Basement Makeover: The Ultimate All-Ages Rec Room
As her son and daughter were growing up, Nam Dang-Mitchell kept hearing the same advice from her friends with older children: if you want to see your kids when they’re teenagers, create a space they’ll want to hang out in. But before she could turn her dark, dated basement into a teen-approved rec room, the Calgary designer had to fix the basics.
When she moved into the century home in 2005, the lower level hadn’t been renovated since the 1960s. With a mix of textural materials, modern finishes and an emphasis on artwork, Nam transformed the basement into a multifunctional space. Though the lower level is definitely a teen domain, Nam and her husband, James Mitchell, regularly kick off their shoes and join in the fun. “We move the coffee table and hold family dance competitions,” says Nam. Here’s her recipe for the ultimate family hub.
Nam wanted her basement to feel like a hip studio — a lofty goal since the ceilings were barely seven feet high and there were only two windows. To add character, she wrapped the main wall in a three-quarter-inch brick veneer and installed a gallery wall. Ripple-fold-drapes conceal a small window. “The curtains make you think there’s a wall of windows, but there’s not much back there,” says Nam. The television is opposite the comfy sectional — a perfect spot for movie nights.
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Nam’s vision for the basement started with a custom Ping-Pong table; it was inspired by limited-edition version by L.A. designer James Perse. She bought the top online and then designed an oak base with drawers and a leather net. Engineered-wood flooring gives the room a loft look, as does the industrial shelving and steel French doors. Slate-colored panelling on one wall offers a contrast to the white brick veneer. “Miles of drywall feels impersonal, like you haven’t put your own stamp on the room yet,” says Nam.
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Outfitted with a microwave, fridge and dishwasher, the kitchenette — formerly the minibar — is always stocked with snacking staples.
The gallery walls are made up of flea market finds, prints, original pieces and her own photos. Start with larger pieces and then branch out with smaller ones, says Nam. “Pour yourself a drink and go for it. IF you have to move a piece over a couple inches afterward, it’s not a big deal.”
Simple subway tile, white oak cabinetry and limestone flooring gives this laundry area a clean, modern look. While Nam opted for recessed lights throughout the basement to avoid drawing attention to the low ceilings, she chose a rustic pendant light to anchor the portable island. “The cart was a total Ikea hack,” says Nam, who topped it with a custom-cut marble slab.
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