60 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • JANUARY 2019
INSIDE JOB
LAID-BACK SPACES THAT
By TAMMY SCILEPPI
These days, living spaces are made
for chilling. No longer formal and
stuffy, they’re all about comfort, and
are cleverly designed for casual entertainment
and family fun. Special
kid-friendly spots that are nestled
within inspire creativity.
THE CHILL FACTOR
Check out this bright and inviting
finished lower-level family room that
merges multipurpose elements with
unexpected features.
The eye-catching layout was
conjured up by partners in design
Jennifer Fox and Tonia Omeltchenko
of award-winning Fox + Chenko
Interiors Ltd., for a couple with two
active school-aged children in Port
Washington.
“They envisioned a cozy space to
build Lego creations and have fun
with art projects, as well as an area
where they could all watch TV, catch
up on their iPads, and entertain
friends,” says Omeltchenko.
So, the savvy design team carved
out a beverage/snack area, anchored
a large sectional sofa with chaise to
define the TV/media area, and defined
a separate spot with a table for
Legos and art, as well as a C-table for
computer work.
Omeltchenko suggests: “Create
distinct zones for all the activities
you enjoy, maximize the space by
carefully selecting the size and scale
of your furnishings, and allow for
proper egress.”
The original space was narrow
with inadequate lighting, and had
an uneven concrete floor and builder’s
grade hardware. A support
column was awkwardly positioned,
and low soffits enclosed the HVAC
ductwork.
That meant the lower level had to
be waterproofed and the subfloor
leveled. New exterior and interior
doors and a window were installed.
The support column now defines
egress to a play area outlined by
another soffit.
Modern solar shades on windows
and an exterior door were installed
for streamlined coverage, allowing
daylight to filter in while providing
privacy.
A cool custom bar features a glass
tile mosaic backsplash and boasts
multiple refrigerators to separate
adults’ from children’s beverages, a
sink, niches with electrical outlets for
small appliances, and solid surface
countertops for easy maintenance.
The low soffit with recessed lighting
is integrated into its design.
Soothing neutrals enlivened with
cheery accent colors enhance the
laid-back vibe.
When the kids are finally asleep,
this space can easily transform into
a private sanctuary – perfect for
hosting late-night, adult-only parties.
A family beverage
center is perfect for
everyday needs or
entertaining.
Choose a comfy, spacesaving
double chaise
sectional for TV viewing
and video games that
allows just enough room
for multitasking.
Multipurpose
elements like
footstools/ottomans with
removable snack trays
work well in small
spaces.
Colorful
accessories,
artwork, and throw
pillows enliven the
neutral space.
Customized
built-in cabinetry
is tailored for
media/storage.
A cozy wallto
wall carpet
warms the
room.
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