From the source:
Built in 1887, this house in Wilmington, Delaware, had a basement that was musty, full of mechanicals and, frankly, a little scary. The couple who live here wanted to give their four sons a place to hang out and play with their friends, and they also wanted it to serve as a fun spot to host extended family and adult get-togethers.
“They had a clear vision for what they wanted, and they were really willing to embrace a dark and moody look,” says designer Dana Bender. Now a large movie lounge, game area, bar, wine room and powder room make the once-dank spot one of the family’s favorite places in the house.
Renovation Takes a Basement From Musty to Marvelous
I like the exposed joists and leaving much of the walls original, and where covered, using something beside sheet rock.