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No Hassle Hearth

Is there anything better than sitting by a cozy fireplace on a chilly winter evening? And how great would it be to create the ambiance and warmth with a flip of a switch or click of a remote control! More people than ever are opting to include a gas fireplace as a part of their home addition or first floor renovation, and for good reason. Gas fireplaces are a great alternative to a wood burning hearth without the hassle.

A fireplace is a beautiful, functional focal point to almost any room. Especially here in the Midwest, a fireplace can be a very well used element of your home’s design, for a large portion of the year.

A gas fireplace uses natural gas to heat your home, saving you from purchasing and hauling logs to fuel your fire. There is also a lot less maintenance involved than with a wood-burning option and it can prove to be more energy efficient in the long run. Combine that flexibility with a wide array of styles – from traditional to ultra-contemporary giving you a fire that looks and performs like real wood. It’s no wonder why people are falling in love with the simplicity of gas fireplaces.

If you’re considering adding a fireplace to your home addition or first floor renovation, set up a time to talk about the possibilities. Check out the photo gallery or follow Normandy Remodeling on Facebook and Instagram for even more home tips and inspiration.

The Ultimate Hang Out Basement

Large gaming room in basement with pool table fireplace, columnsThese homeowners in Mokena wanted to open up their closed-off basement that they inherited when they bought their home. They wanted each room to flow into each other and make the space feel bigger, allowing their teenage kids to hang out with friends more easily. They turned to Normandy Designer Leslie Molloy, CKD for a game plan.

“Truth be told, it was more of a layout and aesthetic issue for the homeowners,” said Leslie. They wanted their existing in-home theater to be the central, focal point of their lower level, similar to many high-end basement remodels they had seen.” “And a game room big enough to hold a pool table and cigar lounge adjacent to complete the space.”

humidor or cigar paneled room in basement“We opened up a few walls to give the feel of an open layout,” added Leslie. “And added decorative elements over the structural columns to section off the space.”

A library with a cigar lounge feel to it was carved out of an unfinished portion of the basement. This was added for a private place to decompress or catch up on the news. It also had a hidden trap door that provided access to storage and mechanicals.

“The homeowner favored a traditional kitchenette and bar in basement remodel style and wanted to carry that aesthetic from the newly remodeled first floor into the basement,” said Leslie. “So, we incorporated padded doors and ornate cabinetry and molding to complement the rest of the home.”

The wet bar can function as a kitchenette and is perfect for entertaining or grabbing snacks or drinks while watching a movie in their home theater. The space was finished off with a full bathroom with a walk-in shower.

full bathroom in basement. walk in shower, vanity“The whole family was looking forward hanging out in their newly remodeled basement,” said Leslie with a smile. “I’m glad I was able to give these homeowners both a beautiful and functional space that they will enjoy for years to come.”

If your basement is due for an overhaul, you can set up a time with Leslie to talk about the possibilities. You can also learn more about additions, kitchens or other remodeling projects at an upcoming workshop. Check out the photo gallery or follow Normandy Remodeling on Facebook and Instagram for even more home tips and inspiration.

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