When a Boulder family with young children decided to remodel their unfinished basement, they sought a design team to bring their vision to life. Enter Saltbox Design Co, an interior design firm, and Sloan Construction, a general contractor specializing in luxury remodels. Together, they embarked on a journey to create a bright, multifunctional space that would become the family's new entertainment hub, playroom, and relaxation sanctuary.
This collaborative effort between the design and construction experts of Saltbox and Sloan resulted in a stunning year-long transformation, blending thoughtful functionality with elevated style. By prioritizing the family's needs and envisioning the possibilities beyond the existing space, the team crafted a basement that seamlessly transitions from day to night, accommodating everything from meetings to game nights to intimate cocktail hours and cozy movie sessions.
The Design Process | SaltBox
Lauren Winter founded Saltbox in 2023 after honing her skills at high-end design firms in Chicago and Denver. Winter started every design process by understanding her client's needs and wish lists rather than focusing on the existing space, which can limit clients’ imaginations. “We wanted to hear about––if you could have whatever you wanted––let’s talk through that,” said Winter. For this basement remodel, Saltbox developed a floor plan that maximized functionality and flow, including zones for a bar, game room, media area, gym, guest bedroom, bathrooms, and storage. Because the basement had low ceilings and limited light, Saltbox chose stylistic features that brought light and spaciousness to each detail.
Key design elements included pale-toned lacquered cabinetry to reflect light, a custom metal screen wall (inspired by the NYC subway) to artfully divide spaces, and a mix of neutral and colorful furnishings to give the eye places to wander and rest, creating a sense of depth. Once Saltbox had meticulously crafted the design intent the family wanted to achieve, the next step was construction.
The Construction Process | Sloan
Sloan Construction is a family-owned general contracting firm that has specialized in luxury residential remodels and new builds since 2014. Chelsea Mann, Sloan project manager, collaborated closely with a talented team of local companies to bring this basement transformation to life. LAAK Woodworks crafted the custom millwork, including the floating media console and wall paneling details. The ornamental metal dividing wall was created by 41 Fabrication. The intricate lighting design and integration were handled by CTL Electric. For the tile work, Sloan partnered with Yotanka Installation. The stone countertops and surfaces were provided by 5280 Stone, and the beautiful custom banquette seating was fabricated by Rico's Upholstery. "Communication was key on this entire project, making sure we nailed the construction to achieve the overall design intent,” said Mann.
Welcome Home | Collaboration Complete
When the project was complete, Sloan organized a special dinner that brought together key members of the construction team and the clients themselves. This dinner allowed everyone to connect on a more personal level and provided a ceremony to mark the transition from construction to completion.
Pro Tips | Basement Transformations
Mann and Winter shared a few expert tips for basement remodels:
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Don’t limit yourself based on the existing space –– prioritize functionality!
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Proper lighting, especially for darker space with low ceilings, is key for transformation.
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Address structural considerations like floating wall systems (to accommodate natural ground movement) from the beginning––the future you will thank you!
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To learn more, visit SaltBoxDesignCo.com and Sloan.Build
SIDEBAR:
Project Credits:
Contractor: Sloan Construction
Interior Design: Saltbox Design Co.
Metal Work: 41 Fabrication
Millwork: LAAK Woodworks
Tile Install: Yotonka Installation & Design Services LLC
Lighting: CTL (Carry The Light) Electric
Countertops: 5280 Stone
Banquette Fabrication: Rico's Upholstery