This homeowner wanted the walk down into her condo’s basement to shoot her away — all the way to Europe. “The owner wished to create a comfy Mediterranean wine cellar appearance,” states Lisa Whelan of M.J. Whelan Construction. A string of elliptical archways different the spaces, and hot neutrals, tiles which resemble tumbled stone and Venetian plaster wall treatments give old-world style. Once a yucky concrete wasteland, the cellar is now a favorite spot for cozying up and entertaining.
Basement at a Glance
Who lives here: An interior designer
Location: Milford, Michigan
Size: Around 1,500 square feet
Maximum cost: $67,000
M.J. Whelan Construction
The homeowner is an interior designer, so that she had a good deal of the materials and finishes picked out before construction began. A ceramic tile flooring with a stone appearance, a French state–style dining table and chairs, along with a chandelier fashioned from green wine bottles increase the Southern European wine cellar look.
Chandelier: Pottery Barn
Before Photo
This cellar was a typical raw cellar space.
M.J. Whelan Construction
“The company has buddies over regularly such as cards, wine tastings and Bunko,” Whelan says. A bar with comfy bar stools between the dining area and kitchen provides a good perch for tastings.
M.J. Whelan Construction
There were two ugly egress windows in the cellar, so the group came up with a unique solution, which you may see on the wall on the left. “We created custom woodwork around them to make them look like double hutches and added stained glass windows, which the customer custom designed herself,” says Whelan. The natural light from the egress windows is enhanced by lights set behind them.
M.J. Whelan Construction
The space includes a kitchen. The top cupboards have LED lights indoors to highlight the glassware. Ceramic tile on the walls includes a tumbled-stone, Tuscan appearance.
Countertops: Corian
M.J. Whelan Construction
Elliptical archways increase the Mediterranean wine cellar appearance, create separate intimate areas and leave the general distance feeling spacious and large. In the press room, comfy overstuffed sofas confront the TV and fireplace.
M.J. Whelan Construction
The fireplace surround is limestone. Custom built-ins on each side offer space for media gear, books and display items. The once-unfinished underground distance now provides a comfortable haven for entertaining, wine tastings, games, meals and movie nights.