The Virginia Connection

This client originally purchased the home as an Airbnb but quickly fell in love with the neighborhood, and the house itself, so much that she decided to make it her permanent home. When we came on board, the basement was a blank slate with concrete floors and a few framing studs waiting for drywall. Another contractor had already started some work, and the basement area had also experienced water damage. Once those issues were resolved, we got to focus on the fun part: design. The client’s goal was to create a lower level perfect for entertaining, and our challenge was to make the basement feel anything but subterranean.

Rooms Included:

Basement, Kitchenette, Living Room

Overview

Approach

This client loves to entertain friends and family, so we designed the lower level to include a custom pool table, a card table, and a well-appointed kitchenette with everything she needs for hosting. We reimagined the kitchen layout into a galley-style kitchenette to keep the flow open and easy for guests to move around.

A small fireplace featuring Rookwood tile ties the design back to Cincinnati, while the color palette, soft greens, blues, and mauve, was inspired by the client’s existing sofa. We reupholstered her remaining chairs, added new casegoods and tables, and layered textures to bring depth and comfort. Because she had recently relocated from Virginia, we commissioned a custom mural on the side walls as a subtle, personal nod. Finally, custom millwork was added to warm the space and cleverly disguise support columns, giving the entire room a cohesive and elevated feel.

Delivery / Result

The final result is a space where our client can unwind and enjoy quiet moments with her beloved cats, warm her toes by the fire, and simply relax. Yet, with just a few small shifts, it easily transforms into the perfect setting for entertaining friends and family. It’s cozy but sophisticated, personal yet welcoming – an environment that truly reflects her spirit, her stories, and the life she’s building here. Every detail, from the custom mural to the Cincinnati tile, tells a piece of her journey, coming together to create a home that feels deeply her own.

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