Family Fun

Gail and John Metz envision that time in the future when their Columbia home becomes the hangout spot for their children and friends. The family joined forces with Kerry Bramon Remodeling & Design to get that ideal basement in place.

Gail said they were planning for when their children are older. "We want to be the place where their friends come." Plus, she explained, then she'll know where her own children are. "That was one of the driving factors," she said.

That distant time is quickly nearing. Daughter, Blake, 9, broke in the space over the summer with a premiere party for Disney's Camp Rock movie. Son, Grant, 5, is waiting his turn.

Construction is nothing new to the Metzes. They built their house about 10 years ago, and then had to remodel a portion after fire destroyed it in September 2004. "This process was quite different," they both said. "It was great," Gail said.

She said they paged through dozens and dozens of magazines and clipped what they liked. Armed with ideas, they met with owner Kerry and designer Angela Holloway to discuss plans. John said they learned budget versus reality, thanks to Kerry.

"Angela was so good, so patient with us. We kept throwing ideas around and changing our minds," Gail said. Plus, she said she appreciated Angela's creativity.

With e-mail, phone calls and meetings, the plans took shape during January and February. Angela provided computer drawings after each meeting to illustrate the possibilities.

"Before anyone was swinging a hammer, we knew the outcome," John said.

Construction began in March. By July, what was once a nondescript, unfinished storage area became a haven for the family.

"It's a good space, we can all be here together doing our own thing and as a family," Gail said.

The walkout overlooks their property bordering the woods. To complement the natural surroundings, the Metzes wanted to create a lodge or cabin feel. Although the two had different ideas of how to define that term, Gail is pleased they achieved an "elegant" rustic feel, with no animal heads. A stone fireplace is the focal point of the sitting area, with built-in entertainment center and surround sound.

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