Award-Winning Whidbey Island Basement Remodel: From Crawlspace to Coastal Retreat

Grab a bottle of your favorite wine and come celebrate! You might not think of the basement as a place where dream homes come to life, but sometimes the most inspiring transformations start below ground. On Whidbey Island, what began as a dark crawlspace and a dated basement is now a stunning coastal retreat: an elegant wine cellar, a warm and welcoming family room, and a remodel that just earned two design awards.

Photo Credit: Snowberry Lane Photography

Designing with Intention and Collaboration

This was a true team effort. We partnered with Cascade Custom Homes to help our wonderful clients bring their vision to life: a space that felt elegant, cozy, and made for the way they love to live; entertaining family, hosting friends, and soaking in the island’s natural beauty.

The existing daylight basement already had great bones (including a stunning view of the water), but the real magic happened when we expanded into the adjacent full-height crawlspace. That move opened up intriguing opportunities and gave us the freedom to design something truly special.

From Crawlspace to Coastal Jewel

This project was about more than just adding square footage. Our goal was to create a relaxed, inviting environment to spend time with friends and family.

Here’s what we designed together:

• A climate-controlled wine cellar tucked into the crawlspace, custom designed for this passionate wine collector

• An expanded family room that connects directly to the wine cellar

• A new full bathroom (plus the renovation of an existing one) to support easy everyday living

• Rich textures, layered lighting, and custom finishes that elevate every corner of the space

Every element was chosen with purpose, rooted in our clients’ style and the ways they move through life. The result? A suite of rooms that feel as good as they look.

Photo Credit: Snowberry Lane Photography

Design Secrets + Standout Details

We love when thoughtful design meets a little wow-factor and this project has plenty of both.

A few highlights from behind the scenes:

• The wine cellar is massive (and yes, it always gets a reaction). It’s more than storage, it’s a showpiece

• In the center of the cellar, we designed a custom island that doubles as a bar, complete with a built-in wine bottle chiller (right in the countertop), perfect for effortless hosting

• The pendant light above? The airy design was inspired by champagne bubbles rising in a flute. A little bubbly celebration, just like the room itself

• And because good design is also smart design, the wine cellar flows directly into the family room, making it easy to grab a bottle for dinner… or host a full-on wine tasting with friends

These kinds of intentional aspects are what make a home feel truly personal. Equal parts function, beauty, and a bit of design magic.

Double the Recognition

We are beyond honored to learn that this project has been recognized with not one, but two design awards:

🏆 A Chrysalis Award hosted by Qualified Remodeler magazine for Regional Basement Remodeling

🏆 Project of the Year for the builder from the Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association (SICBA)

These awards are deeply meaningful, not just because they recognize great design, but because they celebrate the power of collaboration. This was a rewarding project from start to finish, thanks to the trust and enthusiasm of our clients, and the talent and dedication of the Cascade Custom Homes team.

And a shout out to Snowberry Lane Photography for helping us capture this beautiful space.

What Could Your Home Become?

This project is such a great reminder of what’s possible when you look at your home with fresh eyes. Whether it’s a basement, a bonus room, or a whole-house refresh, the right changes can unlock beauty, function, and long-term value.

If you’ve been thinking about what’s next for your home, let’s talk.

Set up a Discovery Call

We’ll explore your ideas, define your goals, and map out smart strategies to bring them to life.

👉 Tell us more about your project goals here!

Photo Credit: Snowberry Lane Photography