There’s something special about projects that revolve around family — the kind of spaces designed for gathering, celebrating, and simply being together. As the cooler months settle in and we find ourselves spending more time indoors, we can’t think of a better project to share than this one. The Ardmore Project is all about creating warmth, function, and connection right at home.

Some of our favorite projects start with spaces that already have a story — and the Ardmore basement was no exception. Once partially finished over 20 years ago, it had served as a homeschool classroom, personal office, and storage area. But as our clients’ family grew to include children and grandchildren, their needs changed, and this lower level no longer fit the way they lived and gathered.

Our goal was to reimagine the basement as a warm, functional extension of the home — a place where their large family could come together for holidays, game nights, or an easy Sunday dinner.

We started by adding a full kitchen complete with a refrigerator, gas stove, sink, and a central island with seating for four — the perfect spot for hosting and serving a crowd. The adjoining dining area now seats six comfortably, creating plenty of room for everyone to pull up a chair.

To bring a cohesive, welcoming feel to the space, we refreshed every surface — new paint on the walls, ceiling, and trim, along with hardwood floors that instantly add warmth and character. Every selection was made with intention: cabinetry, countertops, tile, appliances, lighting, draperies, textiles, and furnishings all work together to create a layered, lived-in charm.

One of our favorite moments in the space is the existing bookcase in the new dining area. Instead of removing it, we added doors and simple hardware to transform it into a functional and beautiful built-in. It now holds family photos, serving pieces, and art supplies for the grandchildren — the kind of thoughtful detail that makes the space feel personal and loved.

The finished result is a basement that doesn’t feel like a basement at all — but rather a true extension of the home. It’s warm, welcoming, and ready for connection, laughter, and memory-making — a reflection of the family who gathers here.

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The Ardmore Project is a reminder that the spaces we gather in shape so many of our favorite memories. Whether it’s a basement turned family hub or a kitchen filled with laughter, thoughtful design has the power to bring people together. You can explore more photos from this renovation here, and if your own home is ready for a refresh, we’d love to chat.