Rustic, Modern Multipurpose Basement

I kicked things off by working on the nuts and bolts of the project — putting up drywall, building walls and running wires. Once the basics were in place, I painted the walls in a neutral tone and put down rustic, elegant dark wood flooring with a hand-chiseled effect.

Next, I did some serious planning. I decided the best way to create the multi-functional room was to create three distinct areas in the open space: a lounge zone, a TV and media zone and a workout zone.

I designed the lounge area to be a room in which Alex and Sofie could entertain guests or hold charity meetings. The focal point of this area is a dramatic, vertical gas fireplace that boasts rustic limestone cladding and is flanked by 4-foot sconces.

The room only has two small windows, so to create the illusion of space I added floor to ceiling layered drapes in contemporary floral and light silk. I then installed two oversized pewter-coloured chaise lounges and a rustic wood coffee table. As a finishing touch, I put in high-tech LED lighting in the walls leading from the lounge into the adjacent TV/media room.

The TV and media area is all about kicking back and relaxing. In this room I put in a big tan sectional, a wood coffee table and a huge wall-hung television for the family to enjoy.

To give the room a real "wow" factor, I used materials that speak to the couple's Swedish heritage and created a very cool wood installation. Taking fallen timber from a nearby woodlot, I cut each log into six-inch pieces, glued them into two big recessed cabinets, and hung them vertically on the wall behind the couch. Between these two cabinets, I put up beautiful, nubby grass cloth wallpaper backed with silver foil.

I then got to work on the adjoining workout space, which I divided off from the TV room with gorgeous French doors. For added pizzazz, I installed two very cool, glassed-in waterfalls to act as see-through room dividers.

In this workout room I put in state-of-the-art equipment, including a bike, treadmill and weight set for Alex to use during the off season — or whenever he needs to let off steam.

After a few finishing touches, this three-part basement was complete. By combining rustic materials and elements with modern furnishings and fixtures, this once uninspired room was transformed into an all-star basement that is stylish, comfortable and worlds away from the stresses of the hockey rink. How divine!