Table of Contents
- How the Client Found Us & Why Trust Mattered
- Vision & Planning: Turning a Montgomery Basement into Purpose-Driven Space
- Home Gym & Sauna: a Light-Filled Wellness Space in the Lower Level
- The Basement Kitchenette: Elevated Function in a Moody Theater Setting
- The Theater Room: A Purpose-Built Space for Immersive Viewing
- Challenges & Craftsmanship
- The Finished Basement: Cohesion, Storage & Everyday Livability
- Planning a Basement Remodel Near Cincinnati?
How the Client Found Us & Why Trust Mattered
This Montgomery, Ohio homeowner came to us through a referral from a past client, an important detail for a project of this scale. A full basement remodel involving structural work, custom finishes, and specialty features, like a sauna, requires confidence in both the process and the people behind it. That foundation of trust allowed the project to move forward collaboratively, with thoughtful planning and a shared vision from the start.
Vision & Planning: Turning a Montgomery Basement into A Purpose-Driven Space
Like many homes in Montgomery and throughout the Cincinnati area, the basement had ample square footage but lacked intentional layout. One portion was finished, another unfinished, and neither truly supported how the family wanted to use the space. The homeowners’ priority was clear: expand the finished basement while maintaining storage and replacing underused open space with defined, functional rooms.
As part of our design-build process, early planning focused on how each area would be used day-to-day. Instead of defaulting to one large open basement, the design introduced separation, creating zones for fitness, wellness, and entertainment while still maintaining flow. Light and dark spaces were intentionally balanced, materials were selected for durability and comfort, and every square foot was assigned a purpose.
Home Gym & Sauna: A Light-Filled Wellness Space in the Lower Level
The goal when designing a home gym was to create a space that felt energizing, open, and intentional, one that would encourage daily use while still feeling like a natural extension of the home.
A Bright, Open Basement Gym Design
Basements in the Cincinnati area often struggle with limited natural light, so brightness was a key design driver from the start. Light wall colors reflect available light and prevent the gym from feeling enclosed. The layout allows generous circulation around equipment, avoiding the crowded or makeshift feel common in basement workout spaces.
To further enhance openness, we installed full-height decorative mirrors along the walls. Framed in crisp white trim, the mirrors feel architectural rather than utilitarian, visually expanding the room while supporting functional workouts.
Custom Site-Built White Oak Ceiling Beams
One of the defining features of the gym is the set of site-built white oak ceiling beams, designed and constructed specifically for this space. Evenly spaced across the ceiling, the beams introduce rhythm and structure while adding warmth to the otherwise bright palette.
We integrated recessed LED lighting between the beams, delivering even illumination without visual clutter. This lighting strategy ensures the gym remains well-lit at all times of day, essential for both safety and comfort during workouts.
Durable Flooring with Dedicated Workout Zones
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring runs throughout the basement, providing a durable, moisture-resistant foundation ideal for Ohio basements. Within the gym, rubber workout mats were layered strategically beneath equipment to protect the flooring and clearly define exercise zones.
A Built-In Sauna for At-Home Wellness
Integrated directly into the gym footprint, the built-in sauna elevates this basement remodel beyond a standard fitness space. Featuring full glass doors and panels, the sauna remains visually connected to the gym, preserving the open feel of the room. The interior wood tones of the sauna complement the white oak ceiling beams, creating a cohesive material story throughout the wellness area.
The Basement Kitchenette: Elevated Function in a Moody Theater Setting
Designed to support entertaining without distracting from the theater experience, the basement kitchenette balances high-end materials with a compact, efficient layout.
A Moody Color Palette Designed for a Theater Environment
The kitchenette is finished in Benjamin Moore Midnight, a deep, saturated tone used consistently across the cabinetry, trim, and surrounding walls. This monochromatic approach allows the kitchenette to visually recede into the space, reinforcing the moody, immersive atmosphere.
Soapstone Countertops & Backsplash
The countertops and backsplash running up the wall are fabricated from soapstone, selected for both its durability and understated elegance. Soapstone’s soft veining and matte finish add subtle texture against the dark cabinetry while offering a surface well-suited for basement use.
Warm Metal Accents & Coordinated Fixtures
To balance the deep color palette, aged brass cabinet hardware appears throughout the kitchenette. The warm metal finish adds contrast and prevents the space from feeling overly dark or flat. Plumbing fixtures are in coordinating aged brass finish, ensuring continuity across every touchpoint.
Open White Oak Shelving for Balance & Display
White oak floating shelves above the counter soften the dark cabinetry and introduce natural warmth. These open shelves provide space for glassware, décor, or personal items. The wood tones echo the white oak beams in the gym, subtly tying together different areas of the basement through material continuity.
Layered Lighting for Ambiance & Function
Wall-mounted sconces above the shelving provide soft, ambient light, while clear glass pendant fixtures add visual interest without blocking sightlines or overwhelming the space. This lighting strategy ensures the kitchenette remains usable during gatherings while maintaining the low-light atmosphere appropriate for a basement theater room.
Curious about the cost of remodeling projects like these in our area? Explore our remodeling cost guide.
The Theater Room: A Purpose-Built Space for Immersive Viewing
With the kitchenette anchoring one side of the room, the theater space itself was designed to feel enclosed, comfortable, and intentionally separate from the brighter areas of the basement.
Embracing a Dark, Classic Theater Aesthetic
The walls throughout the theater room were painted in Benjamin Moore Midnight, continuing the deep, moody palette introduced in the kitchenette. Dark walls were a deliberate choice, helping to minimize glare and visual distractions while enhancing the cinematic experience.
Layout Designed Around Comfort & Sightlines
The seating layout was planned with viewing angles in mind, ensuring clear sightlines to the screen from every position. A large sectional anchors the room, providing ample seating while maintaining comfortable circulation paths.
Seamless Connection to the Kitchenette
The proximity of the kitchenette allows guests to grab drinks or snacks without leaving the theater area, reinforcing the room’s role as an entertainment hub. At the same time, the consistent color palette and material choices ensure the kitchenette blends easily into the theater environment rather than pulling attention away from it.
Challenges & Craftsmanship
One of the most important moments in this custom basement remodel came during the finishing of the site-built white oak ceiling beams in the home gym. Because the beams were constructed on-site and serve as a defining architectural feature, the stain color needed to be exactly right. Initial applications didn’t match the homeowners’ vision, so the beams were sanded back and refinished multiple times until the tone felt warm, natural, and consistent throughout the space. While this added time to the process, it ensured the final result aligned with the client’s expectations and reinforced the level of care and craftsmanship that defines a truly custom basement renovation in this Montgomery, Ohio home.
The Finished Basement: Cohesion, Storage & Everyday Livability
Beyond the standout features, what makes this basement remodel successful is how every aspect works together. Storage was intentionally preserved and integrated, ensuring the expanded finished space didn’t come at the expense of practicality. Trim profiles, door styles, and finishes were kept consistent throughout, allowing the previously unfinished areas to feel fully connected to the rest of the home rather than like an addition. From circulation paths to lighting transitions, every decision reinforced the goal of creating a basement that supports everyday living.
Planning a Basement Remodel Near Cincinnati?
If you’re considering a basement remodel in the greater Cincinnati area, working with a team that understands layout, craftsmanship, and long-term use makes all the difference. The right planning can transform an underused basement into one of the most valuable areas of your home.
Schedule your consultation today to start planning a basement renovation designed around how you live.
