If you’re in the same boat as most, you’ve been spending much of your time at home. Why daydream about places you’d much rather be when you can build those spaces into your home? That’s exactly what we did in this month’s project spotlight! Check out how we helped our clients turn their unfinished basement into the ultimate man cave!
Before the Renovation:
These homeowners had recently relocated from a state further down on the east coast. After settling in they quickly realized that their home was missing something … a man cave. But not your typical man cave! Our clients wanted to outfit their new space with much more than just a bar and big screen TV! They wanted to create a unique haven with areas that catered to their hobbies and well being. Luckily, their large unfinished basement offered the perfect size and place for this new sanctuary! With help from our design team, we determined which elements to include and more importantly, how to create the most functional layout.
Like a typical man cave, the owners wanted the space to include a bar/lounge, as well as an entertainment area with space for billiards and other games. Easy! To take things to the next level, they wanted to incorporate a gym, bathroom, and sauna into the design. Check! The last thing on their list, and easily our favorite part, was the addition of a golf simulator! Can you imagine how good your game would be if you could practice at any time? Even during a snowstorm? Hello, new man cave staple!
Aside from working within the layout of the structural beams and determining the bathroom location based on the pre-existing plumbing, the basement was essentially a blank canvas. We worked closely with the homeowners during design to meet their goals and find an open layout that worked best! In addition to their new spaces, the homeowners wanted the basement’s aesthetics to harmonize with the rest of their home. This meant rustic modern theme in the space, utilizing natural elements as well as more industrial finishes. All this, and we can’t forget to include storage space with easy access to mechanical systems!
Unfinished Basement 
Basement Stair 
Beneath the Stairs
We configured the layout to meet all of their needs while providing functional storage space. We placed the entrance to the sauna off of the bathroom, instead of leading directly into the basement. This offers users much more privacy while maintaining a convenient distance from the gym. Placing these more personal spaces close together left the rest of the basement free to create an open-concept entertaining space.
After:
Without further ado, we introduce, the ultimate rustic modern inspired man cave!
Looks a lot different than before, huh? One of the first things you notice as you enter the new space is the updated staircase. The new open design allows guests to overlook the basement, using industrial steel cable railings, before even entering.
The first sight you are greeted by in the new basement is a wine wall in the new bar/lounge area. Our clients sourced reclaimed barn wood from Back Home Barn Woods to give the space authentic rustic appeal, while also using black metal accents to balance out their blended modern look. We love that each unique space in this basement caters to fans at both ends of the design spectrum!
F First stop, the bar/lounge! With plenty of rich rustic appeal, it is easily one of the warmest spaces in the new basement, making it the perfect spot to welcome guests at the base of the stairs. The wet bar includes a drink refrigerator and microwave, as well as a wall-mounted television. It’s an ideal space for hosting or some relaxing alone time!
Past the bar, the basement opens up into the entertainment area. With billiards, foosball, a poker table, and big screen TV, it’s hard to find a space not to enjoy.
At one end of the room, we have the billiards area with a custom table crafted with distressed wood and red felt. The area is also complete with its own reclaimed shiplap accent wall and modern light fixture. This portion of the entertainment area provides access to the gym through a glass door, and to keep things neat and tidy, access to a hidden storage area.
In the center of the entertainment area, you’ll find plenty of seating and more bright pops of red. From the throw pillows to the custom billiards table, this accent helps tie together the modern rustic design. On the opposing side of the space, you’ll find a poker and foosball table, which guarantees entertainment for just about everyone. The use of iron chairs at the poker table and a modern light fixture further the industrial look, while more reclaimed barn wood accent walls provide the rustic appeal. Two closets in the foosball area provide additional storage and functionality to the overall space!
It’s clear that this basement falls into two space groups, relaxing and entertaining space, and a slightly more private self-improvement space. We’ve covered the public area, and now we would like to introduce where our clients can now spend their time working on their form and making gains!
First up, the new home gym! Glass French doors at both entrances provides a visual connection to the main basement space. Even while burning a few calories, our clients will never miss out on the fun! The room includes mirrors to assure the correct form, rubber flooring, and workout equipment.
The next stop, in convenient proximity to the gym, is the new 3/4 bathroom. This petite space has everything needed to relax after a hard workout. Consistent with the rest of the basement’s rustic modern design, the bath has a harmonious blend of natural and industrial finish selections. First, the walk-in shower includes a smooth pebble floor paired with a subtle ceramic wall tile. The shower’s matte black rain shower and sprayer provide the space’s modern detail, along with the sink’s fixture, wall-mounted mirror, and light fixture.
Off of the bathroom is one of the more extravagant spaces in this renovation, the new sauna! Is there any better way to finish off tough workout than sweating out those toxins? Well, we can think of a few other ways, but this is one of the healthiest by far! The “lounge” that leads to the sauna includes a wall-mounted television, which can be adjusted to view from inside! The sauna itself is actually a pre-built Avalon Sauna. The kit includes the wood materials, a heater, and a hinged door, so all you need to do is install! We couldn’t have thought of a more appropriate addition to the ultimate stress-free man cave!
View From The Lounge 
Inside the Sauna
The last space to see, and easily our favorite, is back out in the main basement area. Adjacent to the bar is the golf simulator!
Before their move, our homeowners were accustomed to a more seasonal climate, where golf was a year-round activity. Living here in the North East, outdoor golf practice is limited to the warmer months. But now, the temperature is no longer an issue, because there is no limit when you bring the putting green indoors (we’re not even exaggerating, it has an astroturf floor). The room even includes interior windows to see from inside of the golf simulator to the main basement space, so even while working on their swing, our clients will be part of the party!
Simulator 
Windows
There you have it, an unfinished basement turned ultimate man cave! Just imagine the time spent in this space during the last few months! To see more images of this project, visit us on Houzz.
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