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Whitefish Bay Basement Remodel Spa & Sauna
Project Details

Project Year: 2025

Location: Whitefish Bay

Updates Included: Remodel

Rooms: Home Sauna Spa & Basement

Features: 

  • Custom white oak vertical slat walls with integrated hidden doors and storage

  • Finnish sauna crafted by Nordic Saunas with high-heat LED lighting

  • Steam shower and full spa experience with mood lighting and heated flooring

  • Dual-zone HVAC system with integrated Control4 smart controls

  • Upgraded 320-amp electrical service with new panels and an electric water heater

From Dark and Unused to a Private Luxury Retreat

What was once a dark, disconnected basement is now one of the most inspiring areas of the home. The homeowners envisioned a retreat that blended wellness, entertainment, and creativity, all tucked beneath their historic Whitefish Bay residence.

This remodel transformed underutilized square footage into a multi-functional sanctuary complete with a spa, sauna, steam shower, theatre, music room, gym, and mudroom. Every space was reimagined to support comfort, lifestyle, and daily routines, all while overcoming significant structural and mechanical challenges from the home’s century-old foundation.

Reimagining Space for Living, Wellness, and Connection

This project dramatically improved how the homeowners use their home. The old basement lacked function and flow, with low ceilings, intrusive mechanicals, and no defined purpose. The new layout reorganizes the entire level into well-planned, intentional rooms that enhance daily living.

A 320-amp service upgrade with dual 200-amp panels now supports the home’s electrical demands, while a dual-zone HVAC system ensures year-round comfort between the first floor and lower level. An 80-gallon electric water heater was also added to meet the spa’s needs, and it’s designed to activate only when needed, helping conserve energy.

A cozy, modern relaxation room with wooden lounge chairs, wall paneling, a pendant light, and an adjoining sauna featuring a wooden bucket.

Craftsmanship That Elevates Every Experience

Craftsmanship is at the heart of this remodel. Nowhere is it more evident than in the spa and sauna, where carpentry and technical precision come together to create a peaceful, immersive environment. Vertical slat walls hide doors and compartments within seamless lines, while the sauna — crafted in Finland — was installed with careful attention to detail in a challenging alcove beneath the front stoop.

Throughout the basement, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical teams resolved decades of mechanical complications. Systems were rerouted, ceilings were raised, and utilities were concealed without compromising comfort or accessibility. The meticulous workmanship ensures that every space looks beautiful and functions flawlessly.

Thoughtful Innovation Built into Every Corner

Innovation shaped both the design and the construction process. The spa includes WoodUp vertical acoustical panels that add texture, warmth, and sound control for a peaceful retreat. The Harvia Spirit heater, crafted in Finland, brings form and function together with a sculptural, wall-mounted design and rounded stones that elevate the sauna experience.

Lighting, sound, climate, and security all integrate through the home’s existing Control4 system, allowing the lower level to operate as a smart, connected extension of the main living space. From the steam shower to the theater room, modern technology supports comfort and enjoyment at every step.

From Start to Finish

Before

  • The basement spa area began as an unfinished utility zone with exposed mechanicals and no clear purpose.
  • Low ceilings, visible plumbing stacks, and scattered ductwork made the space feel tight and difficult to imagine as livable.
  • A recent renovation above limited access to cast iron lines, which required careful planning and delicate work to avoid damage.

After

  • The unused corner was transformed into a serene spa lounge wrapped in vertical white oak slat walls that add warmth and calm.
  • A dark painted ceiling visually disappears, letting the oak tones and soft lighting become the focus of the room.
  • Built-in speakers and lighting were seamlessly integrated so the entire space feels clean, quiet, and intentional, creating a relaxing retreat just steps from the new sauna.
A dimly lit basement with a water heater, pipes, exposed beams, and cluttered items in the corner, creating an unfinished, utilitarian space.
Before
A cozy, modern relaxation room with wooden lounge chairs, wall paneling, a pendant light, and an adjoining sauna featuring a wooden bucket.
After

Before

  • This corner of the basement functioned as a simple storage alcove with exposed framing, scattered cans, and no purpose beyond utility.
  • The sloped ceiling and unfinished walls made the area feel closed in and easily overlooked.
  • With no architectural definition, the space offered potential but lacked direction or character.

After

  • Warm Peruvian Chili paint adds a vibrant glow as you step inside, contrasting beautifully with the soft indigo carpet.
  • What was once a forgotten storage niche is now a playful, unexpected retreat—seamlessly concealed within the spa’s oak slat walls.
Wood-paneled room with pendant light and two loungers. Soft lighting creates a cozy atmosphere, ideal for relaxation. Vertical slats enhance modern aesthetics.
After
Cluttered room with paint cans on floor and shelf, unfinished walls, exposed ceiling beam, and boxes. Basement storage area with concrete floor.
Before

Before

  • The hallway leading into the future spa was a plain transition space with no architectural character or visual warmth.
  • Walls and ceilings lacked cohesion, and the mechanical room access point was visible and disrupted the flow of the basement.
  • Lighting was minimal, offering little ambiance and leaving the area feeling dark and unfinished.
  • Without integrated storage or thoughtful layout, the space served a function but offered no sense of calm or retreat.
Before
A cozy, modern relaxation room with wooden lounge chairs, wall paneling, a pendant light, and an adjoining sauna featuring a wooden bucket.
After

After

  • “Holiday Wreath” paint wraps the walls and trim, blending seamlessly into the adjoining bath and complementing both tile and woodwork.
  • The mechanical room is now hidden behind a flush Murphy door, perfectly aligned with the paneling so it disappears into the architecture.
  • The spa lounge features sculptural Alina alabaster lighting and adjustable wall sconces that provide soft, focused illumination for reading and relaxation.
  • A concealed storage nook, built into the slat wall, includes hidden shelving and an outlet to keep the retreat uncluttered and peaceful.

Before

  • This section of the basement was a basic utility room with unfinished flooring, fluorescent lighting, and leftover cabinetry that no longer served a purpose.
  • The space lacked insulation, ambiance, and the structural elements required to support a functioning sauna.
  • Mechanical limitations and low ceiling height restricted the layout and made the room feel closed in and strictly utilitarian.
  • With no defined use and no architectural features, the area had potential but needed significant reworking to become a relaxing retreat.

After

  • A fully custom sauna now occupies the space, complete with Wi-Fi–enabled controls that manage temperature, lighting, speakers, and ventilation with ease.
  • Heated Terranova Negro 12×24 tile runs throughout the sauna, spa, and water closet, adding comfort and continuity across the lower level.
  • Ambient LED lighting, tucked behind and beneath the benching, creates a warm, inviting glow that enhances the natural wood tones.
  • The reimagined layout maximizes every inch of the footprint, transforming a once-unused utility room into a serene wellness experience at home.
A small, undecorated room with bare walls. There is a cabinet with drawers, and plastic containers holding dome-shaped objects on the floor.
Before
A modern wooden sauna interior features warm lighting, benches, and a stone heater with a bucket and ladle for water. Calm and inviting.
After

Before

  • This area of the basement served as an open multipurpose room — part music space, part workout zone — with no defined walls or dedicated function.
  • The finishes were strictly utilitarian, with basic lighting, exposed layout lines on the floor, and no infrastructure in place for plumbing or ventilation.
  • While the space offered square footage to work with, it lacked warmth, storage, and any architectural character to make it feel connected to the rest of the home.

After

  • The once-undefined space is now a nature-inspired spa bathroom, anchored by a floating custom vanity in Pesto green with matte black hardware.
  • Taj Mahal quartzite adds warmth across the countertop, bench, and shower curb, while mosaic tile behind the mirror creates a sculptural focal point with tones and textures that reminded the client of mountain ridges.
  • A Kohler Purist faucet, coordinating sconces, and sculptural vessel sink complete the transformation, turning an unused corner of the basement into a calming retreat.
After
A modern bathroom with green cabinetry, round mirror, and stylish lighting. Features a white vessel sink and decorative tile backsplash.
After

Before

  • This portion of the basement was an open, undefined area used for storage, workout equipment, and miscellaneous household items.
  • The space had no plumbing infrastructure, ventilation, or layout planning that suggested it could ever support a full steam shower.
  • Its low visual impact and lack of architectural intent made it feel disconnected from the spa experience the homeowners envisioned.

After

  • This unused corner has been transformed into a luxury steam shower featuring a Kohler Invigoration steam head and Anthem controls in a Vibrant Brushed Bronze finish.
  • Multiple water options — including an overhead shower, handheld, and two body sprays from the Kohler Statement collection — create a fully customizable spa experience.
  • Quartzite Sand tile in a vertical half-offset pattern wraps the walls and ceiling, while 2x2 Adrock Shadow mosaic tile with Raven grout grounds the floor in texture and contrast.
A basement room with stacked boxes, a support column, rolled yoga mats, and gym equipment on the floor. Walls are painted white.
Before
Modern shower with glass door, chrome fixtures, and beige tiles. Wall niche features decorative tile pattern. Cozy, contemporary bathroom space, elegantly designed.
After

Before

  • This portion of the basement was an open, undefined area used for storage, workout equipment, and miscellaneous household items.
  • The space had no plumbing infrastructure, ventilation, or layout planning that suggested it could ever support a full steam shower.
  • Its low visual impact and lack of architectural intent made it feel disconnected from the spa experience the homeowners envisioned.
A spacious room with musical instruments, office chairs, and speakers. Boxes are stacked near a pillar; blue tape marks patterns on the floor.
Before
Home gym with a mirror, exercise equipment, water dispenser, and sneakers on the floor. Bright lighting reflects in the mirror.
After

After

  • This unused corner has been transformed into a luxury steam shower featuring a Kohler Invigoration steam head and Anthem controls in a Vibrant Brushed Bronze finish.
  • Multiple water options — including an overhead shower, handheld, and two body sprays from the Kohler Statement collection — create a fully customizable spa experience.
  • Quartzite Sand tile in a vertical half-offset pattern wraps the walls and ceiling, while 2x2 Adrock Shadow mosaic tile with Raven grout grounds the floor in texture and contrast.

Before

  • The lower-level space was unfinished and undefined, functioning as general storage rather than a purposeful bathroom or spa area.
  • Basic flooring, exposed framing, and scattered items highlighted the need for a complete reconfiguration before any fixtures or finishes could be added.
A music studio features hanging guitars, a drum set, computer workstation, chairs, and vibrant rug, creating a cozy and creative recording environment.
Before
Music studio with various guitars on the wall, electronic drum set, amplifiers, sheet music stand, gray armchair, and textured ottoman.
After

After

  • The new music room is designed as a dedicated creative space, featuring custom guitar racks that display the collection beautifully.
  • Low-maintenance LVP flooring in Coretec’s 7x48 Fidalgo Oak finish provides durability for heavy equipment.
  • A multicolored, richly patterned rug helps soften acoustics and minimize echo, making the space ideal for both recording and relaxed playing.
  • Walls and ceiling are finished in Chantilly Lace, creating a bright, neutral backdrop that highlights the instruments and artwork.

Before

  • The space began as an unfinished basement with exposed block walls, open ceiling joists, and visible electrical, HVAC, and plumbing lines.
  • Because the home had been moved 40 feet in the past, the ceiling was crowded with low-hanging utilities that created significant layout challenges.
  • A recessed opening in the block wall existed but served no functional purpose. It later became the ideal location for a built-in subwoofer enclosure.
A basement storage area with concrete walls, various boxes, a cooler, and some equipment. Exposed ceiling beams and fluorescent lighting above.
Before
A home theater features plush recliners and muted lighting. The screen displays a classic film scene with two elegantly dressed people conversing outdoors.
After

After

  • This once-unused area is now a dedicated home theater equipped with Dolby Atmos surround sound and speakers integrated into the walls and ceiling.
  • A perforated anamorphic 2.39:1 screen conceals the front speakers while maintaining optimal audio performance.
  • Diamond-stitched recliners, LED accent lighting, and acoustic wall panels create an elevated cinema environment with a clean, modern aesthetic.
  • A dual subwoofer enclosure is now built into the wall cavity, directing bass toward the seating area without taking up floor space.
  • A custom rear projector box and hidden equipment rack keep all components organized, ventilated, and out of sight.

Before

  • The mudroom entry was an unfinished space with exposed ductwork, concrete floors, and makeshift storage that didn’t support everyday use.
  • The existing door hardware made it difficult for the homeowners to enter from the garage while carrying bags or groceries.
  • Limited organization led to coats, shoes, and gear piling up without a designated place to store them neatly.

After

  • New Coretec LVP flooring in Fidalgo Oak brings warmth and durability to the mudroom, hallway, and music room, replacing the cold concrete surface.
  • Updated Emtek lever hardware allows for easier entry from the garage, solving a long-standing frustration and improving daily flow.
  • A built-in bench with deep drawers and a wall of brass-accented hooks provides organized, functional storage for coats, shoes, hats, and seasonal gear, keeping the space tidy and welcoming.
A basement hallway with concrete floors, white walls, a coat rack, and a wardrobe. Exposed pipes hang from the ceiling.
Before
Hallway with wooden floor, white walls, green storage bench, coat hooks, and closed white door, creating a tidy and minimalist space.
After

Before

  • The mudroom was an unfinished space with exposed ductwork, open joists, and makeshift storage that didn’t support daily use.
  • Coats, shoes, and miscellaneous items collected along the concrete floor with no designated system to keep the entry tidy.
  • The area felt disconnected from the rest of the finished lower level and lacked the warmth and function the homeowners needed.

After

  • Custom drop-zone cabinetry and deep bench drawers from Plato Woodwork, finished in Pistachio with an Afton door style, turn the space into a polished and highly functional entry point.
  • A stained oak bench top and coordinating hook board tie into the LVP flooring, adding warmth and architectural continuity.
  • Champagne Bronze hardware from Amerock brings an elegant, modern touch to the cabinetry and hooks.
  • A durable Quartz Envi Venatino Armada countertop and fresh Sandy Shores wall color, paired with Chantilly Lace trim, complete the space with a bright, welcoming feel.
After
Discover how thoughtful design can redefine the way you live at home.
Outcome & Client Impact

 This remodel delivered the private retreat the homeowners envisioned, bringing spa-level relaxation, entertainment, and wellness into their daily lives. The new sauna, steam shower, and heated bathroom floors create a resort-like experience at home, while the theatre, gym, and music room support every hobby. The renewed lower level feels seamless, calm, and beautifully crafted, and it now functions as a hidden luxury wing that enhances the entire home.

A modern wooden sauna interior features warm lighting, benches, and a stone heater with a bucket and ladle for water. Calm and inviting.
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Wood-paneled room with pendant light and two loungers. Soft lighting creates a cozy atmosphere, ideal for relaxation. Vertical slats enhance modern aesthetics.
A cozy, modern relaxation room with wooden lounge chairs, wall paneling, a pendant light, and an adjoining sauna featuring a wooden bucket.
A spacious room with musical instruments, office chairs, and speakers. Boxes are stacked near a pillar; blue tape marks patterns on the floor.
Home gym with a mirror, exercise equipment, water dispenser, and sneakers on the floor. Bright lighting reflects in the mirror.
Music studio with various guitars on the wall, electronic drum set, amplifiers, sheet music stand, gray armchair, and textured ottoman.
A home theater features plush recliners and muted lighting. The screen displays a classic film scene with two elegantly dressed people conversing outdoors.

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 wooden sauna interior features warm lighting, benches, and a stone heater with a bucket and ladle for water. Calm and inviting.

Dream Big. We’ll Handle the Rest.