This lower-level renovation transformed a dated, dreary basement into a welcoming retreat. Inspired by the homeowners’ travels and the home’s 1940s Roland Kurtz architecture, the design balances original elements with thoughtful new pieces.
Refinished paneling, a European-style fireplace and a concealed dry bar behind a custom wallpaper mural create warmth and rich details. Natural materials connect the space to the home’s enduring character. Traveler’s Lodge rewards reading, working and gatherings, offering an experience far beyond a typical basement.
The basement was built for a different time in the homeowners’ lives. The basement had been built around a different time in their lives. The lower level was reimagined as a layered sanctuary where a couple can retire on a slow morning and also accommodate guests for game night.
The remodel blends warm wood tones, local stone, and eclectic styling that reflect the clients’ journeys abroad and across the American West while staying true to the home’s character. A square European fireplace with a custom blend of natural stone anchors the heart of the room. To honor the past in the renovated space, original pecky cypress was carefully reclaimed – lightening the stain and providing brightness without losing the wood’s distinctive grain.
Wraparound bookshelves with integrated lighting and displays showcase well-worn books and artisan-crafted objects for a library feel, while a custom-upholstered reading nook makes the most of a quiet corner. Cabinet design and forms play against clean, modern lines, so the room never seems themed, always grounded.
A custom-scaled mural of expansive frontier dons discreet retractable doors that open to a beverage center featuring antique glass, a paneled refrigerator, and ample storage for when parties transition downstairs. The bar, sized for real use, has plenty of fine cabinetry to actually prepare drinks there and a durable countertop that stands up to spills.
Traveler’s Lodge represents a shared passion for bringing the outside in and adventure back home. The result is a soulful, storied renovation with authentic influences and rustic warmth that feels historic to the home and like an extension of the people who love living to the fullest together.
