Toronto’s massive fall home show happens this weekend – Aspire Design Group owners share secrets to spectacular basement renos
“Lights, Camera, Basement!” Christine Da Costa and Maria Perketa of Oakville’s Aspire Design Group unveil the spectacular secrets of basement renovations at the Fall Home Show!
TORONTO, September 28, 2023 – How to transform a dark and dreary basement into a chic and inviting space; that’s the topic that Christine Da Costa and Maria Perketa will tackle during their keynote presentation at the Fall Home Show. Christine and Maria will be in the Speakers Lounge of the Fall Home Show this Friday, Saturday and Sunday unveiling the spectacular secrets of basement renovation. The Fall Home Show returns September 29 to October 1st at the Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place.
As owners of Aspire Design Group in Oakville, Christine and Maria will show audience members how lighting, acoustics, immersive audiovisual systems, paint and more can create a cinematic getaway for families. And it doesn’t necessarily have to be a tiered full-scale movie room.
“We have found that during the COVID-19 pandemic when families were trapped in their homes, they needed more space for the family to gather together,” says Christine Da Costa. “They want a space where kids can hang out and families can entertain at home.”
Aspire to Inspire
Aspire Design Group is a full-service residential interior design and decorating firm, experienced in taking projects from initial design concept to completion serving the GTA. Their slogan is “Aspire to Inspire.” After running successful businesses on their own, Maria and Christine joined forces and founded Aspire Design Group in 2020.
“Christine is very creative and excels at interior design while I take the project management side of things,” explains Maria. “Both are necessary to ensure we manage client expectations and budgets. We believe that a home should reflect the personalities and style of the people who live within. When we start working with a client, we ensure their wants and needs are considered to design a space that really fits their life.”
Elements of a dream basement
Christine explains what a dream basement might look like: “A dream basement for clients ideally has an entertainment zone in your basement designed to provide a fun & engaging space for family and guests. This can include a media room/sitting area for entertaining, a games room area and a bar lounge area. This area can be customized to fit a homeowner’s interests and hobbies, no matter the size of the space. A basement is all about creating a social hub for the family! Special attention to bathroom, spas, gym areas and functional storage should not be forgotten.”
Wine Cellar?
Maria adds: “People want to entertain more at home and wine cellars are in demand. Homeowners like to host wine tastings and want a dedicated wine cellar where they can enjoy curating a wine collection. There are different levels and types of wine cellars depending on the interest and budget.”
Function defines design
Another item on the wish list is a fireplace. “We’re gravitating to an electric fireplace which adds versatility while a cost-effective option to adding a warm touch to the basement,” continues Maria. “Paint and wall colour choices are an important consideration. A fresh coat of light-coloured paint can do wonders to brighten a space. Strategic lighting is also important. A walkout basement has plenty of natural light, but if the basement has small windows, we can create a strategic lighting plan for the various zones including ceiling lights, sconces, lamps and more. Function defines design.”
Added income?
With the looming housing crisis and need for rental properties, I asked Christine and Maria if some of their clients want a basement renovation so they can rent the space. “Yes, we have clients that may be in the position to need financial backup, or they are empty nesters wanting to renovate the space to provide added income or a living space for their adult children,” says Maria. The designers will be speaking more about this at their second talk on Saturday titled “The Art of Rightsizing in Today’s Economy.”
Well finished basements are a big selling feature
Renovating a basement can provide instant gratification as well as provide added value to your home. Says Maria: “If a house is for sale and a potential buyer walks in with four kids and walks downstairs and sees a finished basement—this is a big selling feature. They don’t have to refinish the basement themselves and can just move in and enjoy the space.”
Maria and Christine have designed the Reno + Décor Booth at the Home Show for the last two years. “The Home Show brings together top designers and it’s a place where you can see the latest technology and find out what’s new and exciting in renovations and design,” states Christine. “The Ask a Professional, presented by Reno + Décor Magazine and RenoMark, brings together professionals so you can ask questions. There are so many resources and professionals under one roof with information to lead your project to success.”
The Fall Home Show in Toronto offers visitors access to 250 exhibitors and lifestyle vendors alongside Canada’s top renovation, design, and DIY experts. The Speaker’s Lounge features guest presenters including Scott McGillivray, HGTV Real Estate and Renovation Expert; Eric Klassen, Co-owner of Urban Gardener, and Effy Terry owner of Organize That, and of course, Christine and Maria and their presentation of “Lights, Camera, Basement!”
For more information on the Fall Home Show visit fallhomeshow.com. For information on Aspire Design Group visit aspiredesigngroup.com. Christine runs an online home décor shop at decorbychristine.com.
by Laurie Wallace-Lynch
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