When you start outgrowing your home and your basement is sitting there — either unfinished or simply unused — you are missing an excellent opportunity to capitalize on your space!
Deciding on the best course of action for your basement can be tricky. First, take a hard look at what kind of space you actually need. A game room with ping pong tables, foosball, and arcade games might sound amazing — and makes total sense if you are hard-pressed for space when your teenage kids have friends over.
But if you need a quiet workspace for your hybrid job, or additional space when the in-laws come to town, think about what will serve your needs.
To help you decide, get inspiration with these 11 ideas:
1. Design a home theater
If your living room is more of a formal space, turn your basement into a space where you can truly kick back and relax. You can renovate your space into a home theater or den with dark window shades, comfortable seating, and built-in surround sound.
You can take this up a notch and plan your space for a big screen and projector, or simply design the room to make the most of an existing flat screen.
2. Incorporate entertainment
You can go all in to the game room theme, or simply add a perfect set-up for entertainment. Add built-in closets and additional storage for board games, space for table top games, and room for plenty of seating if you plan to host frequently.
To really customize your space, you can even consider renovating your space to accommodate your favorite activities: a golf simulator, arcade games, or even soundproofing and a stage set-up for band practice.
3. Add a kitchenette, wine cellar, or bar
Nothing makes your house a cooler place to hang out than a fully stocked basement bar. Make it a wine cellar with built-in temperature-controlled storage, make it more casual with a simple counter and beer fridge, or go all out and create a secondary kitchenette that will come in handy when you host holidays and events.
4. Add great lighting
No matter your goal with your basement renovation, lighting makes all the difference. Some basements luck out with strategically placed windows and natural light, while others might not have any connection to outdoor light at all. You can choose a mix of recessed lights, pendants or fixtures, and plenty of switched outlets for floor lamps to ensure your space is well-lit without looking artificial.
5. Open up the outdoors
Some homes have walk-out basements — if yours does, make the most of it and plan your renovation to feature a connection to the outdoors. Installing French doors, upgrading your outdoor space, and turning your basement into an indoor/outdoor space will make the lowest level of your home a space everyone wants to hang out in.
6. Add storage and organization
Sometimes a space is more about function than form. If you are severely lacking space and storage in your home, consider revamping your basement to include shelving, closet space, and convenient storage to keep your home well-organized.
7. Create a workspace
Whether you work remotely at a desk, or need an in-home creative studio, your basement is the perfect place to set up shop. A built-in desk, plenty of storage, and features customized to the needs of your day job can make all the difference in your productivity from home.
8. Add space for guests
If you often find yourself on the receiving end of guests, transform your basement into an in-law suite. If you aren’t short on space, you can add partition walls and create a separate guest room and extra bath. If your basement is a little cozier, you can still create guest functionality by installing a Murphy bed that folds up when not in use or using a pull-out couch instead of a full bedroom set.
9. Install built-ins
No matter what function your basement serves, you can make it feel customized to your home with built-in cabinets, shelves, and storage. Whether it’s surrounding a desk, anchoring an entertainment system, or keeping your tools and maintenance equipment neatly organized — built-ins add a custom flair to your space.
10. Design it for fitness
What better use for a basement than a home gym? If you prioritize a healthy lifestyle, design your basement renovation to include space for workout equipment like free weights, a squat rack, a treadmill or rowing machine. You can even install specialized flooring that will be durable and resilient underneath heavy weights.
11. Think about multi-functional space
If you can’t decide what to do with your basement, making it multi-functional might work for you. Start with a secondary living space and add other features as needed: a separate laundry room, a small gym space, or a desk tucked between built-in cabinets can all make your basement work for many different uses.
Get Started with a Basement Renovation
Interested in overhauling your basement? CORE specializes in design-build basement renovations. We blend high-quality craftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail, and honest pricing to ensure you receive the best possible results. Whether it’s turning your basement into a quiet haven for working from home or making it the coolest hangout spot on the block, we’ve got you covered.
Your basement can be the hidden gem in your home. Get in touch to get your project started.
