topic Re: CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER in Home

CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER

Oznell — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 18:43:31 GMT

They made it cheerful, in a simple, English cottage style-- perfect for the space, I think--

They started with this San Francisco-area rough, unfinished basement below. At least they had taller than usual ceilings for a basement, and at least some of it was not or not much, under ground, a real plus:

The homeowners wanted a basement apartment as a guest quarters, and also for their own use. They got an architect to handle the structural problems, Jack Hotho, and a designer, Hana Mattingly.

BEFORE, staircase down to the apartment--

AFTER, staircase:

I like the way they boxed in all the visible pipes, and created that little bench and coat hook area, making it a true entry for the apartment. The reclaimed wood beam looks great too.

The use of strategic vintage mirrors throughout the space really amplifies light. Ditto the white paint-- while not always my first choice, I think the white used throughout here is appropriate, and brightening.

Kitchen:

Can't get over how much charm it has now.

Wasn't suprised that much of it was from deVOL, the fab English kitchen suppliers--

Living area--

Don't know if all of it is, but at least this part of the basement doesn't seem much below grade. They took good advantage of that, with doors to outside here--

Love all the soft textures used.

BEFORE, eek, office/study area--

AFTER, office/study area

Beautiful antique table becomes a desk--

Open shelves both provide storage, and let natural light pass through--

With the rest of the apartment so light, I don't mind a glamorous dark tiled shower--

They even went to the trouble of doing tall, vintage-looking baseboards in the bedroom, furthering the "finished" look in the apartment.

Of course, House and Garden UK doesn't enlighten us as to how much went into this transformation-- we just can be sure, a pretty penny. But a masterful job, creating something usable, attractive, charming, under the homeowner's house.

I'm envious. Our ancient basement ( or cellar?) is like their "before", only worse.

Re: CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER

Mz iMac — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 19:32:31 GMT

@Oznell

Those rooms are all above ground. Why are they considered basements?

Re: CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER

Critter Friend — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 19:39:55 GMT

It could be a walk out basement or a daylight basement. We have those here in Georgia. You can walk right out to the backyard. Depends on the slope of the lot.

Re: CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER

zitawins — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 19:55:47 GMT

@Mz iMac In my part of the world, newer construction calls them "lower levels."

Re: CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER

We rescue cats — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 21:41:25 GMT

WOW, they did a great job renovating it. Looks like they took full advantage of the site.

Re: CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER

lynnie61 — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 21:43:34 GMT

@Oznell Love this. Very nice!

Re: CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER

just bee — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 23:37:45 GMT

Now that's a successful makeover.

Re: CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER

DREAMON — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 23:48:56 GMT

I think it is very well done. I like the mix of vintage and more modern, I like the colors used, it's not over styled ...very nice!

Re: CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER

DSD2 — Sun, 23 Jul 2023 00:04:54 GMT

I think having the "basement' on a ground level (supported by the doors to the outside) is a huge advantage. It's (at least to me) just like a first floor apartment.

I like the idea of a white kitchen but don't care for the cup holders,the mirror on the ledge, the light bulb lights... Would have preferred a different color for the island. Seems too dark. That said, I do like the dark shower, different but quite elegant.

The reclaimed wood beam is one of several charming features and accents.

Re: CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER

kindred cats — Sun, 23 Jul 2023 01:40:22 GMT

I really love it, very simple and homey to me.

Re: CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER

QVCisFun — Sun, 23 Jul 2023 10:16:21 GMT

Love the long rail and the bell hanging from it, in the kitchen. Wonder if during an earthquake the movement rings the bell. Like the long shelf above the rail also.

It is fascinating that the kitchen sink has separate spigots for the hot and cold water rather than the water mixing through one nozzle. Illogical, Captain.

The House & Garden UK article calls this a "basement" redesign. Whereas an article in Dwell(dot)com calls this a "garage" remodel, and provides additional photos and information such as square footage and a floor plan ("Before and After: A Gloomy San Francisco Garage is Retooled as a Charming English Cottage").

oinRe: CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER

Oznell — Sun, 23 Jul 2023 11:47:22 GMT

Yeah, Mz imac, @Critter friend, and others interested in the basement question-- the term "basement" is very elastic. Walk-out basements are super desirable in my eyes.

According to the Appraisers' forum, a basement can technically be considered one, if even a portion is below grade, or if a portion is below the level of the front steps of the actual house.

That's what fascinated me about this one-- it seemed at least mostly, above grade. Yet, I wondered-- even if you look carefully at the first living room picture, where the couch abuts the glass doors, there looks to be a "step up" to walk out through the door to the yard. A few other places to me looked like there was at least a "step's worth" difference between outside and inside.

@QVCisFun , that's interesting that another mag called it a garage, but makes sense. Some old houses had bottom levels that were technically a little below ground and used as garages-- when you put your car in, you'd be slanting or ramping down as you drove in.

@Critter friend's point is important, that it can really depend on the slope of the lot. If you throw in the hilly San Fran area landscape, you can have all kinds of scenarios for above and below grade floors, I expect.

@DREAMON , you described it! I'm always susceptible to that calm, considered mix of vintage and modern, a look that seems to have evolved, not been thrown together at once.

Re: oinRe: CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER

jubilant — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 13:23:59 GMT

I love that they kept this basement apartment simple. One thing I really love the most in almost any home is that big woodwork. Something so quality in the way it looks.

We lived in a two-story home and raised our kids there. It was owned by a relative of my husbands and we had asked if they ever wanted to sell it to have first whack at it. We bought it. I imagine at that time (early 70's) that the house was 90+ yrs. old.

The wood in that house was so hard you could barely drive a nail through it! It was built with native wood which is older and much better quality then wood used today.

Re: CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER

manny2 — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 13:35:54 GMT

Very well done. They used high end materials for this renovation. I’m guessing they spent a small fortune.

Re: CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER

wagirl — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 15:24:59 GMT

Isn't it amazing what a few cans of white paint can do? Looks really great!!

Re: CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER

Puzzle Piece — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 16:43:08 GMT

when can I move in?

Re: CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER

shoptilyadropagain — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 17:02:26 GMT

I'm not a fan. I just don't find it visually interesting.

Re: CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER

shoesnbags — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 01:58:00 GMT

As someone who lives where there are no basements, due to the high water table, I have serious basement envy - any and all basements. All of that extra space!

Re: CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER

CANDLEQUEEN — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 13:04:19 GMT

Beautifully done, and not over the top. The style, I think would fit a good number of people.....

Re: CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER

Trailrun23 — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 01:17:24 GMT

I love this! I used to live in a basemnt rancher...it was a walkout.....to the garage. I really love seeing the antique table becoming a desk. I always like to see beautiful things put to good use. A wonderful makeover where money was no object, I would guess.