If that first space feels special, wait, there’s more. The bunk room with its clearly defined zones is peaceful for sleepovers but playful for sleepunders—cozy, definitely, but somehow energetic, too. With punchy wallpaper and clever touches, most kids will never want to leave. The project team hardly wanted to leave it.

“The team of carpenters that brought this room to life kept coming to me with ideas like building a tunnel between the bunks,” Jagoda says, applauding the team for building a solid space that also sparks the imagination, combining fun and function.

The adjoining bathroom repeats the tones of the bunk room with hand-picked tiles and a warm wood vanity.

In the other direction, more whimsical brass animals adorn the hallway walls. Jagoda painted the ceiling deep blue to signal more creative embellishment—like a secret door to a wine room, drenched in that same deep blue and lit low, a slab of dark granite and brass fittings anchoring one side of the room. Opposite, a pink neon sign reads: Happy Hour. Over the corner banquette hangs a crystal globe, creating the perfect spot to taste wine and spill tea. These fixtures strike a balance between masculine and feminine, assuring that every guest feels welcome. Coveted vintages are displayed in a temperature-controlled wine cellar with a glass wall sure to inspire conversations that make for memorable evenings.

Jagoda made light of her role in wrangling all the ideas, selecting the finishes, and listening to her clients’ wishes. Sometimes designing turns into project managing, but she managed to do both jobs beautifully.

As her final project with Schloegel Design Remodel, Charlie Schloegel sends her off with accolades: “This sensational project shows her incredible attention to detail and passion for design. Paired with our clients’ amazing style, this basement is the perfect way to celebrate Gayle’s final project and the many homes she’s touched throughout her career.”