The basement in Jen and Paul Palguta’s home in Diamond Run walks out to the back yard, rewarding guests with a stunning view of a golf course. Now, what was an ordinary basement is an extraordinary space, featuring an almost full kitchen and wine bar along with a comfortable, homey place to entertain.
Maximizing space
The homeowner’s goal was to be able to create a living space on the lower level, both as a hub for entertaining friends as well as for family time. Not having to go up and down the stairs to the main kitchen was essential. “We wanted something with a modern and comfortable atmosphere, where we can enjoy the yard, basement, and host people easily,” Jen says. The designer had to do a little reconfiguring of the downstairs space, making sure to use every square inch. “We were short on space and laying it out in the most creative way — including making use of space underneath the stairs and every little corner of the space — was the key to it being successful,” says Levant. She kept the original powder room and coat closet but moved things around to create a comfortable lounge featuring a spacious living area with ample seating and a new LED fireplace. “The fireplace is striking visually, but also provides important supplemental heat in winter. That is a nice addition to the project that solved a problem and creates a lot of ambiance,” Levant says. The area also contains a table banquette, perfect for eating, playing games or watching television.
Modern Conveniences
The basement-level kitchen has everything that a full kitchen has other than a cooktop, but Palguta doesn’t miss it. She especially loves her Wolf warming drawer, which she said keeps food crisp and fresh for as long as needed. “It truly keeps food the way it is supposed to taste. I can get ready for a party, put food in the drawer and I can pull it out and it will taste like I just made it,” Jen says. She also appreciates her Bosch dishwasher, as dishes emerge “perfect and super clean.” The kitchen also contains a microwave and a full freezer and refrigerator, in addition to plenty of space for food preparation and storage for both food and beverages, including a space for wine preservation.
A transitional modern kitchen design
Palguta wanted clean lines in a space that combined modern elements with all the comforts of home. This was accomplished in part by the integrated appliances and a subdued color scheme. The Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer is fully integrated and is paneled with high-gloss bronze. “We love integrated refrigerators because you don’t know you’re looking at appliances,” says Levant. “The appliances can take on a furniture-like appeal visually, which was very important to the success of the design. The convenience pantry also is integrated and hides a microwave and blender. By hiding these in plain sight, Levant says they take on the look and feel of an armoire. And under-counter beverage refrigerators with glass doors are simultaneously hidden away while convenient to access. A sink area is nestled in an alcove. The waterfall island blends elegance with practicality. The perimeter is natural granite with a wavy texture, while the island countertop is quartzite. Levant refers to the finished product as transitionally modern. “It has a sophisticated color palette with bronze and espresso and natural marble surfaces. The materials are very muted so that they feel restful and not severe. That is what warms the space,” she says, adding that in a basement the use of warm tones helps to make the space feel welcoming. Lighting choices add to the feeling of warmth, such as the bronze fixtures, which reflects light, as well as the metallic textured wallpaper. The metallic subway tile is iridescent, flashing different colors depending on your position in the room. And it is no coincidence that the chandelier over the island is reminiscent of champagne bubbles, as it serves as a reminder to celebrate happy events. “This is a piece that defines the space and yet doesn’t take up a lot of visual room,” says Levant. “It gives it an elegant and striking look.” She added that the basement feels modern and classy and is reminiscent of something you might find in a Manhattan high-rise apartment.
