Clever design allows for hidden bedrooms in a family retreat in Hingham.
By Maria Allen Photography by Brian Doherty
A contemporary Hingham residence recently underwent a striking basement transformation. Almar Building & Remodeling partnered with interior designer Anne Mahoney of Anne Lydia, LLC, to reimagine the home’s previously underutilized lower level, designing personalized bedrooms for the homeowners’ teenage son and daughter and creating inviting gathering spaces the whole family could enjoy.
The first time Mahoney walked through the home’s finished basement, she immediately saw potential. There was plenty of square footage to work with and an abundance of natural light, thanks to a large picture window and sliding glass doors that opened up to a private backyard. There was plenty of square footage and an abundance of natural light. However, she noticed design challenges, such as a visually intrusive column in the main room and a large brick fireplace that the family never used.
“The space didn’t feel cohesive,” says Mahoney, who worked closely with Almar’s project manager, Nolan Blakeley, to address structural issues and develop creative solutions that elevated the overall design.
The Almar team started by removing the center beam to allow for a more unified layout. They also relocated the sliding glass doors so that the first thing people see when they come down the stairs is a sophisticated sitting area with a beautiful oversized picture window.
“One of the first questions I ask clients is, ‘What do you want to notice first in the room?’” says Mahoney. “Once we have the answer the design begins to take shape.”
In this instance, the homeowners were ready to say goodbye to their basement fireplace (they had another fireplace upstairs) and wanted to replace it with a striking walnut feature wall. Rather than remove the fireplace entirely, Mahoney worked with the Almar team to design the wall in such a way that it would seamlessly conceal the fireplace while integrating hidden doors that lead to the daughter’s bedroom and a guest room. The dark wood paneling now stretches the entire width of the room,helping to anchor the space and give it a California-casual vibe.
“I really wanted to create a focal point and I liked the idea of the mystery of the hidden rooms,” says Mahoney.
The main room was divided into purposeful zones. In one corner there is a cozy sectional seating area ideal for movie nights. In another there is a table and reading area with a wall of built-in bookcases designed to house the family’s extensive book collection. Across the room, a stylish seating area is complemented by a convenient wet bar.
Many of the furnishings in the basement design give a nod to modern Gustavian style. Muted tones like mushroom gray, creamy neutrals and soft grey-blue and green create a serene backdrop while pops of raspberry and velvet textures introduce warmth and dimension.
Mahoney selected contemporary paintings by Boston-based artist Nedret Andre to inject vibrance into the space. “Sometimes muted colors can feel a bit stuffy,” says Mahoney. “Colorful art makes a space come alive.”
Each of the teen’s bedrooms was designed to reflect their individual personalities. The daughter’s room, for example, captures a serene Nantucket style. A former walk-in closet was converted into a cozy bed nook and is now the highlight of the space. A high-gloss French blue ceiling over the bed draws the eye upward and the color is echoed in the patterns of the Schumacher wallpaper and also the custom headboard, designed by Comfort Upholstery in East Bridgewater. On the opposite side of the basement, the son’s bedroom embraces casual Americana, with a denim-blue upholstered headboard and an American flag standing proudly in the corner.
No longer a disconnected and drab space collecting athletic equipment, the newly reimagined lower level feels like a natural extension of the upstairs. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see your vision come to life,” says Mahoney.
“I love creating spaces that feel like a hug,” she adds. “Even in a basement, warmth and comfort matter.”