Basement Reimagined

Basements in the 1940s were not intended to be used as livable spaces and this basement fully embodied that. This space was a challenge not only because of the water proofing that needed to be considered and the low ceiling height. Low piping that ran the home’s hot water from the boiler to the radiators, would have been very expensive to raise, let along relocate. A DYI add-on to the fireplace from a previous owner not only missed the mark, but proved an interesting hurdle as it would have been pricey to remove and risked damaging the original brick chimney. Dogwood Designs’ solution was to embrace the space by accepting the exposed piping, and giving new life to the fireplace by applying a German Schmear to the modern brick.

The space needed to serve multiple purposes, including solutions for storage, guest quarters and a possible playroom. This room now has a new life and combines comfort, functionality and charm.