Room Envy: This basement is far from an afterthought

This terrace level is tricked out for watching football, sharing snacks, and playing billiards.
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Billiards room

Photograph by Lauren Rubinstein

Gone are the dark and dreary basements of 1970s sitcoms. Today’s terrace levels are no longer afterthoughts full of used furniture. Interior designer Lisa Gabrielson tricked out this Milton home’s lower level for watching football, sharing snacks, and playing billiards.

Roughing it
Split-face limestone surrounds the fireplace with a light but still rustic finish.

Book smart
Sherwin-Williams’ “Urbane Bronze” covers built-in shelving flanking the brick fireplace. “I wanted contrast with the white walls and a masculine, modern feel,” explains the designer. Aged brass library lights add drama.

Party place
Homeowners Kimberly and Peter Bocian can accommodate a crowd on the Arhaus sectional. A durable canvas slipcover eliminates worries about spills. The industrial side table is from Scott Antique Market.

Clean break
The designer eschewed traditional pool tables for this weathered white oak version with a unique X-shaped base. “It fits the industrial-rustic-modern feeling,” says Gabrielson.

Down below
White oak flooring also wears a casual patina, thanks to a custom finish using nontoxic natural waxes.

Light box
A rectangular pendant from Restoration Hardware complements the scale of the room and billiards table.

Tip: Terrace-level lighting is sometimes dim, so include a mix of recessed lighting, overhead pendants, sconces, and both table and floor lamps to keep things bright.

This article originally appeared in our March 2017 issue.

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