel transformed the lower level into a destination within the home. By combining wine storage, comfortable gathering spaces, and opportunities for recreation, this home feels connected, welcoming, and uniquely personal.
If you’re thinking about reimagining your lower level, we’d love to help you explore what’s possible. Reach out through our contact form to start the conversation.
Designers Krista Benton, CKBD, CAPS & Stephanie Kellenberger
Homes will favor softer, warmer neutrals to create inviting spaces. Creamy white, gentle taupe, and light greige will form the foundation of a room, while deeper colors will be used as accents. Forest green, navy, and muted wine colors give interest and personality to the home, as the main shell remains neutral and versatile.
Cabinetry has moved well beyond function and now plays a key role in defining a home’s style. Integrated cabinets read as intentional design, not just storage. In this space, a full wall of built-ins with a television, bar, and wine cooler anchors the living room and sets the tone. Mixed finishes add another layer, bringing depth and visual interest without feeling overworked.
Rather than chasing trends, homeowners are choosing details that feel lasting and considered. Handcrafted cabinetry, custom range hoods, and thoughtful material accents, like the polished nickel detailing on this cabinetry, read as curated and timeless. These choices add character while still supporting how the home is used.
The result is a thoughtful design that blends charm with purpose. As the construction photos reveal, a normal pantry that was once tucked away has become a showpiece that brings character and function to the kitchen.
The kitchen island effortlessly transitions between casual dining, food preparation, and ample storage. This powerhouse unit is smartly equipped with drawers, a dishwasher, dishwasher drawers, and even hidden compartments tucked away under the knee space.
The fresh approach to Biophilic design emphasizes a harmonious relationship with nature. It encourages a tactile experience, inviting a deeper connection to natural materials and the craftsmanship that brings them to life. There is an emphasis on natural lighting and opportunities to transition from indoor to outdoor spaces. While sustainability is important, the core focus lies in creating products that will endure, passed down through generations rather than discarded prematurely.
Modern kitchens are embracing a layered approach to fixtures that will supplement abundant natural lighting. 
