Basement in Historic Old East York Gets a New Purpose

This basement located in the heart of Old East York was originally utilized as storage space and a laundry room. Our clients envisioned transforming the space into a place for entertainment and a separate workout room. They also wanted to include a powder room on the same floor and a full working bar with bar seating. With limited space we were able to give the clients everything they dreamed.

Upon demolition of the basement, we ran into an unknown water pipe in the ceiling that was hidden inside a bulkhead. The homeowners agreed to rerouting the pipe which provided an unobstructed view above the bar area. As the project continued the clients opted to expose an old brick wall that ran along the side of the staircase which adds lots of character to the room. The original brick fireplace was kept intact and a new gas log insert was added with remote control. A U shape bar area was created and we applied walnut panels to the front and sides of the bar. We installed Fabuwood’s Allure Fusion Stone cabinetry for storage and open shelving behind the bar. Upper full length cabinet doors were added and decorative pressed crimped woven wire grilles were installed to display top-shelf spirits. We installed a stainless linear bar sink to fit the space and installed a Kohler vintage Artifact Gentleman’s Bar faucet in oil rubbed bronze. Three 6 1/2” Courtney black and brushed gold pendants were placed above the bar area. Dimmable LED under counter lighting was added to the bar area as well.

We used Berenson’s Hearthstone 128mm pulls on the drawers in brushed gold and simple rounded brushed gold knobs on the cabinet doors.

Black Pearl granite with a leathered finish was installed on the upper and lower bar tops finished with a square eased edge.

The workout room is separated by two clear glass barn style paneled doors with matte black hardware. A large mirror was hung on one wall, creating an appearance of a larger space. A 3/8” rubber sports flooring was installed in the workout area.

Support beams were installed in the ceiling and hand stained to match the walnut bar.

Karndean’s Kodiak Mountain, a luxury vinyl click and lock flooring, was installed throughout the entertainment area, bar, hallway and powder room.

The staircase treads and risers were replaced and capped with hand-stained hardwood to match the flooring.

The walls throughout were painted with Sherwin Williams, Dover White - #SW6305 and the trim and molding were painted with a bright white.

The powder room was created in an old storage closet. We used a white Kohler Cimarron K2363-8-0 pedestal sink with Delta’s champagne bronze Cassidy 3-hole deck mount widespread faucet w/ a cross handle kit. A white Kohler, #K-33998 toilet from the Wellworth collection was installed with a Delta tank lever in a champagne bronze. A Panasonic WhisperFit Fan 110 CFM .4 scone with light, energy star rated was installed in the powder room.

• Location: Old East York, PA
• Project Type: Basement Remodeling

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