Design

Design Spotlight: Specialty Rooms

See how two builders and an architect executed their visions for wine rooms, a basement spa, and a children's bunk/craft room with access hidden behind a swing-away bookcase.

Jan. 16, 2017
3 min read
670c2ebb96880450cd822e3e Auerbach20001 0
Gus%20 Rubio%20copy 0

Gus Rubio

Garbriel Builders, Travelers Rest, S.C.

18%20 Wine%20 Room%201%20%281%29
Featuring cedar walls, mahogany cabinetry, cigar storage, a barrel tile ceiling, and a ladder system, this humidity-controlled wine room holds 1,972 bottles. The stairway to the living area has custom-turned woodwork, including newel posts and tower finials. Access is also possible via a wood-paneled elevator.
Gabriel%20 Wine%20 Room%202
Gabriel Gym

 The gym in this home is pro quality. With architect Mel Dias, we ensured that floor supports could handle the dropping of heavy barbells. The gym has a second story with cardio equipment and a stretching area. Home automation delivers music, satellite TV, and security. The fitness area extends outside to a push-sled track and half basketball court. Few need a gym of this caliber, but many would enjoy a scaled-down version.

Gabriel%20wine%20tasting%20room
This rustic wine tasting room was inspired by the homeowner, who lived in France for several years as a young girl. 
Gabriel%20wine%20cellar%20looking%20out

 

Richard%20landry

Richard Landry

Landry Design Group, Los Angeles

Oliver%20026 D
The first step in design is asking clients to ponder how they live and entertain and the life they anticipate as their families mature. Those answers, along with knowing which home style the clients like, provides the basis for a plan. Home theaters, entertainment centers, gyms, and wine rooms often are customary in homes with ample underground space, but sometimes we’re asked to design a room for beauty treatments and massage. 
Le%20 Grand%20 Reve%20031

Situated alongside a gym and full spa in the basement of a classical Chicago home, this room owes its relaxing ambience to a fireplace, rich materials, a warm palette, and cove lighting.

Auerbach%20001

Another unusual request was made by clients whose daughter practices meditation. There, we designed a meditation tower. The serene space is an exotic mélange of colors and cultures, yet it works in this residence. 

Auerbach%20002
Collingwood%20019
Italian%20 V Illa%20044
Sven %20001

Sven Gustafson

Stonewood, Wayzata, Minn.

Imagine the excitement when a child discovers a hidden entrance behind a swing-away bookcase.

The bookcase opens to a set of stairs leading to the highest level of the home. Anticipation builds as the child ascends the stairs until finally he or she pushes open the door and enters the best room of the house.

Photo 097
This bunk/craft room is the perfect space for kids of all ages. A long concrete table, brightly painted storage cabinets, and a full sink add function. Whether finger-painting or doing homework, the space is designed to be fun, colorful, and comfortable.
Photo 095
Adjacent to the craft area are two custom-made bunk beds for sleepovers.
Photo 132

Each bunk has individually controlled lamps for ghost stories or bedtime reading. Or, turn everything off and enjoy watching a movie from bed. Several of our clients have kids, and these bunk/craft rooms are becoming more and more popular.

About the Author

Mike Beirne, Senior Editor

Sign up for Custom Builder Newsletters