Hello dear friends!? I am working on another project, this time, finally……my own! I haven’t talked about it but we have been finishing our basement. How I wish we had a gaggle of kids that we were finishing it for, but no the truth is…..it’s for the biggest kid of them all, my? husband:) He is so gung ho about getting this basement done, I am starting to think he might want to live down there, lol.? The last few days I have popped in and out of various marble yards as we are under the gun now to get the countertops done. Yes, marble again.
A subject that has been spoken about ad nauseam but somehow it never gets old. I still get excited when I visit a marble yard, call me crazy. I remember when I was looking for my kitchen and bathrooms, I must have scoured every major marble yard this side of the East coast and never complained.
Admittedly now that we are a good 70% done, I am starting to get excited about it. It’s coming along beautifully and since it’s the two of us honestly we could live down there very happily. It is a very large room with three sets of french doors and windows, so it does not at all feel like a “basement”.
Plus my husband was very wise? to insist on 11 foot ceilings in the basement when we were building.? Decor wise, we are doing things a little differently, it’s more casual, a wee bit more transitional…so it’s been a fun process and we are getting to the good part.
So we are having a big bar built which will get its first delivery next week and I have started looking at stone. I was amazed at how much is out there, in just the four years since I last looked. Here are some of my finds as well as an overview of what we are doing, feel free to weigh in if you have a favorite…..
This is sort of the vibe we are after-
So the bar will look like this-
It’s being done in a limed oak finish (first phase of installation is happening next week)
Somewhat like my back stairhall-
I want to put something along the line of these lanterns above the bar-
The floors are a limed gray/oak floor-
And here is the ceiling detail which will be finished in the same color-
And a few more pics of the room-
The back wall with all the wires is where the bar will go
Floors and first coat of? primer paint are done, just really waiting for cabinet installation
The other far side, where we will put a TV unit and 2 comfy sofas
In front of the fireplace, thinking of four low club chairs with a center table
The original mantle from turn of the century (from original house) and the marble that husband so lovingly picked out (said tongue in cheek)
We used the mantle original to the house, we thought it would be neat to use something from the original home and this works just fine. Do not even ask about the marble surround……
My dear husband thought he was doing me a “favor” by going out and choosing a “creamy/beige/limestone” (as per my instructions) and comes back with this peachy colored marble…argh! He is never allowed to buy any stone. Ever. For now it is what it is and I hope it will just blend once we have lots of other things going in this big room.
So here are the stones I found-
This was my absolute fave…a quartzite (who knew) not I! It looks just like all our favorite marbles but wears and tears like granite= perfection! Prices not so much….I was so hoping it would be less than marble, I have already been forewarned to not expect any happy surprises.
Another that worked had some pale grays and creams…..
Would you believe it if I told you this was porcelain? I kid you not. I am blown away by what they are making from porcelain today!!? He said it is getting very popular and people are using a whole “slab” of it on things like bathroom shower walls (which for most people was prohibitively expensive)
And this can you believe is PORCELAIN!
It looks literally just like marble but I am not comfortable using it on a countertop though he swore its indestructible, still good info to know!
He wanted to show me the man made quartzite which though far from terrible,? to me did not look like real stone, there was something “plastic-y” about it
Back to my fave-
A few samples with the wood-
So…what do you think? Do you see the direction we are moving in? I think in the end it’s going to be a great space, that hopefully we will use with our big family gatherings. My husbands family is very big so it’s always great to have extra rooms to mingle in. Plus we all know everyone loves a bar:)
Do any of the stones jump out at you and say “pick me”? Would love to hear your two cents! Thank you for stopping in, will be sure to keep you in the loop as this project continues to evolve and races to the finish line.
How exciting to follow along on a project that is your own. Please keep posting photos of how its progressing. Its nice to know that you are also in the trenches!!
Hi Tina,
I used quartzite on my kitchen island when we remodeled this summer. It’s a light foggy white with smaller scale gray veining. Its a large piece, sitting on dark charcoal base. Yes, the price was in the “exotic category” and was a splurge, but it was so worth it!
The whole room seem lighter and larger due to the lighter top (we replaced a green/gray/black granite). It is a hard working workspace and has held up beautifully. We get so may compliments!
BTW , your kitchen photos inspired my remodel, on a less grand scale. Love your kitchen!
It’s going to be beautiful! I vote quartzite, we used it in our kitchen and it’s gorgeous. Just be aware that there is a lot of “quartzite” out there that is actually marble. I know for you that wouldn’t be an issue but if it is an issue its best to get a sample of the actual stone and test it for scratching and etching before committing to it.
I have been down the LONG and TEDIOUS marble road these past few months and have finally ended up with Danby marble. I believe it’s mined in Vermont! It’s white with more exxagerated veins in depth but shorter streaks. Hard to describe but I like it. FINALLY! Good luck with the family room… you’re off to a fabulous start. Can’t wait to follow.
I love watching this come together! We also have the nice high basement ceilings, and we entertain big groups downstairs, both friends and family.
My boys are a little older than yours, and they LOVE hanging out down there. Also, they are starting to get married now, and it’ll be fun for the eventual grandkids!
Question – it looks like you have a walk-out basement, but it doesn’t seem like it from your patio. That’s the one thing I don’t like about my walkout- I can’t get to my back patio without going down the stairs.
Just last week I was in Klaff’s (up here in CT) shopping for a lantern (to replace my tired old dining room chandelier), as well as another smaller lighting shop in Greenwich, and I got to see all of those lanterns you are contemplating in person.
Such great choices, you certainly can’t go wrong with any of them. Enjoy!
Looks marvelous! Please let us know which low club chairs you find. I am looking for exactly the same thing in front of our bar. I vote for one with pale gray and cream, I love the warm and cool together!
hi tina, lovely choices and i am seriously envious, lol. (also, a “basement” with 11 foot ceilings –!)
also, hard to believe that slab is actually porcelain! the stuff they come up with nowadays are incredible.
oh how lovely! we simply cannot call this a basement. it is too beautiful, airy, and divine. i love your color choices and don’t know enough about stone to offer an opinion. how exciting!
Tina this is going to be a gorgeous yet comfortable room you all will enjoy so much. Love the lantern choices for the bar area. The best thing to me is how much natural light you have and the high ceilings.
Love, love the room decor plans. I think you will have the best of both worlds in your gorgeous home. Because of the amount of white/grey marble you have in the formal portion your home, I would like to see the cream with deep tan/bronze veins or the white with bronze veins like you have next to the wood sample. I think it will all be about the amount of contrast with the wood you are using. You are changing up the style, so my vote is to change up the marble color too!
Tina,
This brings back memories of going to the marble quarries in north Georgia with my mother (measurements in hand) when I was a child in the 70’s! Natural stone was not as readily available back then as it is now, but fake composite was everywhere. So, she just decided to go directly to the source to pick out what she wanted. I had not thought of that memory in years. Thanks for reminding me!
Your basement is going to be splendid. (I love the original mantel.) As for stone choices, I think I’m with you on the quartzite as a favorite overall. I also really like the one that you said had some pale grays and creams. Your fav is more formal and traditional to me, like the rest of your house (which I do love). The other one mentioned seems less formal and for my taste more in keeping with the look of the basement, despite not being my favorite of all the options presented. (I hope that makes sense). I can easily make good arguments for both though, as they are both beautiful.
I can’t wait to see how it all comes together. Thanks so much for sharing.
LC
I just completed a basement renovation and love it. One room is filled with exercise equipment, another has a HUGE television and kitchen/bar, and we also finished out a bedroom and bath. Our son loves staying there when he’s home for a visit, and the space is great for entertaining. I prefer the second stone you feature (the one with the pale grays and creams), and the lanterns are all beautiful. Good luck!
You know that once you spend this much time, effort and money, the basement is no longer a basement, but a “lower level.” We are finishing our “lower level” with coffered ceilings, exercise area, studio for me, den and an office for my husband. Best of luck with your project. Fun to plan and fun to finish.
We have a “bonus room” down here in Texas where my guys (husband, two grown sons, and two young grandsons) love to hangout and watch their favorite sports on our large screen Tv! This will be a room well used by your guys! Love all of your selections.
LOve love love!!! WOW Tina that is beyond fabulous! I love quartzite these days it really does mimic marble and red wine is no problem! I loved the darker choices next to the wood sample but all of them are just fantastic. I am so excited to see this come into fruition! You picked my favorite lanterns too. Yes, ,I think your hubby is moving down there- lol!
WOW! What a basement and what a fun project. It certainly does not look like a basement. Love all you have planned….not a surprise…your taste is exquisite.
As for the stone, I like the pale grey/cream combo. I feel this would be a great compliment to the woods and the fireplace surround. Perhaps make the fireplace surround blend rather than stand out.
Whatever you do, it will be fabulous. Can’t wait to see it finished.
I think your favorite slab is the best color for the space. All are lovely, though. Just don’t think you can go wrong with any of your choices! And I think the marble around the fireplace is gorgeous and am laughing so hard about your husband picking it out!
I let my husband pick out the cabinets and tile for the kitchen (why did I let the renovation begin 3 weeks after major surgery?) and am now redoing it. Granite too. Though maybe a nice marble would look nice!
Anyway, you have a flair for color and I think the space will tie together beautifully and just think of all the fun times you will have in that lovely space!
Enjoy your Thursday and keep warm!
GAH!!! Love the quartzite…not the man made quartz though…yikes. I am with you- plastic!
Totally in love with the limed oak too. Another beautiful interior coming along my friend…XO
How fun!! I love them all! I don’t even send my husband to the grocery store anymore. Ha! It’s going to be so fun and your boys will all be back with their friends all of the time. Trust me!
What a fun project! I love that your “big kid” is going to get a space to enjoy with his friends!!! Love the light colors and noticed that you have some large doors/windows so you get that natural light. LOVE the first slab you picked….we still have a master bathroom renovation in our future, so good to know about quartzite and the porcelain!
You always do beautiful interiors…can’t wait to see the finished product!
Stay warm! Would you believe we have tickets for the The Audience on Sunday when it will literally be the coldest day of the year. Boy, can I pick ’em! But, Helen Mirren is worth getting bundled up for. 🙂
The stones in the last picture are perfection with your wood. I’m a little confused by them they read so blue compared to the other slab pictures, The two on the left are both amazing. My vote would be for the stone you described as pale grays and creams. I like the quartzite and have specified it before but I think the paler creamier stone will amplify the look you’re going for more. Course everything you do is beautiful, so I’m sure you decide will be perfect.
Do you know Hammerton? I just used their mesh collection in a huge basement where the upstair’s inspiration was largely from you! You mentioned being a bit more transitional and might like it. Can’t wait to see the finished room! Everything you do is spectacular!! http://www.hammerton.com/products_mesh.htm
Tina, This is so much fun and I really like what you doing with this space! We looked at porcelain and quartzite when “marble shopping” and I decided I only wanted the Calcutta marble in the house. That said, if I had a large basement .. I think that would be an excellent choice .. the first slab is very pretty! The bar and light fixtures will be perfect and I love the little sitting area you are creating in front of the fireplace. Can’t wait to see it when it’s finished!
The stones in the last picture are perfection with your wood. I’m a little confused by them they read so blue compared to the other slab pictures, The two on the left are both amazing. My vote would be for the stone you described as pale grays and creams. I like the quartzite and have specified it before but I think the paler creamier stone will amplify the look you’re going for more. Course everything you do is beautiful, so I’m sure you decide will be perfect.
Do you know Hammerton? I just used their mesh collection in a huge basement where the upstair’s inspiration was largely from you! You mentioned being a bit more transitional and might like it. Can’t wait to see the finished room! Everything you do is spectacular!! http://www.hammerton.com/products_mesh.htm
Tina,
Your game room is going to be beautiful! I love the choices you made espially the dark grey and then the piece below it is great. The lantern lights are georgous. Thanks for sharing.
Loretta
Tina,
I just put quartzite in my kitchen. I doubled the edge, bull nose over an ogee and I love it and you will also!! It is the perfect combination of marble and granite!!! Can’t wait to see your finished project.
Audrey
I bet that this is the place that you two will live – it’s going to be fabulous, but with that casual feel that’s just going to envelope you when you walk down the stairs – adore the ceilings and you know how we feel about marble?love everything about it!! Happy Thursday ~
Tina–I am new to your blog. I have read several entries referring to the “original house”. I love the new house but wanted to know a little more about the history behind where you built. If there is an entry specific to this subject, I would appreciate knowing where to find it. Thanks so much for great ideas and inspiration.
Another exciting project! What will we do when the house is complete? You will have to start over or get a summer house – now that would be fun to follow along!!! I just hung a new lantern over kitchen table – from Circa Lighting – they have the most incredible selection of lighting!!
Tina, I have to say that I am loving the plainer quartzite. The calmness of it will let the room speak and not the countertops. That being said, your taste is impeccable and I think you will go with your first choice because that is what your gut says. It will be the nicest basement in the land no matter which countertops you choose!!!!
I agree that the man-made quartzites do not look like real marble. That being said, they can be great for certain applications. We have Cambria Torquay in our “lower level” (also like that phrase better than basement and ours is also above ground with french doors) laundry room and as the wet bar countertop. (I think I recognize the squiggly Torquay in one of your pics.) Subsequently, Caesarstone introduced some new “fake marbles” that look better than the Torquay, and we used one of those (forget the name of the one we chose) in both upstairs bathrooms. With kids, it is great not to worry about countertops in those areas. We do have marble in our kitchen and powder room and chose Imperial Danby Vermont marble. IMO it is a beautiful marble with cream, gold, and dark gray subtle veining. Your “lower level” looks great!
I personally think the white marble look or a creamy look. You will probably get tired of the dark crazy colors. Its best to go with more color with accessories, carpets etc. ( Things that are easy to change, stay nuetral with the things that are harder to change. Hope this helped:)
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Hello dear friends!? I am working on another project, this time, finally……my own! I haven’t talked about it but we have been finishing our basement. How I wish we had a gaggle of kids that we were finishing it for, but no the truth is…..it’s for the biggest kid of them all, my? husband:) He is so gung ho about getting this basement done, I am starting to think he might want to live down there, lol.? The last few days I have popped in and out of various marble yards as we are under the gun now to get the countertops done. Yes, marble again.
A subject that has been spoken about ad nauseam but somehow it never gets old. I still get excited when I visit a marble yard, call me crazy. I remember when I was looking for my kitchen and bathrooms, I must have scoured every major marble yard this side of the East coast and never complained.
Admittedly now that we are a good 70% done, I am starting to get excited about it. It’s coming along beautifully and since it’s the two of us honestly we could live down there very happily. It is a very large room with three sets of french doors and windows, so it does not at all feel like a “basement”.
Plus my husband was very wise? to insist on 11 foot ceilings in the basement when we were building.? Decor wise, we are doing things a little differently, it’s more casual, a wee bit more transitional…so it’s been a fun process and we are getting to the good part.
So we are having a big bar built which will get its first delivery next week and I have started looking at stone. I was amazed at how much is out there, in just the four years since I last looked. Here are some of my finds as well as an overview of what we are doing, feel free to weigh in if you have a favorite…..
This is sort of the vibe we are after-
So the bar will look like this-
It’s being done in a limed oak finish (first phase of installation is happening next week)
Somewhat like my back stairhall-
I want to put something along the line of these lanterns above the bar-
The floors are a limed gray/oak floor-
And here is the ceiling detail which will be finished in the same color-
And a few more pics of the room-
The back wall with all the wires is where the bar will go
Floors and first coat of? primer paint are done, just really waiting for cabinet installation
The other far side, where we will put a TV unit and 2 comfy sofas
In front of the fireplace, thinking of four low club chairs with a center table
The original mantle from turn of the century (from original house) and the marble that husband so lovingly picked out (said tongue in cheek)
We used the mantle original to the house, we thought it would be neat to use something from the original home and this works just fine. Do not even ask about the marble surround……
My dear husband thought he was doing me a “favor” by going out and choosing a “creamy/beige/limestone” (as per my instructions) and comes back with this peachy colored marble…argh! He is never allowed to buy any stone. Ever. For now it is what it is and I hope it will just blend once we have lots of other things going in this big room.
So here are the stones I found-
This was my absolute fave…a quartzite (who knew) not I! It looks just like all our favorite marbles but wears and tears like granite= perfection! Prices not so much….I was so hoping it would be less than marble, I have already been forewarned to not expect any happy surprises.
Another that worked had some pale grays and creams…..
Would you believe it if I told you this was porcelain? I kid you not. I am blown away by what they are making from porcelain today!!? He said it is getting very popular and people are using a whole “slab” of it on things like bathroom shower walls (which for most people was prohibitively expensive)
And this can you believe is PORCELAIN!
It looks literally just like marble but I am not comfortable using it on a countertop though he swore its indestructible, still good info to know!
Back to my fave-
A few samples with the wood-
So…what do you think? Do you see the direction we are moving in? I think in the end it’s going to be a great space, that hopefully we will use with our big family gatherings. My husbands family is very big so it’s always great to have extra rooms to mingle in. Plus we all know everyone loves a bar:)
Do any of the stones jump out at you and say “pick me”? Would love to hear your two cents! Thank you for stopping in, will be sure to keep you in the loop as this project continues to evolve and races to the finish line.
PS The Giddy Paperie giveaway has been extended, I will announce a lucky winner Sunday morning. Click here if you have not entered.
PPS Great monogram promo going on until Friday morning, click here to see.
How exciting to follow along on a project that is your own. Please keep posting photos of how its progressing. Its nice to know that you are also in the trenches!!
Can’t wait to see the finished basement! I know it’s going to be gorgeous!!
Hi Tina,
I used quartzite on my kitchen island when we remodeled this summer. It’s a light foggy white with smaller scale gray veining. Its a large piece, sitting on dark charcoal base. Yes, the price was in the “exotic category” and was a splurge, but it was so worth it!
The whole room seem lighter and larger due to the lighter top (we replaced a green/gray/black granite). It is a hard working workspace and has held up beautifully. We get so may compliments!
BTW , your kitchen photos inspired my remodel, on a less grand scale. Love your kitchen!
Can’t wait to get my napkins!
Lucy
It’s going to be beautiful! I vote quartzite, we used it in our kitchen and it’s gorgeous. Just be aware that there is a lot of “quartzite” out there that is actually marble. I know for you that wouldn’t be an issue but if it is an issue its best to get a sample of the actual stone and test it for scratching and etching before committing to it.
I have been down the LONG and TEDIOUS marble road these past few months and have finally ended up with Danby marble. I believe it’s mined in Vermont! It’s white with more exxagerated veins in depth but shorter streaks. Hard to describe but I like it. FINALLY! Good luck with the family room… you’re off to a fabulous start. Can’t wait to follow.
I love watching this come together! We also have the nice high basement ceilings, and we entertain big groups downstairs, both friends and family.
My boys are a little older than yours, and they LOVE hanging out down there. Also, they are starting to get married now, and it’ll be fun for the eventual grandkids!
Question – it looks like you have a walk-out basement, but it doesn’t seem like it from your patio. That’s the one thing I don’t like about my walkout- I can’t get to my back patio without going down the stairs.
It all looks gorgeous – even the fireplace!
Hi Tina, looks beautiful already!
Just last week I was in Klaff’s (up here in CT) shopping for a lantern (to replace my tired old dining room chandelier), as well as another smaller lighting shop in Greenwich, and I got to see all of those lanterns you are contemplating in person.
Such great choices, you certainly can’t go wrong with any of them. Enjoy!
Looks marvelous! Please let us know which low club chairs you find. I am looking for exactly the same thing in front of our bar. I vote for one with pale gray and cream, I love the warm and cool together!
hi tina, lovely choices and i am seriously envious, lol. (also, a “basement” with 11 foot ceilings –!)
also, hard to believe that slab is actually porcelain! the stuff they come up with nowadays are incredible.
oh how lovely! we simply cannot call this a basement. it is too beautiful, airy, and divine. i love your color choices and don’t know enough about stone to offer an opinion. how exciting!
Tina this is going to be a gorgeous yet comfortable room you all will enjoy so much. Love the lantern choices for the bar area. The best thing to me is how much natural light you have and the high ceilings.
Xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Tina, the basement looks fabulous so far! I love all of the stone choices, including the ceramic. I cannot believe those are ceramic?
The lantern choices are all beautiful!
Have a great week,
Elizabeth
Love, love the room decor plans. I think you will have the best of both worlds in your gorgeous home. Because of the amount of white/grey marble you have in the formal portion your home, I would like to see the cream with deep tan/bronze veins or the white with bronze veins like you have next to the wood sample. I think it will all be about the amount of contrast with the wood you are using. You are changing up the style, so my vote is to change up the marble color too!
Tina,
This brings back memories of going to the marble quarries in north Georgia with my mother (measurements in hand) when I was a child in the 70’s! Natural stone was not as readily available back then as it is now, but fake composite was everywhere. So, she just decided to go directly to the source to pick out what she wanted. I had not thought of that memory in years. Thanks for reminding me!
Your basement is going to be splendid. (I love the original mantel.) As for stone choices, I think I’m with you on the quartzite as a favorite overall. I also really like the one that you said had some pale grays and creams. Your fav is more formal and traditional to me, like the rest of your house (which I do love). The other one mentioned seems less formal and for my taste more in keeping with the look of the basement, despite not being my favorite of all the options presented. (I hope that makes sense). I can easily make good arguments for both though, as they are both beautiful.
I can’t wait to see how it all comes together. Thanks so much for sharing.
LC
I just completed a basement renovation and love it. One room is filled with exercise equipment, another has a HUGE television and kitchen/bar, and we also finished out a bedroom and bath. Our son loves staying there when he’s home for a visit, and the space is great for entertaining. I prefer the second stone you feature (the one with the pale grays and creams), and the lanterns are all beautiful. Good luck!
I loved the same one as you ?a quartzite + love the lanterns also + can’t wait to see the next phrase. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Wow, can’t wait to see it when it’s finished. Sure wish I had your visions!
You know that once you spend this much time, effort and money, the basement is no longer a basement, but a “lower level.” We are finishing our “lower level” with coffered ceilings, exercise area, studio for me, den and an office for my husband. Best of luck with your project. Fun to plan and fun to finish.
We have a “bonus room” down here in Texas where my guys (husband, two grown sons, and two young grandsons) love to hangout and watch their favorite sports on our large screen Tv! This will be a room well used by your guys! Love all of your selections.
LOve love love!!! WOW Tina that is beyond fabulous! I love quartzite these days it really does mimic marble and red wine is no problem! I loved the darker choices next to the wood sample but all of them are just fantastic. I am so excited to see this come into fruition! You picked my favorite lanterns too. Yes, ,I think your hubby is moving down there- lol!
WOW! What a basement and what a fun project. It certainly does not look like a basement. Love all you have planned….not a surprise…your taste is exquisite.
As for the stone, I like the pale grey/cream combo. I feel this would be a great compliment to the woods and the fireplace surround. Perhaps make the fireplace surround blend rather than stand out.
Whatever you do, it will be fabulous. Can’t wait to see it finished.
I think your favorite slab is the best color for the space. All are lovely, though. Just don’t think you can go wrong with any of your choices! And I think the marble around the fireplace is gorgeous and am laughing so hard about your husband picking it out!
I let my husband pick out the cabinets and tile for the kitchen (why did I let the renovation begin 3 weeks after major surgery?) and am now redoing it. Granite too. Though maybe a nice marble would look nice!
Anyway, you have a flair for color and I think the space will tie together beautifully and just think of all the fun times you will have in that lovely space!
Enjoy your Thursday and keep warm!
GAH!!! Love the quartzite…not the man made quartz though…yikes. I am with you- plastic!
Totally in love with the limed oak too. Another beautiful interior coming along my friend…XO
How fun!! I love them all! I don’t even send my husband to the grocery store anymore. Ha! It’s going to be so fun and your boys will all be back with their friends all of the time. Trust me!
What a fun project! I love that your “big kid” is going to get a space to enjoy with his friends!!! Love the light colors and noticed that you have some large doors/windows so you get that natural light. LOVE the first slab you picked….we still have a master bathroom renovation in our future, so good to know about quartzite and the porcelain!
You always do beautiful interiors…can’t wait to see the finished product!
Stay warm! Would you believe we have tickets for the The Audience on Sunday when it will literally be the coldest day of the year. Boy, can I pick ’em! But, Helen Mirren is worth getting bundled up for. 🙂
xoxo Elizabeth
The stones in the last picture are perfection with your wood. I’m a little confused by them they read so blue compared to the other slab pictures, The two on the left are both amazing. My vote would be for the stone you described as pale grays and creams. I like the quartzite and have specified it before but I think the paler creamier stone will amplify the look you’re going for more. Course everything you do is beautiful, so I’m sure you decide will be perfect.
Do you know Hammerton? I just used their mesh collection in a huge basement where the upstair’s inspiration was largely from you! You mentioned being a bit more transitional and might like it. Can’t wait to see the finished room! Everything you do is spectacular!! http://www.hammerton.com/products_mesh.htm
Tina, This is so much fun and I really like what you doing with this space! We looked at porcelain and quartzite when “marble shopping” and I decided I only wanted the Calcutta marble in the house. That said, if I had a large basement .. I think that would be an excellent choice .. the first slab is very pretty! The bar and light fixtures will be perfect and I love the little sitting area you are creating in front of the fireplace. Can’t wait to see it when it’s finished!
The stones in the last picture are perfection with your wood. I’m a little confused by them they read so blue compared to the other slab pictures, The two on the left are both amazing. My vote would be for the stone you described as pale grays and creams. I like the quartzite and have specified it before but I think the paler creamier stone will amplify the look you’re going for more. Course everything you do is beautiful, so I’m sure you decide will be perfect.
Do you know Hammerton? I just used their mesh collection in a huge basement where the upstair’s inspiration was largely from you! You mentioned being a bit more transitional and might like it. Can’t wait to see the finished room! Everything you do is spectacular!! http://www.hammerton.com/products_mesh.htm
Tina,
Your game room is going to be beautiful! I love the choices you made espially the dark grey and then the piece below it is great. The lantern lights are georgous. Thanks for sharing.
Loretta
Tina,
I just put quartzite in my kitchen. I doubled the edge, bull nose over an ogee and I love it and you will also!! It is the perfect combination of marble and granite!!! Can’t wait to see your finished project.
Audrey
I bet that this is the place that you two will live – it’s going to be fabulous, but with that casual feel that’s just going to envelope you when you walk down the stairs – adore the ceilings and you know how we feel about marble?love everything about it!! Happy Thursday ~
I like the one with the pale grays and creams best ~ also should blend with your poor peachy marble surround! LOL
Tina–I am new to your blog. I have read several entries referring to the “original house”. I love the new house but wanted to know a little more about the history behind where you built. If there is an entry specific to this subject, I would appreciate knowing where to find it. Thanks so much for great ideas and inspiration.
Wow! that basement is going to look gorgeous!!! How fun! Love all the ideas you picked out!
I can’t wait to see the finished basement! I know that it will be wonderful.
Happy weekend, Tina.
Teresa
xoxo
I really like the grey oak flooring. I am purchasing my first home and I would love something like this in my entryway.
Another exciting project! What will we do when the house is complete? You will have to start over or get a summer house – now that would be fun to follow along!!! I just hung a new lantern over kitchen table – from Circa Lighting – they have the most incredible selection of lighting!!
Tina, I have to say that I am loving the plainer quartzite. The calmness of it will let the room speak and not the countertops. That being said, your taste is impeccable and I think you will go with your first choice because that is what your gut says. It will be the nicest basement in the land no matter which countertops you choose!!!!
I agree that the man-made quartzites do not look like real marble. That being said, they can be great for certain applications. We have Cambria Torquay in our “lower level” (also like that phrase better than basement and ours is also above ground with french doors) laundry room and as the wet bar countertop. (I think I recognize the squiggly Torquay in one of your pics.) Subsequently, Caesarstone introduced some new “fake marbles” that look better than the Torquay, and we used one of those (forget the name of the one we chose) in both upstairs bathrooms. With kids, it is great not to worry about countertops in those areas. We do have marble in our kitchen and powder room and chose Imperial Danby Vermont marble. IMO it is a beautiful marble with cream, gold, and dark gray subtle veining. Your “lower level” looks great!
I personally think the white marble look or a creamy look. You will probably get tired of the dark crazy colors. Its best to go with more color with accessories, carpets etc. ( Things that are easy to change, stay nuetral with the things that are harder to change. Hope this helped:)