THE 2007 HC&G IDEA HOUSE

July 15, 2007

Any designer will tell you that working in the basement is far less than ideal. Devoid of natural light, hemmed in by low ceilings and fraught with logistical obstacles such as piping and air conditioning ducts, subterranean spaces tend to fall at the very bottom (no pun intended) of the desirable list in many a residential project.

Of course, veteran designer Nancy Corzine has faced her share of obstacles during her career and therefore was nonplussed when asked to design the below-ground media room of the 2007 HC&G Idea House. "To do a basement room, you need to do some special things to warm it up," she explains. "I knew right away that we had to make this room very inviting and cozy."

Corzine, whose furniture, fabric and lighting designs are represented in 17 showrooms nationwide, pulled from her own line when outfitting the space. After selecting a natural palette, she had the room's walls covered in a pale, honey-colored Ultrasuede from her collection. This added element of texture not only helps to insulate the space from exterior noise, it blankets the periphery, effectively heating up what could potentially be a cold, dark atmosphere. The ceiling was painted a slightly lighter shade than the walls, "which always works wonderfully," says Corzine. Together the subtle coloring and tactile additions result in a soothing, nearly glowing ambiance.

All of the furnishings were selected in scale with the big-screen TV, which takes center stage in the space and is mounted above a long, low lacquered cabinet that provides ample storage for DVDs and electronic equipment. An oversized sofa, upholstered in a luxe, light blond linen velvet, rests atop a thick, natural shag area rug made of wool.