Sunnyside Eclectic Basement

A Versatile & Stylish Basement

The owners of this home in the Sunnyside neighborhood of Portland, Oregon wanted to transform their unfinished basement into a multi-functional gathering place. They wanted a space that would support a variety of activities, including watching movies, socializing, and working on hobbies. To create a space that felt both modern and unique, they decided to retain the some of the original features of this historic basement, connecting their fresh new update to the home’s past.

Motivated by a desire to create a welcoming entertainment area, the homeowners wanted the basement to serve as both a media room and a versatile hangout space. The basement also needed to accommodate a new bathroom and a custom hobby room for figurine-making.

In addition, the owners wanted to include features that would make the space comfortable for both them and their pets. The blend of entertainment, creativity, and functionality became the core inspiration for this remodel.

The completed basement is now a hub for entertainment and creativity, seamlessly blending functionality and style. The preserved brick wall maintains a historic charm in the space, while the custom snack bar and media room make it a perfect spot for hosting. With dedicated areas for both hosting and hobbies, the homeowners now enjoy a versatile, personalized space that serves as a natural gathering place for family, friends, and pets alike.

More About This Project

For the sake of preserving some of the home’s history, the owners wanted to try and keep the original brick wall intact, providing a rustic and industrial accent that complements the basement’s more contemporary finishes. Framed and highlighted with accent lighting, the brick wall offers a cozy ambiance and a touch of character amidst the sleek new elements.

For entertaining, we installed a home theater and media nook in part of the main basement area. Complete with dimmable lights, theater-style sconces, and plenty of cabinet storage around the TV, this setup is perfect for enjoying a movie with friends or grinding away for hours on a favorite video game.

Also included in the main basement area is a custom snack bar, providing a convenient spot for setting out drinks and snacks.

Additionally, a separate hobby room features ample storage and workspace, an important element of this remodel due to the homeowners’ hobby of making figurines.

Unique Features

Custom Snack Bar Cabinets by Knight Cabinetry – Sleek, durable cabinets that provide storage for drinks and snacks, adding functionality to the entertainment space.
Undercabinet Tape Lighting by Task Lighting – Installed beneath the snack bar cabinetry, this tape lighting creates a welcoming glow and enhances visibility.
Cat Door Access Panel by Bauco – A playful yet functional cat door with a Bauco access panel allowed us to incorporate access to the litter box without disrupting the style of the basement.

One of our favorite features in this project is a custom cat door that leads to a hidden litter box area. This discreet solution includes ventilation, keeping the space fresh and eliminating pet odors while keeping the area comfortable for the homeowners’ cats.