Homes

Trade Secrets: Inside a Clever Vancouver Basement Reno That’s Equal Parts Chill and Cheers

Measured Architecture transforms a busy family basement into a sleek hideaway that’s ready for movie nights, playdates and grown-up drinks.

By Western Living /
Ema Peter

Design: Measured Architecture
Vancouver Builder: Powers Construction

Photo by Ema Peter

The Look: Drink It In

Though Julia Ogier, interior design director at Measured Architecture, describes this as a “high-energy home”—one that accommodates a busy Vancouver family with two kids and multiple pets—you wouldn’t necessarily know it from a look at the calming, orderly basement room. The blue-stained ash veneer cabinets hide away the children’s toys and even cleverly conceal the TV screen (and all the associated cables): no visual chaos here. Adding to the serene, everything-has-been-considered vibe is a sink and built-in beverage fridge, so the homeowners don’t have to head up to the main level when thirst strikes mid-movie night.

Photo by Ema Peter

 

This article originally appeared in the July/August 2025 issue of Western Living magazine. Subscribe now and get the print edition delivered FREE to your door.

Western Living

Western Living

The editorial team at Western Living loves nothing more than a perfectly designed space, place or thing: and we’re here to tell you about it. Email us your pitches at [email protected].