Retired decorator Ruth Shacter set out to have her basement updated as a guest retreat. Since her late husband, Jack, put so much effort into building the modern space, Ruth was excited to breathe new life into it with the same style they loved so much. A collection of Asian prints, purchased by the couple while living in Japan in the 1950s, hangs in her remodeled basement living room.

In its existing state, Ruth's basement hadn't been updated since 1960. In order to make it bright and welcoming, she wanted to paint it dove gray, then add high-energy contrast with accents of red.

The main structural change to Ruth's basement was to rework the stairwell wall by opening it, and integrating a cocktail serving station. Below the serving area is a set of cubbies with woven wooden baskets to hold cloth napkins and drink coasters.

To add organic, modern flair to the staircase, the stairs were covered in a brown-gray textural sisal. The nubby texture offers a nonslip surface for guests descending into the basement.