A Fresh Start Below Ground: Basement Remodel in St. Paul
Built in 1887, this 2½-story Victorian home in St. Paul had an unfinished basement that felt more like a cellar than living space. Basements often get a bad rap as dark and scary, but remodeling offers a huge opportunity to expand your home’s usable square footage. These homeowners envisioned transforming their cold limestone foundation into a warm and welcoming lower level.
You won’t see the drain tile, dampproofing, or upgraded insulation in the finished photos—but these behind-the-scenes elements are what make the transformation both comfortable and enduring.
From Divided to Connected
Defining a Living Space
The basement had a lot of potential but was broken up by multiple rooms, mechanicals, and support posts and beams running through the now-open living area. We restructured the ceiling joists to eliminate those obstacles and create a more open floor plan. The double doors you see in the “before” image? That’s now where the TV lives. No more mismatched materials or exposed mechanicals—just a cozy, finished space designed for comfort and connection.
From Scary to Welcoming
Transforming a Hallway, Closet & Guest Bedroom
A Smarter Setup for Guests
The old powder room—just a toilet in a rather scary-looking space—was removed. We relocated the bathroom off the garden room and transformed the original area into a linen closet for guest bedding. Just down the hall, a guest room features a Murphy bed for added flexibility.
Relocating the Bathroom
Better Flow, Better Fit
The original bathroom—just a lone toilet in a dark corner—was far from inviting. By relocating it to the garden room area just off the stairs, we created a more thoughtful layout and a far more welcoming experience. With refined finishes and added warmth, the new bathroom feels fully integrated into the lower level—far from a typical basement bath.
From Messy to Functional
Designing a Garden Room & Laundry
A Practical Space with Personality
Just off the stairs, the new garden room features countertop space for arranging flowers and sorting supplies. Stacked laundry units save space, while a deep sink and the mix of green and rich wood cabinetry add a stylish, hardworking touch. Durable counters keep things easy and beautiful.
Let There Be Light
The original glass block window in the living room let in barely any light. Now, a full egress window opens up the space—flooding the room with natural light and offering a safe, functional way out in an emergency. It’s a subtle upgrade that instantly makes the lower level feel more inviting.
From Chaos to Order
Maximizing the Storage Room
Improved Storage
Everyone needs a room like this: a place to put stuff. What was once cluttered and dim is now tidy, bright, and thoughtfully organized.
A Finished Space That Works Hard
The finished basement mirrors the size of the main home, and now every inch is working hard. This basement remodel reconfigured the layout and defined spaces that will improve homeowner’s every day lives. Design touches like crown molding and wallpaper bring warmth and personality, proving that basements can be both functional and beautiful.
Team Credits
Designer: Amanda Claessens
Project Manager: Tom Claessens, Katie Post
Photos: Troy Thies
