When a pair of busy professionals approached RMD Designs with a bold ask – to design a space that could store and showcase their 300-400 bottle wine collection – firm owner Rose Dostal, NKBA, AIA, ASID knew it wouldn’t be a typical basement renovation. What began as a request for storage quickly evolved into a full-scale architectural transformation: one that channels the warmth, elegance and relaxed sophistication of a Napa Valley tasting room, all nestled within their midwestern home.
This basement was reimagined not just as a secondary living space, but as a destination. From wine tastings to quiet evenings, every detail was designed to deliver an immersive, experience-driven environment.
Like many renovation projects, this one came with its share of real-world challenges. Trade coordination became a recurring obstacle – keeping the momentum going required creative scheduling and hands-on project management. And while budget was always top-of-mind, the RMD Designs team found strategic solutions to maintain their vision without compromise. One example: incorporating lighting fixtures from clearance inventory that aligned perfectly with the project’s Napa-inspired aesthetic. Their barrel-like forms and natural finishes brought subtle nods to wine country without being literal, allowing the project to stay on budget while staying on brand.
Wine-Centric Functionality
At the heart of the basement is a custom-designed wine wall that merges climate-conscious storage with striking visual appeal. During the schematic phase, RMD strategically aligned the three core zones: the wine room, wine tasting area and bar so they are all visible from the bottom of the staircase, creating a sense of destination and flow from the moment a visitor enters the space.
Kitchenette Meets Wine Bar
Though compact, the bar is highly functional. Equipped with undercounter appliances, integrated storage and ambient layered lighting, this area supports everything from impromptu happy hours to curated tasting events.
Napa Valley Aesthetic
The materials palette draws heavily from wine country influences: warm wood tones, textured surfaces and grounded neutrals. The designer selected Cosentino’s Dekton Natural Laurent for its dark, dramatic veining and subtle woodgrain aesthetic, evoking the richness of Napa’s vineyards while offering durability and sustainability.
Architectural Cohesion
As both the architect and kitchen designer, Dostal ensured the lower level mirrored the level of detail, proportion and finish found upstairs. One key decision involved addressing the stairway’s cherry-stained wood, which extended into the basement. Rather than replace or refinish, she opted for a luxury vinyl tile in a muted brown with a warm undertone that harmonized beautifully with the existing stair components, preserving continuity while offering a practical, cost-effective solution.
Experience-Driven Design
This space was never meant to be just a wine cellar. It was designed to foster connection, inspire relaxation, and elevate everyday living. Every material, sightline, and spatial transition was considered through that lens.
“For professionals in the kitchen and bath industry, this project is a case study in what’s possible when architecture and kitchen design intersect,” said Dostal. “It shows how integrated, multidisciplinary thinking can transform underutilized spaces into purposeful, personality-filled environments that support how clients truly want to live.”
Sources
Design: Rose Dostal, NKBA, AIA, ASID, RMD Designs; Photography: Alex Denver Photography; Cabinets: Plain and Fancy; Cabinet Hardware: Keeler Brass; Cabinet Inserts: Häfele; Countertops: Cosentino; Faucets: Delta Faucet, Trinsic; Flooring, Wall Panel: Duchateau; Lighting: Currey and Co and Hinkley; Paint: Sherwin-Williams; Refrigerator, Ice Maker: Sapphire; Sinks: Ruvati; Tile: MSI
