Location: Morgan Creek, South Surrey, BC
Year: 2021-2022
Project Scope: Full Basement Renovation, Space Planning, Custom Millwork & Furnishings
Service Type: In-Person Interior Design
A Complete Basement Transformation
This 1,600-square-foot basement renovation in Morgan Creek, an established neighbourhood in South Surrey, was designed to create a more functional, inviting extension of the family home. The homeowners, a busy family of four, envisioned a space that could accommodate everything from family movie nights and entertaining friends to working from home and staying active.
The existing basement felt dated and disconnected, with compartmentalized rooms, limited natural light, and an underutilized layout. A complete renovation offered the opportunity to rethink how the entire floor functioned, creating distinct yet connected spaces tailored to the family's lifestyle.
Throughout the renovation, a cohesive palette of warm wood tones, soft neutrals, rich blue cabinetry, and brass accents balances everyday practicality with refined design.
Family Room: Made for Gathering
The original family room featured a fireplace the homeowners no longer needed, as they already enjoyed one upstairs. Removing it created the opportunity for a large, custom-built entertainment wall, complete with concealed storage and open shelving to accommodate family movie nights and everyday living.
The room was also reconfigured to accommodate the addition of a new patio above, allowing the former bay-window area to be integrated into the updated design. A fresh, light palette, comfortable furnishings, and continuous flooring transformed the space into a welcoming family retreat.
Wet Bar: A Moody, Sophisticated Contrast
The existing wet bar was completely reimagined as an L-shaped entertaining area, designed to improve accessibility, storage, and functionality for the whole family. Dedicated beverage refrigeration keeps drinks readily available, including a convenient place for the kids' favourites.
Deep blue custom cabinetry introduces richness and contrast, complemented by brass hardware, light quartz countertops, and dramatic black metal display shelving.
An antiqued mirror backsplash adds depth and character while reflecting light throughout the space—an intentional detail in a basement with limited natural light. Layered with decorative lighting and carefully considered finishes, the wet bar becomes a striking focal point designed for both everyday use and entertaining.
Home Gym: Bringing Light Into the Space
One of the most significant changes was combining an existing guest bedroom and full bathroom to create a spacious, dedicated home gym.
With limited windows in this part of the basement, introducing natural light and maintaining an open feeling were key design priorities. A custom glass partition visually connects the gym to the adjoining spaces, allowing borrowed light to travel through while maintaining a defined workout area. Adjacent custom cabinetry in a deep blue finish provides additional storage, while a substantial quartz countertop and tailored millwork detailing introduce a refined, furniture-like quality to the space.
The result is a bright, contemporary fitness space that feels integrated into the home rather than enclosed within a traditional basement.
Bathroom: Practicality With a Refined Finish
The renovated bathroom was thoughtfully reconfigured to provide access from both the home office and the main living area, improving circulation and making the space more convenient for the entire family.
Warm wood cabinetry, crisp white finishes, and brass accents create a fresh, timeless aesthetic. A custom vanity with integrated storage, open towel shelving, and layered lighting adds warmth and functionality while maintaining a clean, uncluttered appearance.
Together, these spaces transform what was once a dated lower level into a cohesive extension of the home, designed to support the family's everyday routines and the moments they share together.
The Client Experience
“We enjoyed working with Ariane, and cannot recommend her enough. Unlike our past experience with designers who pushed their personal opinions, she truly prioritized our desires and needs. She listened carefully and offered expert advice on balancing innovative design with practical style for everyday life.
Her communication and follow-through were impeccable, keeping us informed every step of the way and ensuring that every detail was taken care of. We are thrilled with the result - thank you Ariane!”
Before the Transformation:
