After traveling extensively through Europe, our clients fell in love with wine and decided to become collectors. Therefore, they wanted to take half of their basement and dedicate it to storing their wine and creating a cozy area to entertain their friends for wine tasting parties. They were inspired by ancient wine stores and cellars in Europe and wanted a basement area that was filled with stone, reclaimed brick, wood shelving and iron to emulate these European haunts. Outside the wine cellar, bench style seating and cabinetry create a warm entertaining nook.
Before basement was basic and functional
Before bar seating for two
After basement features an elaborate walk in wine room and wine focused entertainment space.
Before view from behind bar looking toward the basement family room
Before basement seating area
New tasting area, bench style seating with stone surround and feature wall. The new Trolley Lighting system over the table adds an interesting touch.
Remodeled basement bar area and kitchenette features all the entertaining necessities: sink, refrigerator drawers, dishwasher, and ice maker. There is plenty of storage space in the glass front cabinets. Horizontal cabinets have slide out drawers for storing large appliances. Flooring is pre-finished, floating floor, reclaimed hardwood.
Intimate seating for two overlooks the inner beauty of the wine room. The countertop has a hammered copper band, torches to create patina. Two hanging pendant lights accent this space.
The new wine room is a work of art. Antique alder doors open to the barrel shaped entry way. Reclaimed brick pavers from a vintage brick salvage shop in the homeowner’s native mid-west grace the floor and arched door opening. Stone veneer covers the walls outside and inside the cellar.
The arched stone feature wall holds special display wine bottles in custom iron holders forged by a local blacksmith and made to look like railroad ties. Cabinet fronts are designed to resemble wooden wine crates. Accent lighting is recessed in the alcove to spotlight the texture of the stone on the feature wall.
Roll out custom shelving for red wines provides easy access to bottles. Refrigerator drawers for white wines keep those bottles at their proper drinking temperature. Wrought iron pulls are consistent with the rustic feel. Murano glass scones add a splash of fun color while keeping with the European theme.
Pull out drawers make storing wine that needs to lay flat conveniently accessible.
Custom leather finished stone counter top in an organic shape provides added functionality and an interesting spot to open bottles for tasting. A special wine cooling system was custom designed and installed throughout the entire wine room. The venting is concealed throughout.
A variety of storage is needed for hundreds of bottles of different varieties. Some bottles need to lay flat, some need to be kept upright and some are kept in their wine crates from shipping. All these needs are beautifully achieved through this custom design.
The new basement has met all the clients’ needs. The space resembles some of the quaintest wine tasting spots in Europe yet is extraordinarily functional. The custom etched Recovery Room (home gym) in the background adds a touch of levity to the space.
Award Winning Remodelers in Northern Virginia – Bowers Design Build has specialized in providing the best overall experience in the remodeling industry since 1990. Bowers Design Build specializes in Northern Virginia Remodeling and Northern Virginia Custom Homes. Our numerous industry remodeling awards have been great, but the true measure of our success has been high marks in overall customer satisfaction
Service areas: McLean, Arlington, Falls Church, Vienna, Oakton, Great Falls, Alexandria, Fairfax County and Middleburg.
Specializing in: Northern Virginia New Custom Homes, Northern Virginia Whole House Renovations, Northern Virginia Kitchen Renovations, Northern Virginia Master Bathroom Renovations, Northern Virginia Interior Renovations, Northern Virginia Basement Renovations, Renovations for Aging-in-Place and Northern Virginia Outdoor Living Spaces.
