When our repeat clients reached out to chat about their basement renovation, we instantly got excited. One because we love working with them and two because we knew it wouldn’t be your average basement. In fact, the project turned out to be so stunning that “basement” doesn’t feel like an adequate term, hence the use of lower level. And once you see all the pictures you’ll wish this is where you were going for the Super Bowl this week!
This project recently won several awards including REMY Best of Show, REMY Gold & All-Star, and designKC.
Before the Remodel: Reimagining the Basement Space
At that initial conversation with Gayle Jagoda, our clients already had a pretty clear vision of what they wanted – a bunkroom, kitchen, full bathroom, custom-built ins, millwork throughout, and a wine room with a speakeasy vibe.
The basement was partially finished when our clients built the house about 10 years ago. There was a living area, small pool room, and a powder bathroom in the finished space. The remainder of it was unfinished. While the finished areas were usable, they were what you’d typically call builder grade - carpet, drywall, lighting, you get the idea.
Doors to pool room before
Pool before
Stair landing before
Living area before
Hallway before
Powder bathroom before
Before - wine room location
Before - bunk room location
Design Vision: Creating a Sophisticated and Functional Lower Level
Creating the ideal layout took several iterations. It was like starting with a blank slate, and Gayle and Leslie Hatfield worked closely with our clients to determine the perfect placement and size for each room.
The bunk room proved to be one of the more challenging aspects of the design. Our clients wanted to incorporate four beds, creating the ultimate sleepover setup. After exploring multiple configurations and using 3D renderings to visualize the options, we settled on a longer room with an L-shaped arrangement for the beds, achieving both function and fun.
The kitchen layout came together more quickly. They wanted it to be open to the living area and take advantage of natural light, so we decided to place it where the pool room had been, making it a central feature perfect for entertaining—especially during Chiefs games!
Basement Floorplan Before
Kitchen & Bunkroom Floorplan
Initially, we placed the wine room behind the stairs. However, through the design process, they decided they wanted to make it larger, incorporating a sitting area and giving it a dramatic entrance. We ended up using the unfinished space behind the powder room, turning this area into a true speakeasy-inspired retreat.
Wine Room Floorplan
Wine Room Elevations
An Elevated Look
From the very first conversation, it was clear this wouldn’t be your typical basement. The goal was to create a high-design space, featuring unique moldings, intricate woodwork, premium materials, and a fully custom look. Our client, with her fantastic design skills, had already started envisioning key elements. She thought through every tiny detail with Gayle from cabinet colors to knobs and light fixtures.
Construction & Execution: Transforming the Space
Project Manager, Brandon Brewington, Project Director, Jeff Penrose, and Master Carpenters Brian Cole and Randy Shepherd constructed this project into reality. Brian, Zach, and Randy built the bunk beds and installed every piece of woodwork. Their level of skill and attention to detail are what make this project so spectacular.
We love how sharing pictures of the construction process. They make it seems so quick and easy. The project actually took just over six months in construction.
Removing the pool room
Adding plumbing for full bathroom in basement
Walls removed and ready for framing
Bunk room framed in
Brandon Brewington during framing
Sam with Jason Wright Electric doing rough-ins
Family room & kitchen drywall
Wine Room drywall
Bunk bed construction
Bunk bed construction
Wood work details in family room
Wood detail in hallway
Kitchen cabinet installation
Painting
Brass rail install
Wine door installation
Showstopping Features: What Makes This Basement Unique
Lower Level Kitchen
The basement kitchen was designed to perfectly match all our clients’ wish list—and then some! It has plenty of storage, island, and hidden appliances. And oh, the marble…the marble! The perimeter countertops and backsplashes are honed White Mountain Darby marble.
The sink area is equipped with both a standard faucet and a filtered water faucet, and the sink is an undermount, single bowl silgranit in white. Above, the 10-foot-long shelves feature an unlacquered brass rail, adding a touch of timeless charm while offering ample space for storing larger kitchen items, blending functionality with design.
On the opposite wall, we designed a striking alcove framed by two floor-to-ceiling cabinets. Our client wanted to make a statement and choose to extend the marble backsplash all the way to the ceiling. Best decision! The space’s visual impact is just wow!
Above the countertop, we installed three floating shelves, each with matching brass rails, perfect for storing and showcasing our client’s spirits collection.
Our clients elected to have all the appliances hidden making for a beautiful run of white oak cabinetry. Hidden behind those panels is every entertainers dream.
Paneled beverage fridge
2nd paneled beverage fridge
Dishwasher drawer
Basement Living Room
The living room was one of the few previously finished areas of the basement, and while we kept its location at the bottom of the stairs—the heart of the basement—that’s where the similarities ended. From our first conversation, our client expressed a desire for a built-in area for the TV, along with storage. She shared a few inspiration photos, and wanted something truly unique.
We custom-designed and installed a one-of-a-kind entertainment space. The cabinet on the left offers ample storage, while the TV alcove is framed with symmetrical molding on both sides, creating a balanced and elegant look. We carried the same molding pattern behind the TV, adding depth and texture to the space, and enhanced it further by flanking the TV with decorative lighting fixtures. For the lower cabinets, we introduced a wire mesh detail on the doors of the exterior units, adding a touch of texture and character.
Bunk Room
This room is truly every child’s dream come true! The two custom-built bunk beds each feature a double bed on the bottom and a twin bed up top, separated by a central staircase for easy access. The twin bed, nestled under the window, has a built-in bookshelf at its foot for easy access to books and treasures. Our client knocked the selections and finishings out of the park with the playful wallpaper, bedding in pinks, and dark green sconces.
We crafted custom railings for both top twin beds using beautifully stained white oak, perfectly matching the single twin bed for a cohesive look. Since it’s a kid’s room it needed a little extra fun and we delivered that with a passthrough under the staircase—it's large enough for a small child to crawl through or to pass items between the two beds. It also doubles as a handy cubby for storing books, drinks, or small treasures.
Each bed is equipped with its own reading light, conveniently controlled with a switch, along with USB-equipped outlets for charging devices.
A New Basement Bathroom
This bathroom may be compact, but every corner is thoughtfully designed with high-end finishes. The shower walls are clad in 2x8 brushed Carrera marble, offering a sleek and timeless look. We added a spacious niche accented with a contrasting mosaic marble tile and framed it with marble for a refined touch. A second niche is located in the half wall by the toilet. The shower floor features the same blue-green hex tile used throughout the bathroom, tying the design together seamlessly.
The bathroom walls are finished with custom molding, adding elegance and dimension. The vanity, finished in the same rich stain as the bunk beds just outside, brings warmth and cohesion between the spaces.
Gold fixtures and accessories add a layer of sophistication, while our client selected crystal knobs for the vanity—the perfect choice for a little girl’s bathroom.
Powder Bathroom
Originally, this room had a simple design, but our client had a different vision for the powder bathroom, which also serves the speakeasy wine room. She envisioned a free-standing vanity with metal legs and is complemented that with a stunning brushed gold Moen faucet. The brass mirror is beautifully framed by double globe sconces.
Hallway
A standard hallway wouldn’t suffice for this lower level. In the client’s inspiration images, the hallways featured molding and overhead fixtures, so we took it further. We added molding on both sides, three evenly spaced ceiling light fixtures, and two wall sconces. The molding on the right side was intentionally designed to display artwork symmetrically.
When we heard ‘speakeasy,’ we knew this couldn’t be just any wine room. We went all in and designed a hidden door, and the client purchased the brass bear head with glasses as the unique hardware to open it. Crafting the custom door was a challenge—it’s flush with the wall to keep it 'secret.' It opens with a simple push, using no latch, and closes smoothly despite its weight. We carefully engineered hidden hinges and installed a magnetic catch. Inside, a dummy knob allows for easy closure.
Wine Room or Shall We Say Speakeasy
Step into the ultimate speakeasy—no secret password required (yet). But if there were, it might just be Studious Bear—the clever entryway to this hidden gem!
Our client had a wish list: fun moldings, a small bar sink, shelving for glassware, and cool lighting. We delivered that and so much more. Custom built-ins hide a paneled wine fridge, provide sleek storage, and even tuck away wine glasses in style.
The vibe? Dark, moody, and oh-so-inviting. We wrapped the space in Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore, from the walls to the trim to the cabinetry. Titanium brushed granite counters, brass fixtures, and black metal details keep things sophisticated, while custom molding frames the perfect spot for statement lighting and artwork.
And one of the best parts? As you step inside, you’re greeted by a show-stopping view of the wine room—locked, loaded, and framed by stunning three-pane windows.
We tucked the wine room on this side of the basement to make way for the ultimate cozy hangout. Our client went all in with custom banquettes, crafting the perfect spot to sip, snack, and unwind. Their go-to? A bottle of something special paired with a sushi feast—because nothing says “dream dining retreat” like great wine, great food, and a space designed just for kicking back in style!
It's happy hour somewhere, right? Ok, well it is here. Excuse us while we pop a cork on one of these amazing wines, sit back, and enjoy this sumptuous space.
Ready to renovate your basement to the next level? Contact Us and we can have it ready for next year’s Super Bowl!