Designing Downstairs: An Elevated Basement
When Amanda and Ben Hall approached JH Interior Design with their request for a new basement design, their ask was simple. Create a cool space where they could entertain, game, and that would draw the kids to hang out. They wanted to still have an exercise space and spare bedroom plus have it be a place to showcase some things they’ve collected on their world travels.
Ben had some inspiration photos that leaned heavily into a Scandinavian vibe with wood, black accents, natural materials and straight lines. Designer Dana Wear said it’s the perfect language for a lower level: calm, clean and inviting without feeling dark.
Kitchen + Bar: Moody Wood, Smart Storage
Cabinet finish. The rich, moody wood tone came straight from Ben’s inspiration images. Our painter created a couple of samples, and we selected the one that played nicest with the other finishes. It’s warm and great with black stone and brass.
Backsplash tile. We wanted a pattern that felt fresh but timeless. Scandinavian folk art often uses small, repeated motifs, so this geometric tile was a natural fit and quietly supports the bigger story.
Open vs. closed. Building partner Streamline Construction brought in Kim Shore Heideman with ShoreLines Design to design and draft the cabinetry, and she nailed the layout from the start. Functionally, the clients asked for a few key things: a spot to store liquor, roll-outs for easy access, a place to hide gaming equipment, and shelving for books and travel mementos. The balance of closed storage and open display came out just right.
That island. It’s meant for both casual dining and cocktails. It’s a true entertainer’s workhorse with room for plating, pouring and perching.
Lighting: A Little Drama, Lots of Layers
Island pendant with a twist. We had a funny moment here: the rod lengths didn’t align with the soffit vs. main ceiling height. One side would’ve been too short or too long. Streamline Construction had a custom piece fabricated to marry the fixture to the soffit cleanly. Problem solved and totally seamless now.
The sculptural star. The modern gold ceiling fixture (Visual Comfort) hangs over the game table and adds playful energy. We chose it deliberately for the sightline toward the fireplace. It gives you a hit of drama before your eye lands on the hearth.
Layered glow. Streamline added cove lighting above the rec room—a soft, indirect layer that’s perfect near a TV. Kim nearly always integrates LED strip lighting into her cabinet designs (love), and because this is a walkout, the back wall of windows floods the space with natural light. Bright, not basement-y.
Fireplace & Architectural Details: Pattern With Purpose
Amanda loves pops of interest and color, so we went all in on a patterned tile Dana had had her eye on for ages from Stone Impressions. Their patterns have that hand-painted quality and beautiful detail. Because the fireplace wall is a major focal point, it was the perfect place to be bold.
When it comes to texture and pattern, she likes to read where a client falls on the minimalism ↔ maximalism scale and then nudge just a bit beyond their comfort zone. The result feels personal and collected, not overwhelming.
Guest Bedroom: Cozy Scandi With a Color Moment
The spindle bed brings a classic-meets-whimsical touch, and its natural wood tone ties back to the Scandinavian palette. For bedding, Dana layered deep plum with botanical pillows—a move that pulls in the green from the bathroom vanity and the blue-green in the pillow pattern. “Bedding is my favorite place to play with color because it’s high-impact, low-commitment,” Dana said.
Fitness + Personal Spaces: Motivation on Display
The home gym’s star is the Kinetix carpet tile—a high-performance choice that rivals rubber flooring but feels warmer underfoot. The family’s medals and soccer scarves do the talking. Dana kept the envelope simple so those personal wins shine and the space still ties back to the rest of the level.
Living + Media: Tailored, Comfortable, Connected
The TV wall with its built-ins and perfectly placed display niches is Kim’s doing, guided by one very specific request from Ben: TV height. (We love a client who knows exactly where their sightline wants to be.)
For layout, a deep sectional anchors the zone and floats off the wall to maintain flow from bar to media area. There’s a clear path around the seating for easy circulation during parties, and plenty of cozy perches for movie night.
Don’t Forget
And finally, the basement bathroom also got an update. Inspired by a photograph Dana found, she had a custom vanity made in a striking blue and added cool metal accents. The bathroom feels fun and elevated at the same time.
If you’re planning a basement renovation
Spend time picturing how you’ll really use the space, then let your designer squeeze every bit of function out of it. And think of the lower level as an extension of your main floor—consistent in feel, but with standout features that call people down: statement lighting, a great island and one bold moment to anchor the story.