FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Kentucky 2019

The 2019 FHB House is a modern take on a traditional neighborhood home in a New Urbanist planned community outside of Louisville, Kentucky. The aesthetic is a nod to house styles found through historic southern cites but the choice of building materials and amenities is distinctly modern.

A Practical and Inviting Basement Media Room

Thoughtful design choices in the basement leave room for a entertainment space and plenty of guest amenities.

By Jason Black

The basement of the Fine Homebuilding House is an important part of the floor plan. There’s an outdoor gathering area in the courtyard, but when the party moves indoors, space is at a premium. The footprint of the house is just 1200 sq.ft., and with an open plan on the first floor, noise will carry up to the bedrooms. A media room with a wet bar in the basement provides a comfortable area for the party to move indoors, or when family and friends gather for a movie or to watch a game. The basement has 9-ft. ceilings, so it’s not a claustrophobic space, and its subterranean location is deal for watching the big screen. To give the media room a clean, finished look, the speakers and wiring were installed before the drywall.

The back half of the basement is devoted to a guest suite; combined with the bar’s refrigerator drawers, sink, dishwasher, and basement bathroom, once folks are settled into the media room, there’s no need to traipse upstairs.

 

 

A subwoofer was installed in a stud bay during framing. Speakers were also installed in the ceiling so there are no wires, sound bars, or speakers tucked away on or under furniture.
The front wall of the media room is brick veneer. A plaster slurry wash over the brick softens the color and adds texture to the wall.
The trunk lines for the HVAC system are run around the perimeter of the room to create the tray ceiling.
The island and the bar are both topped with Cambria quartz countertops. As a nod to the brass accents in the kitchen, the backsplash on the bar island is also brass.
The accent wall behind the bar offers a traditional aesthetic. Below, refrigerator drawers at the far end hold cold beverages and there’s plenty of pullout storage beneath the counter.

Find out more about the 2019 Fine Homebuilding House:

What is a New Urbanism Development? – Walkable neighborhoods and more interconnected communities are why homeowners, developers, and municipalities all find this this unique design philosophy attractive.

A Courtyard Room Creates Privacy on a Narrow Lot – A well-designed courtyard connects the outdoors to the first floor, a big plus in a home with neighbors so close by.

Air-Sealing and Insulating – Planning ahead and focusing on the details are the keys to creating a tight envelope with Zip System sheathing and spray foam.

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

8067 All-Weather Flashing Tape

Available in 2- to 12-in. widths, this is a good general-purpose flashing tape that sticks well to most things. It features a two-piece release paper, water-shedding layers, and good UV resistance.
Buy at Amazon

Handy Heat Gun

This heat gun is great for drying joint compound, primer and paint when patching drywall and plaster walls. Plus it can soften adhesive, get a very cold small engine to start, and shrink heat-shrink tubing.
Buy at Amazon

Reliable Crimp Connectors

These reliable, high-quality connectors from Wirefy work on 10-22-gauge wire have heat-shrink insulation to keep out water and road salt.
Buy at Amazon

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

Kentucky 2019 Videos

Navigate the Build

  • Design
  • Framing
  • Mechanicals
  • Finishes

Behind the Build

  • New York 2023
  • Kansas 2022
  • Wisconsin 2021
  • Nebraska 2021
  • Connecticut 2020
  • Kentucky 2019
  • California 2018
  • Vermont 2017
  • Rhode Island 2016
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Email

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

More Kentucky 2019

View All
  • Introducing the 2019 Fine Homebuilding House
  • Exterior and Interior Finishes in the Kentucky Fine Homebuilding House
  • Updating a Traditional Design With Modern Elements
  • A Custom Fireplace Becomes a Focal Point
View All

Thank You To Our Sponsors

  • Huber – Advantech & Zip System Logo
  • Windsor Windows & Doors Logo
  • Weyerhaeuser Logo
  • Schluter Logo
  • FLIR Logo
  • Simpson Strong Tie Logo
  • ZIP System Logo

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Podcast Segment: Gutter Covers 101

Gutter covers may be riskier than you think.

Featured Video

Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With Viewrail

Learn more about affordable, modern floating stairs, from design to manufacturing to installation.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 680: Knob-and-Tube Wiring, Vapor Movement, and Gutter Covers
  • Podcast Episode 679: Steamy Storm Doors, New Fireplaces, and Basement Insulation
  • 10 Budget-Savvy Renovation Tips
  • Podcast Episode 678: Live from the Builders' Show-Part 2

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Video

View All Videos
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Drywall-Free Half Wall Finish
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Old Home Insulation Troubles - How to Find the Right Contractor
  • FHB Podcast Segment: XPS Insulation on Basement Walls
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Lime Wash Recipe for an Old Concrete Basement
View All

Basements

View All Basements Articles
  • Podcast Episode 646: Overhanging Floors, Sustainable Building, and Bath Fans
  • Soundproofing a Floor With a Wood Ceiling Below
  • Refined Drop-Ceiling Tiles
View All Basements Articles

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 330 - April/May
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop
  • Issue 326 - October 2024
    • Paint Behind Strike Plates
    • Conceal Cut Ends
    • Ladder Slip Solution

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in