Chicago couple’s basement glows with camp-inspired redesign

A Chicago basement that once served as a cluttered storage space for sports memorabilia, office papers, and old furniture has been transformed into a warm, inviting living area. The redesign was led by interior designer Jennifer Sucher, who drew inspiration from a shared history with her clients at Camp Tamakwa in Canada. The couple, who had not seen each other in nearly 25 years, reconnected after moving to the same neighborhood. Their friendship eventually led to Sucher being asked to redesign their basement in Logan Square.

The original space was functional but unappealing, with gray carpet and white trim. Sucher’s vision was to create a cozy, colorful retreat that reflected the couple’s love of reading, sports, and family time. She used sunset-inspired hues, plaids, and flannels to evoke the nostalgia and natural beauty of their camp memories. The result is a space where summer feels like it never ends.

Paint and Architecture Create Depth

Sucher’s paint choices were key to the transformation. She used a sunbaked orange ceiling color, called Masada, and extended it down the upper portion of the walls to create the illusion of crown molding. This subtle detail added architectural interest to a room that had little before. The walls were painted a soft peach, which complements the orange ceiling and gives the space a warm glow.

The original layout was also problematic, with the TV positioned between two glass block windows. This forced the couch to split the room, disrupting the flow. Sucher repositioned the furniture, placing a Bernhardt’s Soleil sectional in the window bay. The sectional’s dimensions fit perfectly, leaving ample space in front for an ottoman upholstered in wool check. This setup ensures the room works for movie nights and reading sessions alike.

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Sunny Flooring and Smart Storage

Instead of replacing the dingy gray carpet with another gray option, Sucher chose a sunny yellow wool-like rug made from EnVision BCF Nylon. This material is durable, stain-resistant, and crush-resistant—ideal for a basement. It also has a velvety texture that adds warmth to the space. The rug’s bright hue contrasts with the room’s muted tones, making it a focal point.

Storage was another challenge. The couple’s toddler’s toys and other items were scattered, contributing to the room’s chaotic feel. Sucher addressed this by relocating the work-from-home space to another room and using an antique chest to store the child’s belongings. The chest, sourced from a New York dealer, adds character to the space while keeping it tidy. A plug-in sconce brightens the dim corner where the chest sits.

The existing banquette was ideal for entertaining, but it needed updating. Sucher refreshed it with dark plaid cushions and a yellow-green base to blend with the room’s color scheme. She also replaced the large dining table with two smaller bistro tables to prevent guests from crawling over them.

A Custom Painting as the Finishing Touch

The redesign’s success lies in its authenticity. Sucher didn’t try to make the basement look like a main-floor living room. Instead, she adopted its inherent moodiness and played with contrast and color. A custom painting by Hayley Carrow now hangs over the couch.