A sweet slice of the Deavers’ life is frozen in a single photograph. Laughing faces fill the black-and-white image surrounded by a white mat inside a frame. Matt and Allison Deaver commemorated an anniversary spent with their three children with the photo, an impromptu “selfie” taken in the midst of a celebratory card game. Even their dog, Ozzy, snuck in the bottom edge of the shot. The picture, paired with a few more family images, lends a joyful vibe to their new family room.
Allison wanted the unfinished lower level of their Bennington home, built in 2017, to encapsulate the playful spirit of the photo. The space needed to encompass three things—family, fun, and freedom. She envisioned a place for Friday night teenage pizza parties, but also for adults hanging out on college football Saturdays.
The Deavers collaborated with Abby Kruse, lead designer at Lee Douglas Interiors, to make their beautiful, yet practical, design vision come to life. The finished product is one most families with teens and tweens only dream of.
The well-lit room casts a welcoming glow, rather than the dark den atmosphere typical to most basements, while the view of Bennington Lake and trail make one want to sit and enjoy the scenery. The oak sand-dollar coloring of the floor pops against the ebony edging of the window and door frames. Two gray, black, and white abstract paintings lend calm and cool vibes to the room.
The black quartz bar island with a waterfall edge down one side continues the color scheme. The island, designated “Crockpot Land,” has hidden outlets and storage space. Pleather bar stools gleam under two pendant lights with gold edging. The slate kitchen countertop contrasts with the darker wood-paneled storage underneath. Cabinets organize additional food and prep items. Allison keeps the fridge loaded with each visitor’s favorite beverage—whether her father-in-law’s Miller Lite or her children’s friends’ Sunkist.
“If you like it, I’ll make sure you have it,” she said.
A stainless-steel GE Advantium wall oven, nestled in the middle of the cabinets, makes it easier for the youngsters to make pizza rolls and other snacks when friends come over to stay the night. Black LVP (luxury vinyl plank), mounted on the wall, camouflages the big screen television above it. A window bench provides additional seating.
“We didn’t want a room that couldn’t be totally easy to clean, fix, and maintain,” Allison explained.
For example, the white-and-gold geometric wallpaper behind the family photos can be easily wiped clean of handprints or messes. The Deavers wanted people to feel comfortable to crack open a beer or a soda without worrying about spraying or spilling.
Guests who take advantage of the hot tub, tucked away under the deck stairs outside, don’t have to worry about drippy messes indoors either, as the design planned for people running in and out of the sliding-glass doors. The bistro area’s LVP flooring seemed the ideal fit for wet feet, or even muddy paw prints.
The unique charm of the basement means each family member can utilize it to their liking. Son John, age 9, recently had 50 people over for his baseball team party and the space never seemed cramped. At Christmas, son Joe, age 14, decorated gingerbread houses with friends at the round card table, spotlighted by a contemporary chandelier.
Music from a sound system enhances the atmosphere. People can play on the custom shuffleboard table, while others take advantage of the exercise room. Allison’s husband, Matt, works out on the gym’s bouncy floor. Daughter Kate, age 15, runs on the treadmill to prepare for cross-country season. The exercise space is enclosed with glass barn doors girded in black.
“People want to show off their expensive exercise equipment. They want to look outside and not feel like they are in a closet anymore,” Kruse explained.
Another big-screen television in the family room means memorable nights together with popcorn and Milk Duds. Dim the lights and sink into the gray modular couch for a show. The moveable sofa is ideal for slumber parties as well.
“Movie nights are best,” Joe said, reminiscing with his mother over how many times they’ve watched Stepbrothers together.
Emerald green and blue pillows accent the neutral color palette, adding depth. Snuggly throws in a basket and plush, light-gray carpet add warmth. A fireplace, surrounded by white mosaic herringbone, blazes on winter nights. Two sconces light the black wooden backdrop on the fireplace wall for further ambiance. Heavy round trays rest on ottomans for easy access to drinks, while moveable metallic end tables offer more space for snacks. Cement tables come together or can separate, depending on the occasion. Small decor accents, such as a miniature gold bulldog statue or song lyrics scripted on wall plaques (“Daydream Believer” by The Monkeys being one of them) become conversation starters at parties.
The family room feels enclosed, partly due to its black framing, which visually separates it from the bistro dining area. Kruse blended the support beams into the design, rather than structurally moving them at great cost. The result is seamless and creative.
“My biggest thing I look for is how the room flows and functions,” she said.
Kruse did something similar with the bathroom for a decorative functional twist, tucking it under the stairs. A washer and dryer, plus storage for towels, is hidden behind doors, providing a tidy environment.
“I literally don’t buy towels without calling [Kruse],” Allison said, declaring her full trust in the designer’s advice.
The Deavers said they’re happy they waited to finish their basement until last year. With the kids now older, they believe they made better design choices for their family.
“We worked our tails off for it and we know how lucky we are,” Allison added. “It’s better than we could have ever imagined.”
This article originally appeared in the March/April 2022 issue of Omaha Home. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.