WARM & WELCOMING
COMFORTABLE LIVING SHOWCASED AT THE LINKS RESIDENCES IN SURREY
Those of us who grew up in single-family homes may recall that basements often seemed like afterthoughts. More often than not, they were poorly insulated rooms with low ceilings and panelled walls and sometimes served as storage pits for old furnishings and that lonely pingpong table. At their best, they were a place where kids were allowed make a ruckus with friends.
At Surrey’s The Links Residences, Infinity Properties’ community of townhomes adjacent to the Guildford Golf and Country Club, visitors will discover a welcoming warmth in designer Jill Bauer’s basement display.
“Old-fashioned rumpus rooms typically had lower ceilings with ugly light fixtures and acoustic tiles,” Bauer says. “Basements now feel like main-floor living with higher ceilings and ample recessed pot lights.”
Inside, the display space has a bright open concept living room and dining space, and a finished basement that is as comfortable as the upstairs.
“The wet bar, sectional seating and games table in the basement mirror the functions of kitchen, living room and dining areas on the main floor, and the generously sized sectional with plush pillows create inviting entertainment areas,” Bauer says.
Upstairs and down, she sticks to simple basics such as wood tones, off-whites, neutrals and accents in muted colours.
“We encourage homeowners to invest in neutral furniture pieces and introduce colour and individual style with accessories,” she says.
“These accessories don’t have to be expensive, which allows owners to get creative, yet (they’re) able to switch out and replace them as styles and preferences change.”
Bauer’s aim to impress visitors with decor associated with family comfort extends to the outdoors, where she is impressed with Infinity Properties’ backyard space.
“The backyards are more generous in size than most townhomes offer, which creates a single-family home feel and extends family entertainment to the outdoors,” Bauer says.
Outfitting for entertainment can be as simple as placing a rug, chairs and a modern fire pit on a deck, as Bauer encourages buyers to do.
“Finish it off with some outdoor string lights to give that evening ambience,” she says. “A fire pit is always popular with the kids and grandchildren.”