DESIGN CHALLENGE

SMALL SPACE, BIG STYLE

A Morris County designer revamps a long, narrow basement into a multi-functional hangout the whole family can enjoy.

DESIGN by LUCY PAVLIK Assorted throw pillows by Kravet and Sunbrella, by cushionsource. com

THE SPACE: This homeowner had a half-finished basement, which she wanted to transform into a visually pleasing yet functional hangout spot for the family to watch TV and for the kids to host playdates. The kicker? It was an oddly-shaped, long and narrow room with a utility closet smack in the middle. THE DESIGN ANALYSIS: We called upon Lucy Pavlik, designer and owner of Divine Home Interiors in Randolph, to assess the space and present a vision that would check all the boxes. Her goal was to update the basement into a beautiful and multiuse, family-room-like space for both adults and kids. She chose a soft color palette of blue and gray—“desirable for small spaces,” she says—along with durable, stain-resistant fabrics to withstand little ones and pets. A few deliberately selected items pull double duty; for instance, the cushioned ottoman serves as additional seating, the lacquered desk works for homework or work-from-home and the console table has a trio of nesting tables that come in handy when it’s time to entertain guests.

Braswell media cabinet in rustic gray, by Ethan Allen Mariposa ottoman in credo dark blue/black, by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby for Vitra

Rhys nickel floor lamp, by Arhaus Gray and smoke blue sheer color-block drapes, by Central Park; Corina mirror, by Living Spaces.

Benjamin Moore paint in “Early Morning” Marco buffet lamp with white shade, by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

Another essential element to this design is the fridge and cabinets, because what’s a chill space without easy access to snacks and refreshments?

To make the room look bigger, Pavlik recommends a large wall of mirrors. Metallic finishes as seen in the lamps and the mirror match the gray color scheme, but also add some texture and shine. “The fabrics, materials and products selected will turn this long and narrow basement into a comfortable, space-efficient and beautiful family room,” Pavlik explains.

Arlo desk in glossy white lacquer finish, by Rove Concepts

15-inch beverage refrigerator in silver, by Antarctic Star for Overstock Custom wet-bar or Bali 48-inch color bar in oiled soapstone, by BuyRite Beauty

Stretta blue velvet office chair in icewater blue nova fabric, by CB2 Gaeton 72inch console table and stool set in white, by Red Barrel Studio for Wayfair

NJ

Home