Designing Drama: Turning a Basement into a Sophisticated Speakeasy

Now and then, a design project comes along that feels like pure magic — where color, lighting, and mood come together to create something truly unforgettable. This basement renovation was exactly that.

What began as a blank slate after a flood in my client's basement has evolved into a moody, sophisticated TV room and bourbon bar. The bar area is wrapped in rich navy blue, setting the tone for an intimate, dramatic atmosphere. The goal was simple: to make it feel like stepping into a secret bar tucked away in the city — cozy, stylish, and just a little mysterious. Now, it’s a space everyone gravitates toward — the perfect spot to enjoy a movie, a great drink, and even better conversation.

Foundation

When starting this project after the flood, I knew it would need to be completed in stages. With any large renovation, I always remind my clients that having a clear overall plan is the key — but executing that plan doesn’t have to happen all at once. Breaking a project into segments not only makes it more manageable but also allows each phase to be done thoughtfully, ensuring every detail aligns with the bigger vision.

Fresh Pallet - Carpet Being Removed

Toy Area Before

Dated Oak Cabinetry In Bar

Blank Slate - Media Room

Dates Formica Bar Top & Supports

BEFORE PICTURES AFTER THE FLOOD IN BASEMENT

This project marks Phase One of the basement renovation, intentionally spaced out to allow progress on several major projects within this phase. The focus here was on transforming the main living area and bar into a moody, welcoming retreat. Next up in Phase Two — we’ll be finishing the basement bathroom and guest room, completing the vision and making the entire lower level feel like a true extension of the home.

Mood & Layout

Setting the mood in this basement was such a joy to bring to life. Using the existing floor plan, I divided the space into two distinct sections. I didn’t want to darken the entire basement, but rather let the bourbon bar–speakeasy become the focal point the moment you step down into the space. The rich, deep navy draws your eye in, instantly setting the tone for what’s to come — cozy, inviting, and full of character.

The deep navy brought in the drama I was looking for, yet it’s timeless enough to feel elegant. When my clients purchased the home, the footprint of this area was divided into a small playroom — a space that had mostly become storage due to its awkward configuration and uneven built-ins. The challenge was figuring out how to make this area feel connected to the new bar, yet still able to stand on its own.

The solution? I transformed it into an inviting conversational space. My vision was for it to blend naturally with the bar area, yet still retain its own personality and charm. The gorgeous plaid wallpaper from Spoonflower did exactly that — it gave the space definition, warmth, and just the right amount of character to make it memorable.

The Details

Taking the bar area from stained yellow oak to a rich, gorgeous navy blue made an incredible impact. The transformation instantly gave the space a sophisticated feel, especially paired with an aged mirror backsplash that adds that old-bar charm my client and I were going for. Painting the columns leading into the bar and lounge, along with the bar front, walls, and built-ins, created a cohesive, dramatic look that completely elevated the basement.

Next came the challenge of the odd window placement in what was once the old play area. After plenty of measuring and planning, my goal was to make the window virtually disappear. I found the perfect solution — stunning heavy-duty brass and glass shelving with a masculine edge. It not only hid the awkward window but also became a beautiful way for my client to display his bourbon collection and the unique pieces they have collected over the years.

Taking on each obstacle in this space pushed me to stretch my design knowledge uniquely. It’s challenges like these that make the process exciting — and seeing the final design outcome come together is truly such a joy.

Staging

When outfitting a lower level, it’s important to consider how much time you’ll actually spend in the space. In this case, my clients had recently replaced their sectional upstairs, so we brought their beautiful leather sectional down to the TV area — the perfect way to give it new life and keep the space cozy and comfortable.

The bourbon room, however, presented a new challenge. The homeowner wanted leather chairs, but furnishing the space with four high-quality leather pieces can get costly fast. After countless searches and a lot of patience, I finally found these stunning navy all-leather swivel chairs for a fraction of what major retailers were charging, even with designer pricing. It was a design win and a great reminder that patience is key when outfitting a room — the right pieces always show up.

The gorgeous hand-carved bar from the Philippines brought an immediate sense of warmth to the room. It’s a meaningful piece from their childhood spent overseas, and I love how seamlessly it found its place in the design. There’s something special about incorporating items with history — they add a layer of soul that simply can’t be replicated. Continuing the warmth in the room, I curated a burlwood coffee table, brought in the perfect pop of texture and warm contrast, the color tying beautifully into the plaid wallpaper. It grounded the seating area and added just the right amount of character to balance the rich navy tones throughout the space.

We still have a handful of finishing elements to layer in, but design is a process, and each phase builds on the last. The next addition will be custom navy Roman shades that I have hand-selected to bring richness and coziness to the basement windows—an intentional detail that will ground the space and add that final, tailored feel. I’m excited to watch this room continue to evolve.

I hope you enjoyed the transformation of this beautiful Speakeasy basement. What a joy it was to blend style, comfort, and character into a space that invites you to unwind and connect. Every detail—big and small—contributes to the story of a home, and watching it unfold layer by layer is the most rewarding part of design. I truly can’t wait to share the final touches as they’re completed, and I’ll be posting photos once the roman shades are installed!

Be sure to look for the next blog post where I’ll be sharing all about the gorgeous fireplace I designed for this space—created beautifully on a budget and now the focal point of the media room. It brings warmth, ambiance, and that perfect touch of inviting charm to complete the downstairs retreat.