The problem

A massive flood brought 4 inches of rain into this basement, leaving it in need of restoration.

The solution

Designer Candice Olson created a multipurpose basement fit for entertaining, relaxation and guest accommodation.

How it happened

• Olson sectioned off a self-contained bedroom suite with a room-dividing panel. On the other side of the remote-controlled room divider is a comfy sectional sofa facing a TV and media center.

• Beside that is a wine bar area — a warm and inviting corner equipped with a couple of white swiveling barrel chairs, a leather-topped bench for extra seating and a modern wall-mounted ethanol fireplace, featuring fire rocks instead of traditional logs.

• The homeowner has an extensive wine collection. A customized feature wall, with sleek acrylic wine racks to display his wines, elevated the wine to the level of art.

• The basement had contained a small kitchen area, which the homeowner wanted to incorporate into the new space. Instead of a traditional refrigerator, Olson selected two fridge drawers that pull out from underneath the counter. A stainless-steel gas range, built-in dishwasher and other appliances will make guests feel right at home.

Before:  The waterlogged basement needed resuscitating.

• A counter-height peninsula with counter stools doubles as a prep area with additional storage below, as well as a place to sample everything from hors d'oeuvres to gourmet main-course dishes..

Best trick

Olson found innovative pull-down, twin-size wall beds perfect for the bedroom area. When they're not needed, the two beds just disappear into the wall, leaving more space to accommodate larger groups.

Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service. Interior decorator Candice Olson hosts "Candice Tells All," which appears on HGTV.