Cue The Good Times - Kansas City Homes & Style

Chic Daylight Lower Level Is Fully-Stocked For Fun

Story by Rachael Hedgcoth | Photography by Matt Kocourek

When thinking of a lower level, one might not typically think of light-infused, effervescent environs.

But that’s exactly what can be found in this south Overland Park, Kan., home.

Construction on this spacious 3,200-square-foot Bluestem home was completed in early 2016 by custom homebuilder Austin Roeser.

But it wasn’t long before the new homeowners decided they wanted to finish off the additional 1,200 square feet in the story-and-a-half home’s lower level.

With grown children, the retired homeowners envisioned a daylight lower level that would serve as a recreational retreat for family and friends.

Original plans called for two bedrooms to be included in the space, but Roeser and the homeowners opted to modify plans to turn one of the bedrooms into an open billiards area and the other bedroom into a music room.

MERRY MIXING

One theme is perfectly evident in this luxurious lounge space: fun. Whether pool, poker, darts or crafty cocktails are on the agenda, this posh rec space delivers.

A smoky gray leather sectional is nestled in the heart of the lower level and offers cozy seating from which to enjoy the home theatre projector and expansive screen. Roeser said the room was specifically designed with the sizable screen in mind.

A recessed light tray framed by ornate crown molding and soft decorative rope lighting adds a dramatic touch to the main seating area.

Tucked behind the seating area, a bar complete with a sink, ice maker, dishwasher, wine chiller and microwave set the stage for cocktails and conversation. Tiered lighted bar shelving add visual interest while providing plenty of storage space, as well.

With additional seating thanks to two quartz-topped counters, bar stools and an adjacent poker table, guests don’t have to look far for a seat.

The bar area is topped off with tile flooring designed to resemble wood and four windows dressed in elegant wooden plantation shutters. The windows not only welcome a stunning amount of natural light into the lower level, but they also look out on scenic lake views behind the home.

A mirrored back wall imparts visual dimension to the bar space while also reflecting even more light. The gleaming quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, shades of white and clean lines combine in a fusion of functionality and classy sophistication.

Next to the music room, a three-quarters bath rounds out the lower level’s floorplan. Granite countertops, dusky tones, glass and tile lend spa-inspired splendor to the bath.

POCKET PLAY, FLIGHTS AND FRETS

With the handsome pool table and flat screen TV in the space originally drafted as a bedroom, there is no shortage of ways to spend leisurely time in this luxurious lower level.

The pool room’s drink ledge and six bar stools combine with colorful artwork and recessed can lighting to create an engaging ambiance.

Once the pool table is cleared, a game of darts beckons around the corner.

Cleverly hung on a mini sliding barn door beside the poker table, the dartboard cleverly conceals the electrical panel compartment behind it.

Word art on the wall defines precisely what this corner is for – whether it be in the form of 301, Cricket or Around the Clock.

As amazing as this entire entertainment space is, perhaps the most-loved space is the music room.

A player, collector and lover of all things guitar, the husband wanted a personal music space where late-night jam sessions would not infringe on anyone else who might be home.

Roeser created a soundproof room where tunes can be made, played and recorded, day or night.

Comfy seating and minimal appointments ensure that music is the main event in this room. Under a vibrant John Lennon’s watchful gaze, a variety of guitars and sound equipment pieces invite muse and melody to meet at a moment’s notice.

UNCORK AND ENJOY

“The homeowners did a great job with this space,” said Roeser of the luxe entertainment space. “The wife did all the interior décor for the entire house and they designed this space really well.”

An eclectic mix of charismatic artwork coupled with subtle décor and gray and white hues give this bright lower level a sense of anything but underground.

Whether it’s game day, movie night or poker night, the entertainment possibilities are endless in this customized rec space. All that is required is desire to unwind.

It seems the only thing missing from this picture is friends and family. And there’s the doorbell ringing now …