Calgary designer Louis Duncan-He had a tall order: to bring a relaxed beach vacation feeling to a builder-basic basement. With fond memories of travelling to destinations like Hawaii and the Caribbean, his clients were looking for a similar vibe at home. “They painted a vivid picture of lush, moody, sensual rooms,” says Louis of their vision for the space.
Having lived in their Aspen Woods house for 12 years, the couple knew it was time for the lower level to live up to its full potential. “Our house has areas for family togetherness, but it was lacking a dedicated space for adults that was free of kids’ toys, work and clutter, a place where we didn’t have to go out to enjoy a night out,” says one owner.
“My clients are night owls, and they loved the idea of a nocturnal, sensual space, says designer Louis Duncan-He.
Running with his clients’ inspiration, Louis started by painting the approximately 2,400-square-foot basement jet-black, then added jungle wallpaper and emerald, coral, teal and brass accents for dramatic effect. “With such a strong black presence, we wanted there to be some dimension and gusto in the furniture,” he says. An inviting bar, lounge, games area and reading nook round out the multipurpose space.
The project took eight months and, when it was complete, the couple couldn’t wait to pull up a seat at the bar, above which is a cool preserved moss installation that Louis designed himself. On winter evenings, they enjoy manhattans with bourbon-soaked cherries and godfather cocktails with homemade amaretto. Says one owner: “There really is something special about being able to enjoy a bar experience right in your own basement; it makes the everyday feel extraordinary.”
Louis chose jewel-toned upholstery and a fantastical feather floor lamp that pop against the jet-black walls.
For the reading nook, Louis took inspiration from boutique hotels in Bali and Singapore when choosing this tropical wallpaper. The wicker egg chair gives the same feeling as a hanging version, without the structural fuss.
Eymeric Widling
House & Home
Louis Duncan-He
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Basement Design
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Louis Duncan-He