The lower level of this home began as a fully finished space with minimal architectural character — a collection of enclosed rooms without a cohesive point of view. It functioned, but without personality, presence, or the experiential feel the homeowners envisioned. They wanted something more: a hidden retreat with the intimacy of a speakeasy, the warmth of a private club, and the atmosphere of a curated lounge layered with craft, ritual, and story.
To bring this vision to life, the entire floor was reimagined. Strategic wall removals opened the plan and allowed the spaces to breathe, creating clearer sightlines and better flow between entertainment zones. A new fireplace was added to anchor the lounge area and bring a sense of gravity and comfort to the room — a gesture that transformed the basement from “finished space” to “destination.”
A former utility room, once purely functional, was completely rebuilt into a custom wine cellar and cigar humidor. Constructed with traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery and warm, tactile materials, this intimate room balances craftsmanship with atmosphere. It now serves as both a showcase for the homeowners’ collection and a private ritual space within the larger retreat.
The original kitchenette — small, dated, and lacking identity — was stripped to the studs and re-envisioned as a true speakeasy bar. A custom-designed bar was crafted to anchor the space, paired with bespoke, hand-welded metal shelving designed to display the homeowners’ exceptional selection of over 200 tequilas and mezcals. The shelving becomes sculpture, casting shadows and reflections that shift with the lighting and the movement in the room.
Throughout the lower level, thoughtful materials, curated art, and intentional lighting combine to create a moody, immersive environment. Statement pieces pull focus without overpowering the architecture, while layered textures — rich woods, honed stone, deep charcoals, warm metals — ground the rooms and create a sense of collected authenticity.
What was once an ordinary suburban basement is now a fully realized entertainment level: part speakeasy, part lounge, part game room, part tasting cellar. A private escape for conversation, music, late-night gatherings, and everyday unwinding — all within the comfort of home.
The Speakeasy Level reflects a blend of bespoke building,elevated design, and experiential storytelling. It embodies the homeowner’s lifestyle while showcasing the kind of layered, atmospheric work that defines Christina Armbrister Design + Build.
