--- title: "A Basement Remodel Story: The Evolution of a Family Hang Out Space" description: This family’s basement had become a catch-all space and was sorely underutilized. It was time for a basement remodel. image: https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/IMG_8152-1-300x200.jpg --- ![ThompsonWhite.png](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/2017%20Site%20Images/ThompsonWhite.png?width=315&name=ThompsonWhite.png "ThompsonWhite.png") [![ThompsonSimpleLogo.png](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/2017%20Site%20Images/ThompsonSimpleLogo.png?width=314&name=ThompsonSimpleLogo.png "ThompsonSimpleLogo.png")](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com) ** Gallery ** contact # A Basement Remodel Story: The Evolution of a Family Hang Out Space Posted by [Ben Thompson](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/author/ben-thompson) on 01.2.15 This family’s basement had become a catch-all space and was sorely underutilized. Although it was spacious, the current layout wasn’t working. The homeowners wanted to transform this space from closed and dreary to open and inviting.   [![basement remodel](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/before-1-773x1030.jpg?width=338&height=450&name=before-1-773x1030.jpg)](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/before-1.jpg) Before photo of basement   Specific requirements of the basement remodel included: - Opening up the area to create an awesome family hang out space - A game room for kids and adults - A bar and eating area - A theater room that the parents could enjoy without disturbing the kids at night - An industrial design esthetic The transformation of this basement is amazing. Walls were opened to create flow between the game room, eating space and theater rooms. One end of a staircase was closed off, enabling the soundproofing of the theater. [![Thompson Remodeling CotY Winning Basement](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/IMG_8152-1-300x200.jpg?width=500&height=333&name=IMG_8152-1-300x200.jpg)](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/IMG_8152-1-1.png) [![](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/IMG_8114-1-300x200.jpg?width=500&height=333&name=IMG_8114-1-300x200.jpg)](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/IMG_8114-1-1.png) ![IMG_8159](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_8159.jpg?width=300&name=IMG_8159.jpg) Before shot of media room. (above) [![basement remodel](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/IMG_8082-1-300x200.jpg?width=500&height=333&name=IMG_8082-1-300x200.jpg)](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/IMG_8082-1-1.png) A light neutral palette and gorgeous lighting fixtures make you forget that you are in the basement. Unique materials such as galvanized piping, corrugated metal and cool light fixtures give the space an industrial feel.   ![IMG_4646](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_4646.jpg?width=299&name=IMG_4646.jpg) Before shot of entry to stairwell. (above) [![basement remodel](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/IMG_8176-1-200x300.jpg?width=493&height=739&name=IMG_8176-1-200x300.jpg)](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/IMG_8176-1-1.png) [![basement remodel](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/IMG_8160-1-300x200.jpg?width=500&height=333&name=IMG_8160-1-300x200.jpg)](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/IMG_8160-1-1.png) [![basement remodel](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/IMG_8183-1030x687.jpg?width=500&height=333&name=IMG_8183-1030x687.jpg)](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/IMG_8183-1.jpg)   Now, this basement functions as the great family hang-out space the homeowners envisioned.       Topics: [Love Where You Live](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/love-where-you-live), [Basement](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/basement), [Ben Thompson](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/ben-thompson), [remodeling grand rapids mi](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/remodeling-grand-rapids-mi), [thompsonremodeling.com](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/thompsonremodeling-com), [basement remodel](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/basement-remodel), [lower level remodel](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/lower-level-remodel), [remodeling](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/remodeling), [Thompson Remodeling](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/thompson-remodeling), [thompson remodeling grand rapids](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/thompson-remodeling-grand-rapids), [thompson remodeling grand rapids mi](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/thompson-remodeling-grand-rapids-mi) [** Previous article](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/visit-us-this-weekend-at-the-grand-rapids-remodeling-new-homes-show) [** Back to all articles](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog) [Next article **](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/2015s-color-of-the-year-is-rich-earthy-robust-say-hello-to-marsala) Blog Subscription ### Subscribe to the Blog for the latest news ### Recent Articles 08.21.23 ### [Thompson's Fall Home Maintenance Checklist](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/thompsons-fall-home-maintenance-checklist) 04.28.23 ### [The Case for a Single Sink Primary Bathroom](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/the-case-for-single-sink-master-bathroom) 03.31.23 ### [Thompson Remodeling’s Outdoor Space Remodeling Resources](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/thompson-remodelings-outdoor-space-remodeling-resources) 03.17.23 ### [Thompson Remodeling's Spring Home Maintenance Tips](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/thompsons-spring-home-maintenance-tips) 02.22.23 ### [Five of Our Favorite New Kitchen Appliances](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/five-of-our-favorite-new-kitchen-appliances) ### Popular Tags All** [All ](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog?) [Love Where You Live](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/love-where-you-live?) [Thompson Remodeling](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/thompson-remodeling?) [thompson remodeling grand rapids mi](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/thompson-remodeling-grand-rapids-mi?) [Featured](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/featured?) [thompsonremodeling.com](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/thompsonremodeling-com?) [remodeling grand rapids mi](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/remodeling-grand-rapids-mi?) [thompson remodeling grand rapids](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/thompson-remodeling-grand-rapids?) [Kitchens](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/kitchens-2?) [Care & Maintenance](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/care-maintenance?) [Bathrooms](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/bathrooms?) [Thompson Tips](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/thompson-tips?) [remodeling](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/remodeling?) [kitchen remodel](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/kitchen-remodel?) [Thompson Times](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/thompson-times?) [bathroom remodel](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/bathroom-remodel?) [Trends](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/trends-2?) [On the Radio](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/on-the-radio?) [kitchen remodeling](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/kitchen-remodeling?) [Events](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/better-events?) [kitchen design](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/kitchen-design?) [kitchen remodel grand rapids mi](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/kitchen-remodel-grand-rapids-mi?) [kitchens](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/kitchens?) [bathroom remodeling](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/bathroom-remodeling?) [Ben Thompson](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/ben-thompson?) [kitchen](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/kitchen?) [News](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/news?) [basement remodel](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/basement-remodel?) [bathroom](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/bathroom?) [grand rapids remodeling](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/grand-rapids-remodeling?) [Bathroom Design](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/bathroom-design-2?) [kitchen cabinets](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/kitchen-cabinets?) [kitchen remodeling grand rapids mi](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/kitchen-remodeling-grand-rapids-mi?) [bathrooms](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/bathrooms-2?) [Grand Rapids](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/grand-rapids?) [kitchen trends](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/kitchen-trends?) [mudroom](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/mudroom?) [Basement](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/basement?) [FAQ](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/faq?) [color trends](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/color-trends?) [cabinets](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/cabinets?) [design tips](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/design-tips?) [bathroom designs](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/bathroom-designs?) [bathroom remodeling grand rapids mi](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/bathroom-remodeling-grand-rapids-mi?) [color of the year](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/color-of-the-year?) [cleaning](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/cleaning?) [home improvement](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/home-improvement?) [home maintenance](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/home-maintenance?) [lighting](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/lighting?) [remodel](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/remodel?) [Outdoor Living](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/topic/outdoor-living?) ### Follow us on [**](https://www.facebook.com/thompsonremodeling) [**](https://twitter.com/thompsonremod) [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/1566166/) [**](https://plus.google.com/+Thompsonremodeling) [**](https://www.pinterest.com/LWYL/) [**](https://www.houzz.com/pro/thompsonremodeling/thompson-remodeling) ### Related posts [New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/new-years-resolutions-home) [10 Common Kitchen Design Mistakes](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/10-common-kitchen-design-mistakes) [Fun Family Holiday Activities In Grand Rapids](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/fun-family-holiday-activities-grand-rapids) [Home for the Holidays](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/blog/14524-2) ![short-logo.png](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/2017%20Site%20Images/short-logo.png?width=91&name=short-logo.png "short-logo.png") #### Navigate #### Locate 8355 Baileau Oaks Dr NE Ada, MI 49301 [GET DIRECTIONS](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//8355+Baileau+Oaks+Dr+NE,+Ada,+MI/@42.96778,-85.466995,16z/data=!4m8!4m7!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x8818505f45ea06ed:0x7aaf1c2997481ca5!2m2!1d-85.4626176!2d42.9677801) #### Get in touch 616.942.1866 ### Stay up to date! #### Find us on [**](https://www.facebook.com/thompsonremodeling) [**](https://twitter.com/thompsonremod) [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/1566166/) [**](https://plus.google.com/+Thompsonremodeling) [**](https://www.pinterest.com/LWYL/) [![Houzz](https://www.thompsonremodeling.com/hubfs/images/Houzz.png)](https://www.houzz.com/pro/thompsonremodeling)   Created By [Manobyte](https://www.manobyte.com/) © Copyright  |  Thompson Remodeling 2026