A dated Upper Table Mesa basement was due for a stylish renovation, but it had a secret weapon…it opened out to a sunny valley. A lower level walkout, the side to the outdoors was broken as the doors didn’t open and the windows were undersized. We really unlocked its potential with simple, smart windows and doors. Once the indoor/outdoor experienced was corrected for brightness, utility, and views, we moved on to the style portion of the program. Our intriguing homeowners gave us a lot to work with.
Inspiration for the full downstairs remodel was unveiled through nostalgia: an heirloom stein collection, an epic vinyl collection, pictures with Mick Jagger, European travels, and prior homes in big cities. While old world materials helped inform direction, the design goal was a contemporary and timeless vibe.
From Old World to Bold Wood
These world travelers own multiple eclectic collections. Matchbooks from around the world, vintage toys, stacks of books, and hip mementos from a career in the music entertainment industry begged to be on display. One particular collection was especially valued: a beer stein collection from military parents who were once stationed in Germany. Our homeowner envisioned the steins showcased on glass shelves and appreciated the SoBo iteration of inset shelves with overhead lighting. His parents, now in their 90’s, love the idea that the next generation is caring for the steins.
*Use your cursor to slide the Before & After photos below
The stein niche is nestled next to a corner U-shaped bar. A live edge wood countertop’s story began at the Silver Dollar Saloon in Leadville. Our client leaned toward a thick, burled, dark mahogany wood, like the tavern’s. He reflected on his appreciation of the design progression. “Lisa and the team heard my thoughts but also came up with different ideas, which were simply better,” he said. “I would never have imagined a cut piece of wood still showing the bark, yet Lisa knew I spend a lot of time in the Flatirons climbing and trail running and thought the more natural approach would be more interesting. Once we had that wood component for the bar we used it again in recessed shelving for the steins. That really tied those two features together in a way I would not have imagined.” SoBo’s wood expert overlaid the bar over quartz for a unique installation. To remain in theme we installed bar back cabinetry mindful of an old wood beam support, hiding recessed lighting and a narrow wineglass cupboard.
Portugal to Colorado
Happy memories of Portugal layered onto the decor. Playful colors and patterns reminiscent of a recent vacation play out in tile surrounding the outdoor firepit and bar backsplash. Taking it a step further, a soft Mediterranean green spiral staircase leads from the walkout lower level to a main level deck. A tree-filled gully runs the length of their backyard. By adding an outdoor seating area with a firepit focal point, friends and family can blend indoor-outdoor living to take advantage of mild Colorado weather.
*Use your cursor to slide the Before & After photos below
Unique and Beautiful Storage
Collections, books, and memorabilia often teeter on the edge of looking cluttered. Solutions in this project included intentional display shelving with stylish doors. In the office, a textured panel elevated a traditional cabinet door. In the living area, shelves can be hidden by modular door panels on a sliding track, bookended by a stationary panel on the far end.
*Use your cursor to slide the Before & After photos below
A Portal into a Past Home
The homeowners previously lived in a house with a circular window in a staircase and mentioned how much light it cast. SoBo riffed on the idea and created a “porthole” light in the load-bearing basement stair wall. It was unique and a SoBo first – and complicated to build with LED pieces where we didn’t want diodes to show. Light softly beams to both sides of the stairwell.
Turning the Dial from Cold to Warm
Making the space feel cozy was as important as making it look inviting. SoBo installed radiant heat under the tile flooring which transforms the cold basement floor into the warmest most comfortable room in the house. We also updated the fireplace to make a focal point of warmth and hominess. Lastly we upgraded all the lighting and created subtle layers so provide vibey options for the homeowners to set whatever mood they’re looking for.
Come into the Light
We transformed a dim basement into a bright, welcoming destination. Bold colors blended with soft, while mixed patterns and textures nodded to the past in a modern way. We search for ways to exemplify homeowner’s personality and unique history in each of our projects, and this family gave so much for us to work with. The space speaks to their history and is more usable than ever; we raise a stein to that!
Now that Daisy made her way into a photo we’ll have to get her an agent.
Photos: Dane Cronin Photography