The Klechkas bought this lake home to serve as a landing pad for their family get togethers. They wanted their grown kids to bring friends and spouses for weekends at the lake and they charged us with ensuring that the basement was eclectic, whimsical and fun. They asked for a few specifics: a British pub atmosphere, a wheelchair accessible bathroom and a bunk room with six beds but no actual upper bunks. Oh, and, they wanted the entire space to have a “wow factor.”

This renovation was unique for several reasons – this isn’t the Klechka family’s main home and this isn’t their main living space. We didn’t need to worry as much about timelessness and ensuring the space functioned well for day-to-day living. We needed simply to have fun with the design and ensure the functionality of the space focused on a wonderful experience for their guests.

I love knowing that their family will enjoy long days out on the lake and then gather here to rehash the day, play board games, and laugh together. That’s the good stuff. 

BEFORE

We had a completely different vision for this space (dark, moody, cozy) and some very specific ideas that involved a UK pub-style coffee and popcorn bar with beer on tap.

We started by taking out the old bar and removing all the old flooring and trim work. Then, we installed new floors and a radius bar with an additional bar/kitchenette along the back wall. Tucked behind the counter are new appliances, a new sink, and plenty of storage. On the side wall, we added a popcorn nook, complete with a popcorn machine, scooper and fun serving containers. 

In order to really lean into that old pub style, my artist friend, Buddy Whitlock, used a citrus strip method to give the new mirror an aged effect. The antique-style wall sconces, metal shelving and gold accents added more pub charm. Then, as a little surprise, we topped the keg with a personalized handle featuring a fighter jet in honor of Kenny and Sherry’s daughter who is in the air force. 

And, an iconic UK red telephone booth. Obviously, it can be difficult to get your hands on a real one, so Dave recreated an identical version. You lift the telephone and gain access to the secret room on the other side. More on this in the next section. 

On the opposite side of the room, we created a comfy viewing area where the Klechkas can gather for a game. The old shelving couldn’t accommodate a large TV. This built-in is much more modern and able to fit the larger TV, while still leaving some space for storage and décor. 

AFTER

SOURCES

Furniture | Howse

Sconce | Kichler

Ceiling Fan | Kichler

Flooring | Tarkett

Art | Shea Frakes

Bar Lighting | Anthropologie

Bar Faucet | Delta

Bar Sink | Delta

Beverage Dispenser | Perlick

Beverage Center | Perlick

Wall, Cabinet & Bar Paint Color | Benjamin Moore Dark Olive

Ceiling Paint Color | Benjamin Moore Simply White

Once you come through the secret telephone booth entrance, you enter this comfy back room complete with a large round game table, perfect for family fun. This used to just be a storage area, but now it’s a place where the family can hang out and play. To make the most of the room we added a built-in bench along the back wall for extra seating and added paneling and sconces to the walls for extra character. New flooring and dark paint make this room modern and cozy. 

SOURCES

Furniture | Howse

Sconces | Anthropologie

Rug | Turkish Trunk

Flooring | Daltile

Wall Paint Color | Sherwin Williams Urban Bronze

Telephone Booth Paint Color | Benjamin Moore Dinner Party

BEFORE

Sherry wanted to turn it into a bunk room with as many beds as possible, but without bunkbeds. In order to make it look less like a basement and more like a guest retreat, we cut into the exterior wall and added a window to let in natural light. Then, we removed all the old shelving to make room for built-in platform beds. The finished room can accommodate up to seven people. Since we don’t have a closet here, we added storage with built-in drawers, a bookshelf and these rustic, yet very functional, hooks Sherry had kept from her dad’s old barn.  

From custom millwork to textured wallpaper, this room is all about layering – layering of textures, material, pattern and color.

AFTER

SOURCES

Sconces | Kichler 

Beds | Amazon 

Flooring | Tarkett

Wall Paint Color | Farrow & Ball De Nimes

Ceiling Paint Color | Benjamin Moore Simply White

BEFORE

The new bathroom, with a zero-entry shower and plenty of space – as requested – for wheelchair accessibility, turned out spacious and modern. We continued the old-world, ecclectic feel here with an added touch of glamour. The combination of emerald green tile, gold accents and checkered flooring make you feel like you’re in a timeless luxury hotel. I love, LOVE this bathroom!

AFTER

SOURCES

Sconces | Capital Lighting

Mirrors | Amazon

Faucet | Delta

Shower Package | Delta

Shower Wall Tile | Daltile

White Floor Tile | Daltile

Black Floor Tile | Daltile

Runner | Turkish Trunk

Art | Buddy Whitlock

Wall Paint Color | Benjamin Moore Simply White

Walking out through the new retractable sliding doors, is the updated patio. The Klechkas asked for a grill and a griddle for making pancakes for breakfast. We were able to give them a decked-out L-shaped outdoor kitchen complete with a mini fridge, dishwasher, grill, and griddle – all facing out toward the gorgeous lake view. This is a beautiful space with plenty of space for a table where the family can eat and enjoy the outdoors. 

AFTER

SOURCES

Ceiling Fan | Amazon

Outdoor Kitchen Countertops | RTA Outdoor Living

Outdoor Kitchen Appliances | Coyote Outdoor Kitchen

Y’all know I have a mild obsession with all things British (yes, as I typed that out, I said it in my terrible British accent in my head 😆). So, when the Klechkas told us how much they love London and they wanted their lake house basement to feel like a London pub, I was alllllll over it.

One of the elements I love most about British design is that it can be eccentric and the goal is often to have fun with a space. That’s exactly what we got to do here with the hidden speakeasy, the layers of color and texture, and the moody tiles. This is now a perfect basement for gathering their people and having fun together.

Design doesn’t have to be serious and this project proves that. I loved it!