REAL STORIES

Go Behind the Scenes 

There’s a lot that happens between meeting us for the initial consultation to enjoying your new  personalized space!  Find out how this Orono family’s home basement went from underused to well-loved!  

DRAMATIC DESIGN IDEAS FOR EVERYONE

Back Story

Our homeowners Maggie & Matt knew their basement had potential, but it also had a difficult layout. After interviewing eight companies to find the best match, they were ready to move ahead with AMEK Design + Build’s team. 

Priority Use Wishlist:

  • Watching Movies
  • Exercising  
  • Doing Hobbies
  • Hosting Guests
POOL TABLE AREA

Never used, space hog

UNINSPIRING WORKOUT & HOBBY AREA

“We’d lived in our 1988 home for 6 years and it was beyond obvious the basement needed a remodel.”   

STAIRWELL

Awkward Staircase Location

THOUGHTFUL DESIGN FOR A GROWING FAMILY

Back Story

Our homeowners Maggie & Matt knew their basement had potential, but it also had a difficult layout. After interviewing eight companies to find the best match, they were ready to move ahead with AMEK Design + Build’s team. 

Wishlist:

  • Watching Movies
  • Exercising  
  • Doing Hobbies
  • Hosting Guests
UNINSPIRING WORKOUT & HOBBY AREA

“We’d lived in our 1988 home for 6 years and it was beyond obvious the basement needed a remodel.”   

POOL TABLE AREA

Never used, space hog

STAIRWELL

Awkward Staircase Location

The Meeting and the Measuring

To get started on several design concepts, our AMEK team measured the space in its existing state. This as-built step provides the base plate for ideas to be formed.  It’s important to know where mechanicals like heating and cooling, electric runs, and plumbing pipes are located. 

 

Seeing What's Possible

The day Matt and Maggie meet with our design team to reveal the concepts is an exciting one. The variations showed the potential layouts for the theater room, changes to the stair area, and placement for the workout room. Matt and Maggie’s winning plan reallocated some hallway space for the theater room and the workout area was enclosed with glass to provide a bright space.

Line drawings of envisioned spaces

Original Floor Plan

Remodel Floor Plan

Line drawings of envisioned spaces

Original Floor Plan

Remodel Floor Plan

The Selections

Now for the finishing touches: selections! Maggie and Matt were looking for a clean, transitional look for lights, trim, flooring, etc. Our AMEK team walked through the selections step-by-step, so everything coordinates and fits within the new space.  

Elements Based On:

  • Complementing transition style on upper levels  
  • Staying within budget 
  • Keeping the space family friendly
  • Having fun with theater room lighting
TRANSITIIONAL STYLING

Complementing the main levels of home 

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Easy-Care Finishes

DRAMATIC & FUN LIGHTING

Family friendly & fun features

The Selections

Now for the finishing touches: selections! Maggie and Matt were looking for a clean, transitional look for lights, trim, flooring, etc. Our AMEK team walked through the selections step-by-step, so everything coordinates and fits within the new space.  

Elements Based On:

  • Complementing transition style on upper levels  
  • Staying within budget 
  • Keeping the space family friendly
  • Having fun with theater room lighting 
FAMILY FRIENDLY

Easy-Care Finishes

 
TRANSITIIONAL STYLING

Complementing the main levels of home 

 
DRAMATIC & FUN LIGHTING

Family friendly & fun features

 

The Transformation

When we listened to our clients’ frustrations, we promised the new space would enhance the way they use the space. Mission accomplished. It’s ready for all members of the family to enjoy the lower level. 

  • Bright & Inspired Workout Space 
  • Theater & Gaming Room
  • Specialty Hobby Room
  • Guest Bedroom & Bathroom

THE REVEAL

Now Showing!

Everything is a feature – the bright and open layout, the customized hobby room, the guest bedroom and bathroom, inspiring workout room, and the main attraction – the movie zone. The kids’ friends love having sleepovers, Mom gets in her daily workouts, and Dad has an organized place to care for his archery and paddling interests. Everyone is happy!

AWARD-WINNING THEATER LIGHTING & SET-UP

Dramatic lighting features, ceiling, and cabinetry

INSPIRING WORKOUT AREA

Bright & Sleek

WELCOMING LOUNGE & OPEN STAIRWAY

Cozy & Open Seating

CUSTOMIZED CABINETRY

For tools, supplies, plus bow and paddle display

THE REVEAL

Now Showing! Everything is a feature – the bright and open layout, the customized hobby room, the guest bedroom and bathroom, inspiring workout space, and the main attraction – the movie zone. The kids’ friends love having sleepovers, Mom gets in her daily workouts, and Dad has an organized place to care for his archery and paddling interests. Everyone is happy!

INSPIRING WORKOUT AREA

Bright & Sleek

AWARD-WINNING THEATER LIGHTING & SET-UP

Dramatic lighting features, ceiling, and cabinetry

WELCOMING LOUNGE & OPEN STAIRWAY

Cozy & Open Seating

CUSTOMIZED CABINETRY

For tools, supplies, plus bow and paddle displays

“The (remodel) experience was fun, and the project was completed on time and on budget. Today, our family spends considerable time in our basement. The gym is used daily, the shop provides a spot for our hobbies, and the theatre gets used by the kids or us routinely. What we value most is the little details that make the space warm and inviting. "