JEFFERSON DRIVE LOWER LEVEL RENOVATION
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Thoughtfully Reimagined: A Lower Level Retreat
This comprehensive lower-level renovation reimagined every inch of space—blending thoughtful spatial planning, structural problem-solving, and layered interior design to create a warm, curated retreat for everyday living and entertaining.
What began as a dark, fragmented basement became an opportunity for total reinvention. The layout was completely reworked, including relocating a powder room and expanding it into a full guest bathroom. Beneath the surface, the 100-year-old structural concrete floor was failing, so the team hand-dug the slab down eight inches, replaced the accessible sewer lines, and poured a new structural floor. As a bonus, this process provided higher ceilings and a fresh foundation for the new plan.
The original staircase—narrow and unsafe—was removed and rebuilt as a wider, more gracious stair featuring oak treads with eased-edge nosing. Structural posts were strategically integrated into new walls for a seamless architectural envelope; one post was carefully shifted a foot to disappear fully within the staircase wall. The furnace was relocated from the center of the basement to a perimeter wall to maximize living space and improve flow. Updated mechanics include new gas, radiator, and water line manifolds, allowing each line to be adjusted or shut off individually. A wall-mounted instant hot water unit and water softener modernize everyday function.
Pocket doors provide privacy where needed but disappear during gatherings. The dramatically expanded laundry room—now nearly four times its original size—serves as a combined mudroom, storage area, and hardworking utility space with a folding station and generous wash basin. The former coal cellar, located beneath the exterior steps, was reimagined as a naturally cool wine cellar with terracotta pipe storage and a hand-applied concrete finish for a European sensibility.
The new layout creates distinct but connected zones: a kitchenette/wet bar, game area with custom banquette, and a movie room with wrap-around built-in sofas designed for both lounging and overnight guests. A palette of French limestone flooring, deep wood tones, and bold earthy hues—yellows, reds, greens, and blues—balances against soft historic whites and blush-taupe undertones. The furnishings and textiles bring soul to the space, from the collection of quilts and linens in the laundry room to the custom cushions in the lounge and media spaces.
The red wet bar, topped with a custom copper counter that will patina beautifully over time, anchors the entertaining zone. The bourbon collection sits proudly within the bar’s shelving, inviting guests to explore unique bottles gathered over the years. Layered lighting creates a warm, intimate glow for gatherings, with more functional overhead options for daily tasks.
In the guest bathroom, softly honed handmade floor tiles pair with crisp white wall tile, bringing unexpected brightness and refinement to a lower-level space. Art collected from travel and local vintage shops adds authenticity and charm throughout.
This renewed lower level feels cozy, curated, and truly one-of-a-kind—a space that celebrates craftsmanship, comfort, and the joy of gathering.
