A Madison, Wisconsin Split-Level Home Gets a New Bar

A National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award-Winner

Here at Degnan Design-Build Remodel, we're always happy to welcome new residents to the Madison, Wisconsin area. Our recent clients Kevin and Nathan purchased their split-level home in the Sauk Creek neighborhood and immediately wanted to turn an awkward and unused corner of the lower level into a contemporary and timeless space for entertaining.

Not long after buying their split-level home, they went online and found us. After sitting with our Senior Designer, and Abe Degnan and reviewing a recent contemporary project full of texture and geometry that we completed, they decided to engage us to begin transforming their lower-level into a stunning and contemporary bar design!

Both homeowners have a keen eye for design and were open to new ideas. Working with them closely, their open-mindedness allowed us to refine every element and detail of this project to create a finished space that exceeded their expectations!

They weren't sure exactly how it would come together, but our design incorporated an adjacent space into a wine cellar to display their collection. In the end, the timeless contemporary design we created fits into the rest of the home seamlessly and will definitely stand the test of time.

Designing for Functionality... and Aesthetics

Kevin and Nathan had a wish list for their new wet bar and wine cellar that included a large sink, an under-counter wine fridge, and a prominent spot for their framed 3-dimensional Iowa Hawkeyes logo! 

View All Of The Pictures From This Wet Bar & Wine Cellar Remodel

Our design also included plenty of storage for various stemware, cocktail glasses, and dishes they use for entertaining guests. The overall design approach was contemporary, to keep with the rest of the home's design aesthetic, but was to be more timeless, rather than trendy, to keep it fresh and current.

Meeting Our Clients Needs and Exceeding Their Expectations

Working closely with Kevin and Nathan, we were able to achieve all of their goals for both design and functionality. We presented them with our designs, and they opted for a timeless choice that is both contemporary and transitional. We chose to stay away from trendy colors and finishes that might make the space appear “dated” and require replacement in the near future. 

The design is anchored by the classic Elkay Lustertone under-mount, satin finish stainless steel sink, with the Hansgrohe Stark faucet. At 14”3/8” in diameter, the sink was large enough to accommodate an Insinkerator Contractor 333 disposal for added convenience! 

The round shape of the sink bowl perfectly fits into the overall curvy look of the space. To add functionality and meet our client's needs, we also included a Fisher & Paykel dish drawer, a Zephyr beverage cooler, and a separate Zephyr wine cooler in the main area, and created a separate “wine cellar” and tasting table under the stairway. 

Creating a Functional Design for this Split-Level Home

Before we began this project, the lower-level alcove space was basically non-functional. As we began creating our design, we determined that it was the perfect location for the fully stocked bar. The adjacent area under the stairway was the ideal area for a wine cellar and counter space to open and decant wine.

We chose Northern Classic Cabinetry's Langlade door style made from maple with a mocha stain finish for both areas. The upper cabinets feature a wire-woven grille insert in antique pewter, adding contrast and texture to the design. For the countertops in the main area, we chose durable quartz countertops in Desert Silver. The cabinetry carries over into the wine cellar giving a sense of continuity to the overall design. We combined this with a fabulous Wine Enthusiast Vintage View wine storage system in satin black. In the wine area, we chose a Hardwood Reflections butcher block countertop in Birch.

To add functionality and increase storage space, we created a custom, oversized access panel inside the cabinet, which allows access to the space under the stairway landing, perfect for storing occasionally-used items. 

We also focused on the space's lighting design, making it an integrated element of the design rather than an afterthought. We included hidden LED strip lighting in the wine cellar to light the bottles, and toe kick LED strip lights, tiny spotlights for display, under cabinet lighting, and a high-end 3-light mini-pendant by Kichler Ayce in Matte Black. For the floating shelves, we incorporated Juno brand mini-recessed lights over the floating shelves and Juno recessed LED puck lights in the floating shelves.

Creating The Most Of An Unusable Lower-Level Space

The end result was through our design and craftsmanship; we turned a non-functional space in the lower level of this split-level home into a highly functional showpiece that enhanced the home's overall functionality and fit perfectly with the rest of the home design, and added value. Our clients were thrilled with the end result! The home gained features that it never had before, and our design enhanced the visual appeal and functionality of the entire lower level of the home.

If you own a split-level home in Madison, Wisconsin area and are considering a home remodeling project, give the award-winning design team at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel a call at (608) 846-5963. We can help you create the perfect design, make the right choices to meet your needs, and design a space to fit any budget. Call today for a free no-obligation consultation to discuss your project.