Best of Design 2026: Best Room
A thoughtfully designed basement blends bold finishes, flexible seating and personal touches for a space that works as hard as it wows.
PHOTO BY ERIN ASH KELLY
When designer Seashal Belldina was tasked with transforming one family’s basement in Peters, it felt like a new challenge to unlock.
The owners hoped to create a rich, warm space that met their family’s needs while giving a nod towards grownup time. The owner of Interiors by Seashal, Belldina reimagined the entire lower level of the home, which now includes a bar, game room, office, a family room and a guest bedroom.
PHOTO BY ERIN ASH KELLY
Tying together the space are complementary custom fabric choices, warm jewel tones and an unexpected ceiling treatment that hits that perfect balance between fun and function. Judge Stephanie Schill Hayden, an architect at Schill Architecture in Cleveland, says that ceiling immediately caught her eye as both elegant and useful.
“The gold leaf ceiling is one of my favorite parts. It’s a great way to brighten the basement space without lighting,” she says.
The family, who asked to remain anonymous, echoes that sentiment, saying the ceiling had a bigger impact than they expected.
“We were surprised at how the ceiling treatment changed the entire feel of the room. It made the space feel very warm and inviting.”
PHOTO BY ERIN ASH KELLY
As part of the process, Belldina spent time getting to know the family. “They shared that their children loved pulling cushions off the sofa to create a more relaxed, playful setting,” she says.
Belldina leaned into that detail, designing oversized floor cushions that compliment the custom sectional and bar stool fabric.
“This allows them to easily transform the room by sliding the coffee table aside to create a soft, inviting space for family game nights. It’s a detail that feels both elevated and deeply personal,” she says.
PHOTO BY ERIN ASH KELLY
Surrounded by climbing holds, cubbies and a chalkboard wall, the sectional meets the family’s needs for cozy bonding time. Custom woodwork by DC Carpentry displays memorabilia and creates functional storage throughout the entire level while a set of doors creates separate spaces.
“They love hosting gatherings, so it was essential to create a space that could comfortably accommodate a crowd while still feeling intentional and inviting,” Belldina says. “We achieved this by designing a flexible layout with layered seating, thoughtful lighting and durable yet elevated finishes, allowing the space to transition seamlessly from lively entertaining to intimate family moments.”
Vendors
Interior Design: Interiors by Seashal
General Contractor: Ackerman Construction
Plumbing: Splash of Cranberry
Countertop: Soapstone – MSI
Mirrors: Rex Glass
Bar Shelving: Fittings Metal Company
Paint: Meticulous Painting
Decorative PaintingL Broberg Painting & Decorating
Cabinetry: DC Cabinetry (bar island & green built-in) Manor House (back bar)
Hardware: Armac Martin from Allegheny Millwork
Appliances: Don’s Appliances
Lighting: Visual Comfort
Flooring: Clay Place
Custom Built-ins: DC Carpentry
Billiards: West Penn Billiards
Furnishings: Custom designed & handmade
