A Moody Lower Level Retreat for Entertaining & Family Nights

The Westmin Project was designed as a multifunctional retreat for a busy family with two school-aged boys, transforming an underutilized storage area into a refined yet comfortable family room made for movie nights, board games, and gathering with friends. With little to no natural light, we embraced a moodier palette of rich, darker tones, layering in thoughtful lighting solutions to create flexibility and ambiance for everything from casual gaming to relaxed evenings together.

To balance the dramatic feel, we introduced softer elements throughout the space, including a light-toned sectional, warm walnut detailing, and a subtle metallic wallpaper that adds depth and quiet sophistication. The custom TV built-in was carefully designed to conceal wiring, accommodate oversized art books, and provide integrated storage for the clients’ creative supplies, while a fluted walnut feature with LED lighting adds texture and atmosphere.

Functionality was equally important in this project. While the family still required significant storage, we concealed one full wall behind custom drapery, a solution that not only maximized accessibility and saved space, but also introduced softness and helped absorb sound. Because the room sits directly beneath the main living area upstairs, additional soundproofing was incorporated into the ceiling to help minimize noise transfer. Custom integrated shelving beside the sofa also provided convenient charging stations and surfaces for drinks, making the room feel both intentional and highly livable.

Originally designed for the kids and their friends, the finished space became such a favourite that the clients may have quietly claimed it for themselves.