With eyes on the games, one Johnson County family is thoroughly enjoying their fresh new entertainment area.
Story by Gloria Gale | Photos by Matt Kocourek
It’s really a blessing when interior designer, Kathleen Ramsey works with a client that has a clear vision what she wants.
Amber Goering had her ideas firmly in place for quite some time before finding Kathleen online. “Actually, I wanted a collaboration between me and Kathleen in order to make this basement a reality,” she says recalling the partnership forged throughout the course of the four month build-out.
According to Amber, the goal would be to provide stylish furnishings with an emphasis on comfortable livability for a basement family room.
The Goering’s two story Johnson County home, elegantly designed with Amber’s modern, glamourous style, would easily transition into the lower level.
Considering Amber’s husband, Craig officiates college football, one factor for the design would center on a place to watch sports.
“In fact, it was Amber who wanted an 84-inch TV, a nod to her commitment to the game,” says Ramsey.
No Doldrums Downstairs
To unify the expansive 29-foot x 14-foot basement area, a softly colored mid-gray was chosen for the walls.
This color would showcase the furnishings clean lines. Amber extended the neutral palette, choosing a vinyl laminate plank for the floor evoking the charm of weathered wood. “A good choice for a basement since it’s so durable and stain resistant,” says Ramsey.
Amber did her homework envisioning a conversation area centering on a white, stacked stone fireplace.
“The chiseled stone wall with its inherent texture provided the perfect accent and contrast for the sleekly modern fireplace. It turned out so nicely, we added another stacked stone wall in the bar area,” says Ramsey.
With the entertainment center as a focal point, the room’s furnishings consist of a comfortable and generous 148-inch sectional in a gray poly-blend fabric and nail head trim.
“The sectional is big, (it was really hard to get down the stairs) but we probably won’t run out of seating,” says Amber also noting the crisp-patterned black and white swivel club chair opposite the sofa that’s equally inviting.
Fronting the sofa, two faux Ostridge textured ottomans double as a storage unit, as well as a footrest or ready-made coffee table.
Anchoring the entire conversation area is a shaggy, 15-foot x 15-foot carpet square. By adding the soft texture from the carpet coupled with the paneled linen drapes, the décor automatically conveys a warm, cozy feel,” says Ramsey.
Accessories were selected that added a punch of color and/or to accentuate details. In this case yellow was the go-to accent and furnishings, in particular two miss-matched side tables add variety.
“Because this was a basement, you have to deal with existing structural elements. I have to credit Kathleen with her creative approach to enclosing the support beam that was an elephant in the room. She designed the see-through shelving unit as a practical design feature,” Amber says.
Conveniences Within Arm’s Reach
The bar, outfitted with accoutrements including a dishwasher, oven, under cabinet fridge and a 60-inch TV, add functionality to the entertainment center.
Ramsey used two styles of bright, white Cambria quartz to surface the countertops, finishing the bar top with a waterfall edge for distinction. The area is complemented with three stools nattily slipcovered in gray linen that Amber found at Restoration Hardware.
Within steps from the bar is a fully equipped 4-foot x 8-foot wine cellar.
“Once again, we used the chiseled stacked stone on one wall then outfitted the opposite wall for wine storage. The white wall expands the small space visually,” says Ramsey.
Completing the basement’s creature comforts, a smartly designed bathroom utilizing a clear, vessel sink atop a cantilevered vanity.
Ramsey wanted something different so she floated the cabinet and used under cabinet lighting.
Nearby, the sparkling shower features white, subway tile, a large rain showerhead and a recessed shelf for bath accessories.
“Overall, the entire basement concept was interpreted to my aesthetic. There’s nothing better than coming downstairs, lighting the fireplace and enjoying the space. It’s my happy place,” says Amber.
The family room is now cozy and comfortable conveying a dramatic, welcoming impression.
Resources
Project Designer: Ramsey Interiors | Builder/Contractor: About Time Remodeling | Countertops: Trendstone | Furniture: Ramsey Interiors | Light Fixtures: Murray Feiss | Paint: Sherwin Williams | Plumbing Fixtures: Kitchen and Bath by Briggs | Tile: Premier Distributing | Window Coverings: Ramsey Interiors
