Turning a basement into a dream space is an exciting challenge, especially when it’s all about blending functional and personal touches. For a millennial family with a passion for plants and yoga, their previously underutilized basement space became the perfect canvas to create an “experience home” by incorporating elements of biophilic design. Let’s dive into how this transformation came to life with some creative and highly personalized design choices by Laura Watson, Development Manager at The Cleary Company.
What’s an “Experience Home” Anyway?
Think of the “experience home” as creating spaces that go beyond just looking good. It’s about designing rooms that feel good to live in—places where you can practice yoga, host friends, and even grow your favorite plants. Instead of just filling rooms with stuff, it’s about crafting spaces that fit your lifestyle. This idea shaped every inch of the basement, from multifunctional spaces to cozy corners for relaxation.
Bringing Nature Indoors with Biophilic Design
If you love plants and crave a connection to nature, biophilic design might just be your jam. It’s all about weaving natural materials, greenery, and light into your home to create a calming vibe. This basement redesign went all in on these principles, creating a fresh and rejuvenating environment perfect for yoga sessions and quality family time.
The Design Details That Make it Shine
Laura Watson sprinkled magic throughout this basement remodel with thoughtful, functional, and stylish design choices. Here are the highlights:
1. White Oak Quarter Sawn Cabinetry
White oak isn’t just beautiful; it’s built to last. The quarter sawn cut—a technique where the log is cut into quarters and sliced—brings out a stunning straight grain pattern. Plus, it’s super durable. “This method not only adds a sleek look but ensures the cabinetry can handle daily wear and tear,” Laura Watson explains. Bonus: it’s a timeless choice that’ll never go out of style.
Laura also customized the cabinetry to suit the family’s needs, adding built-in storage for their yoga mats and plant care tools. This thoughtful touch ensures the space is as practical as it is beautiful.
2. Bold Green Black Trim Color
Want to make a space feel modern and bold yet cozy? Dark trim against light walls is a winning combo. “Using a deep, rich color like Sherwin Williams’ SW6994 Green Black creates contrast and highlights architectural details,” says Laura. It’s a simple way to add drama and depth without overwhelming the space.
3. Double-Sided Bookshelf
What’s cooler than a custom bookshelf? A double-sided one! This design move makes the most of the space, acting as both a room divider and a functional storage area. “We even hid a column inside a mitered white oak detail to make it feel intentional and polished,” Laura shares. Now that’s a clever design.
Laura also included shelving that could be adjusted to accommodate the family’s growing book collection and their love for displaying plants and personal mementos.
4. Kitchenette Meets Potting Station
Who says you can’t mix business with pleasure? This kitchenette doubles as a potting station, ideal for a family that’s all about sustainable living. “It’s a nod to creating a ‘green’ home, improving air quality, and encouraging healthy habits,” Laura explains. Perfect for plant care or grabbing a quick snack after yoga.
5. Bathroom with Bold Tile Design
This bathroom’s all about contrast and texture. The black tile wainscoting wraps around the room, making the space feel larger, while white tile in the shower adds interest. Laura says, “The gold fixtures and Schluter edging tie everything together with a touch of luxury.” And don’t forget the tile floor rug detail—a small choice that adds big personality.
Wrapping It Up
For this family, their love of plants and yoga took center stage. The design leaves plenty of room for lush greenery—enhancing air quality while creating a calm, restorative atmosphere throughout the space.
This basement remodel is a perfect example of how thoughtful design can transform an underutilized space into a personal sanctuary. By blending the experience home concept with biophilic design—and with Laura Watson’s expert guidance—this millennial family now has a basement that is as functional as it is beautiful. From durable white oak cabinetry to a one-of-a-kind kitchenette, every detail was chosen to support how they live today while leaving room for what’s next.
Experience the finished space in this video.
