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Brookfield Lower Level Remodel
Project Details

Project Year: 2023

Location: Brookfield

Updates Included: Remodel

Rooms: Basement

Features:

  • Stylish Bar with Hidden Storage
  • Spacious Full Bathroom
  • Ample Storage Solutions
  • Egress Window for Safety & Light 

From Forgotten Space to Family Haven

Imagine turning a cold, lifeless basement into a warm and inviting retreat where memories are made. For our client, this lower level remodel wasn’t just a renovation—it was a reimagination of how a home can bring people together.

A Vision for More

Our clients loved their home but couldn’t overlook the wasted potential of their unfinished basement. Dark, cluttered, and disconnected from the rest of the house, it lacked the warmth and functionality they desired. They envisioned a bright, multi-purpose space where family and friends could gather—so we helped bring that vision to life.

Thoughtful Design, Seamless Integration

The goal was clear: create an open, versatile space that felt like a natural extension of the home’s main floor. Key features included:

  • A stylish bar for entertaining

  • A cozy play area tucked under the stairs

  • A modern bathroom with spa-like details

  • Transitional design elements to elevate the entire space

From the initial consultation to the final touches, every decision was made with intention. We incorporated the client’s style preferences, featuring white oak cabinetry, brass accents, and soft, neutral tones for a timeless appeal. An egress window was added for natural light and safety, while HVAC ducts were strategically relocated to maximize ceiling height. To enhance the sense of openness, we redesigned the stairwell, creating a seamless connection between floors.

A cozy living room with a large TV, sofa, modern armchair, wall art, and ambient lighting, creating a relaxing atmosphere.

A Stunning Transformation

The results were breathtaking. A sleek bar with hidden storage became the heart of the space, perfect for entertaining. The whimsical play nook delighted the kids, offering a cozy hideaway. The spa-inspired bathroom with brass fixtures provided a luxurious touch, while the family room became the ultimate spot to unwind, host guests, and create lasting memories.

More Than a Basement—A True Extension of Home

This Brookfield lower-level remodel transformed an underutilized space into a beautiful, functional part of the home. By blending smart design, high-quality materials, and thoughtful details, we created a warm, welcoming environment that will be enjoyed for years to come. Whether gathering for movie nights, hosting friends, or simply relaxing, this lower level now serves as a true extension of the family’s lifestyle.

From Start to Finish

An empty basement with exposed pipes and beams, white walls, concrete floor, small window, and fluorescent light fixture hanging from the ceiling.
Before
A modern kitchen nook with wooden cabinets, a small fridge, marble backsplash, decorative plant, and landscape painting, framed by two doors.
After

Before

  • The previous lower level was an unfinished area showing off small glass block windows, ductwork, and steel.
  • The cold unconditioned basement needed to be transformed into a warm and comfortable space.
  • There was a basic block foundation, very little to no natural light, and only industrial overhead lighting with no appeal.

After

  • The new dry bar fits in between two closet doors and features Plato inset cabinets and ¼” reeded drawer fronts.
  • Cabinet hardware in a Champagne finish ties in the decorative sconce over the bar.
  • 3cm “Tiffany Gold” quartz countertop by Envi is shown with a polished finish and double pencil edge.
  • The quartz backsplash's movement matches the countertop. A quartz shelf is featured above for décor display .

Before

  • The electrical panel corner needed wire management and cleaning up old wiring.
  • Existing HVAC vent was visible.

After

  • The new family room offers convenient access to the new lower level bathroom.
  • The space is made for entertaining and an extension of the 1st floor.
  • Karastan “Astonishing Beauty Fine White” carpeting offers a soft and quiet environment to finish off the new space.
A basement room with exposed beams and a foosball table. Visible ductwork and wall-mounted electrical equipment are present, with no exterior windows.
Before
A cozy living room with a large TV, sofa, modern armchair, wall art, and ambient lighting, creating a relaxing atmosphere.
After

Before

  • The electrical panel corner needed wire management and cleaning up old wiring.
  • Existing HVAC vent was visible.

After

  • We were able to conceal the electrical panel behind a custom face frame with doors from Plato Woodwork matching the Bar cabinetry.
  • New soffits were created to conceal the existing ductwork while maintaining a maximum headroom.
  • Recessed lighting illuminates the space brightly.
A utility room corner with multiple electrical panels, tangled cables, and a red light, attached to white brick walls and a wooden beam ceiling.
Before
A cozy living room with a gray sectional sofa, colorful abstract painting, and modern furniture, creating a relaxing atmosphere.
After

Before

  • The previous unfinished basement featured a basement window but no egress for safety.
  • The clients desired a lower level that was safe for their family and for entertaining guests.
  • They wanted sufficient lighting that made the room feel like the first floor and not like a dark basement.
  • They also wanted the floor to not be cold and wanted plenty of forced air ventilation to keep the space conditioned in winter time.
An empty basement with exposed pipes and beams, white walls, concrete floor, small window, and fluorescent light fixture hanging from the ceiling.
Before

After

  • We created a bar, Egress window, and Family Room.
  • Plenty of room for entertaining and movement from space to space.
  • A comfortable space was created with soft carpet for children to play as well as parents to socialize.
  • PVC pipes and steel post were contained in the drywall soffit and space seen here.
Spacious modern living room with a large L-shaped sofa, abstract artwork, a coffee table, and a kitchenette with wood cabinets and beige carpet.
After

Before

  • The old staircase was visually unappealing and too closed in.
  • The clients desired better lighting and a more open space.
  • The existing stairwell was completely closed off in a long corridor to the lower level.

After

  • The new open stairs feature white oak handrails with rosettes, 4” newel posts and painted stringer.
  • Iron balusters in satin black finish.
  • An arched accent pocket door adds a unique design element under the staircase.
  • The side of the stairs features an arched “hobbit” door for the kids to play.
  • The now open staircase makes it a smooth transition from the 1st floor and adds a feeling of spaciousness to the basement
View of an unfinished basement with exposed beams, concrete floor, metal support beams, and a visible furnace along a partially constructed wall.
Before
A modern interior with a staircase, arched doorway, and art on walls. Console table holds lamp and plant. Cozy, neutral decor.
After

Before

  • An unfinished basement used for storage

After

  • We created a new bathroom by relocating a 4” pvc stack and floor drain.
  • A Kohler Ensemble shower enclosure features multiple shelves and Kohler Vibrant Brushed Bronze fixtures.
  • A vanity in Rift Cut White Oak by Plato Woodwork is complemented by a “Tiffany Gold” Envi quartz countertop and an undermount sink with widespread faucet.
A dimly lit basement with exposed beams, scattered boxes, chairs, and shelves filled with storage items. No recognizable landmarks or historical buildings.
Before
Modern bathroom with wooden vanity, circular mirror, and green walls. Features minimal decor and geometric flooring, creating a clean, elegant design.
After
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Outcome & Client Impact

The family’s home is now complete—a true haven where every square foot is purposeful and inviting. Whether it’s hosting game nights, playing with the kids, or enjoying a quiet moment, the basement has become the most loved and used area in their home. And the investment added significant value to their property, proving it was as wise financially as it was emotionally.

An alcove features framed artwork with a brass picture light above. Near it, a potted olive tree adds a touch of nature.
Basement window view showing an enclosed window well with a stone wall and a metal grate cover, allowing limited light into the space.
Wooden cabinets with a small beverage fridge, vase, and painting. Elegant lighting above. Soft carpet floor and closed doors on each side.
A kitchen features wooden cabinets, a marble backsplash, a mini fridge, artwork, and a vase with greenery under elegant lighting.
Modern kitchen scene with wooden cabinets, a small fridge, decorative plant, wall art, and dual overhead lighting, creating a cozy atmosphere.
Minimalist interior with a green arched doorway, light decor, carpet, wooden chair, and potted plant on a red table. Calm ambiance.
Bright interior with stairs, a wooden console, lamp, potted plant, artwork on walls, and arched doorway. Soft lighting and neutral colors.
A modern interior with a staircase, red table, lamp, potted plant, and artwork depicting a historical city scene on the wall.
A modern, carpeted hallway features a small, green arched door under a staircase, with framed artwork adorning the white wall.
Modern bathroom with wooden cabinetry, round mirror, and glass shower. Green walls, marble-patterned floor, minimalist decor, and elegant fixtures create a serene atmosphere.
Modern bathroom with green walls, circular mirror, marble countertop, wooden vanity, glass-enclosed shower, and brass fixtures. Simple, clean design with organized shelves.
Modern bathroom with wooden vanity, round mirror, and green walls. Features white countertop, plants, wall sconces, and a walk-in shower.
A modern living room features a sectional sofa, large TV, artwork on walls, cozy armchair, round coffee table, and soft ambient lighting.
A cozy, modern living room with a large gray sectional sofa, abstract painting, and wooden cabinets, creating a simple and inviting atmosphere.
A modern basement features a large sectional sofa, abstract artwork, beige carpeting, and a wet bar with light wood cabinetry and a mini-fridge.
A closed window in a room reveals a stone window well with a mesh cover, providing limited natural light and view.

“S.J. Janis was phenomenal. They were meticulous, attentive to our needs, and we built fantastic relationships with their team. The finished project exceeded our expectations, and the entire process was a pleasure. We highly recommend them!”

Dream Big. We’ll Handle the Rest.

S.J. Janis Company stands ready to bring your vision to life with unparalleled expertise and a commitment to excellence. Contact us today to discover how we can turn your dream home into your real home.
A modern living room features a sectional sofa, large TV, artwork on walls, cozy armchair, round coffee table, and soft ambient lighting.
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Dream Big. We’ll Handle the Rest.