When two Ann Arbor homeowners wanted a Tuscan villa feel for the lower level of their home, they called on Jane Henderson of Jane Henderson Interior Design. “They wanted a wine cellar/bar, so we explored different areas with our general contractor and discovered we could fit something under the stairs,” recalls Henderson.
“It can be such a useful space,” she says, recalling a client for whom she created a children’s playhouse and climbing wall under the stairs.
Steps from the bar is a bistro table area for sipping and savoring, a lounge area, and a bathroom (not pictured). “It’s all art in a sense, with lots of texture, color, and eye candy,” says Henderson, who has been a designer for around 30 years and has worked in the fashion industry.
“I like spaces to have a connection,” she says, explaining that the lower-level cabinetry was stained to match the upstairs kitchen cabinetry.
Located in the Kerrytown neighborhood of Ann Arbor, the home’s lower-level appointments — from handmade Italian-style flooring to uniquely patterned tile — exude an unpolished aesthetic. “These clients are a discerning couple,” Henderson observes. “I’m always searching for new resources, antiques and such, and have my eyes peeled for new materials.”
Adds one homeowner: “It’s cozy, warm, and inviting. I love spending time there now!”
Here’s a look at the materials and furnishings in this treasured sanctuary, with insights from Henderson. Eccellente!
Put a cork in it: The wall behind the bar features cork tiles. “It goes with the wine theme.”
Marvelous metal: The bistro table and chairs evoke an Italian feel, Henderson says, thanks to their metal and scrolled arms. “They have a classic, Italian Renaissance look.”
Shoe-in: A bench was incorporated into the design scheme for putting on and taking off shoes. Its back was upholstered to create another cozy seating area and complement the swivel chairs in front of the fireplace.
Animal instinct: The ottoman’s animal print is a Henderson must-have. “Any space can use animal print, and it looks so good with the reds and blues and jewel tones. We were a bit pressed for space, so that’s why we chose a linear ottoman. It doubles as a cocktail table.” Beneath the ottoman is a vintage Kravet rug.
Cue the cabinetry: The bar cabinetry and shelving were designed by Henderson and custom-made by a Downriver outfit. The upper cabinetry in the lounge has an antique brass metal mesh on it.
Spray, you say?: “We spray-painted the ceiling, leaving the mechanicals open for both accessibility and to create the feeling of height, since this is street level.”
Wall flower: The walls are painted with Benjamin Moore’s Shaker Beige, a light, muted yellow with a “sunflower undertone” to it. Dark, antique woods complement the light hue.
Tile style: The lounge area features four different tiles on the fireplace and television wall that make up a pattern. “It almost looks like fabric, like a repeat, and that lends itself to Old World.” Those and the shower wall tile (not shown, Stars & Cross pattern, Zia Tile) complement each other. The hand-painted terra-cotta honors history, the designer says. The bright blue tile in the bathroom (not pictured) is of the shade you’d find in pottery and Italian antiques, she adds.
Spaced out: The recessed bar has a grotto look due to its custom-made arch and antique mirror. “It makes the space feel like a bit of a jewelry box.”
We’re floored: Terra-cotta flooring (13-by-13 inches, from Zia Tile) runs through the space. “Terra-cotta provides a definite Tuscan feeling.”
This story originally appeared in the April 2026 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Click here to get our digital edition.
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