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[Oznell]

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. 

[Mz iMac]

@Oznell   

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

[Critter Friend]

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.

[zitawins]

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

[We rescue cats]

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

[lynnie61]

@Oznell   Love this.  Very nice!  

[just bee]

Now that's a successful makeover.

[DREAMON]

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!

[DSD2]

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.

[kindred cats]

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