M
ichelle and Kris Plotzke, a young
couple with an eight year old daughter
and a son aged six, have lived in their
west Toronto home for three years.
They needed designated play areas
for their children — and the adults
— in their unfinished basement. “We
wanted a warm, comfortable area that everyone could enjoy and
that was a departure from the standard basement,” Kris notes.
“I created a floor plan with specific activity zones where more
than one activity could be going on without imposing on another,”
designer Christine Da Costa comments. “Understanding how you
will use your basement will help you map out the floor plan.”
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Fabric is a way to tell stories about homeowners and rooms.
Christine used a theme of green and blue in the basement’s fabrics to
connect the spaces together. “That fabulous fabric was the common
element we used on the cushions, windows in the lounge area,
playroom and future craft room,” Christine notes. Personality, texture,
and proportion help fabric communicate about a family and the
room’s function.
The ‘family area’ suits everyone’s needs. “We wanted a space where
the family c ould curl up on the couch together. It was key that it feel
warm, cozy, and comfortable,” Kris comments. “We said give us some
colour. Make it fun.” Christine remembers: “The feature wall was
created to add texture. The fireplace was installed to add ambiance.”
The couch’s blue leather is fun, durable, and creative. The rug’s bold
baroque curls match the room’s fun theme.