Project Overview
This East Windsor family had 1,100 square feet of unfinished basement — essentially wasted space being used for storage. They wanted a space that could serve multiple purposes: entertainment area, kids’ play space, and a private home office.
The Challenge
- Existing ceiling height of only 7’6” — every inch mattered
- Single small window provided limited natural light
- HVAC needed to be extended from main system
- Multiple functions needed to coexist without feeling cramped
Our Solution
Open Floor Plan
Rather than dividing into small rooms, we kept the main space open with defined zones:
- Entertainment area: 600 sq ft open space with 85” TV mounting wall
- Play zone: Adjacent to entertainment area with vinyl plank flooring
- Home office: 150 sq ft enclosed room with sound insulation
Smart Ceiling Design
Instead of a dropped ceiling that would eat into height, we:
- Painted all mechanicals matte black
- Installed recessed lighting between joists
- Used drywall on ceiling perimeter only
This preserved 7’3” clear height throughout.
Added Half Bath
A basement half bath adds convenience and value. We installed:
- Compact toilet and pedestal sink
- Exhaust fan vented to exterior
- Tile floor with waterproof membrane
Improved Lighting
- 12 recessed LED fixtures on dimmers
- Under-cabinet lighting in wet bar area
- Large mirror on one wall to bounce light
Materials & Finishes
- Flooring: Luxury vinyl plank (waterproof)
- Walls: Drywall with moisture-resistant paint
- Trim: White painted poplar
- Office: Sound-dampening insulation
Result
The family gained a fully functional 1,100 square feet of living space. Dad has a quiet office for video calls, the kids have room to play, and movie nights happen in the basement now instead of the living room.
Project completed in six weeks.