Life, Styled
Often portrayed as a dark and scary place in movies, the basement has come a long way since then and is now considered a valuable home feature. When dealing with houses that have small square footage and expanding the floor plan is limited by a lack of property, a basement can offer the solution to more living space. Finishing a basement or renovating it completely can also increase the value of your home. There is also the possibility of gaining additional income by renting out the basement. A basement is a blank canvas waiting to be transformed into a useful and functional space for you and your family.
Before remodeling your basement
As with any renovation, it is always good to do a little homework by asking some questions and forming a plan. Before starting your basement transformation, consider the following:
- Have you had the basement inspected? There could be structural things that are not initially visible or that are uncovered during the renovation, which can cause setbacks or halt the entire project. This is also a good time to check if your basement has been properly sealed against water leaks.
- Discuss what the area will be used for: Is this going to be turned into an apartment, home office, gym, or family room? There may be specific construction or code requirements that have to be met before it can be renovated. Plumbing and electrical outlets must be considered in the plan before installing a bathroom or laundry room.
- Know your usable space. Since basements can vary in size, including ceiling heights, it is wise to measure and confirm that there is sufficient space to accommodate your living goals.
A well-planned approach can expedite the renovation process and save money in the long run, so be sure to allocate sufficient time for preparation before commencing demolition.
What to do with empty basement space
The idea of a blank canvas is wonderful, but it can also be confusing as you try to decide how to use your new space. There are multiple options on the list, including:
- Home gym or office
- Family game room
- Wine cellar or at-home bar
- Home theater
- Rental apartment or in-law suite
- Craft room or library
- Extra storage
- Laundry room
Each choice works well in a basement area, although certain factors determine which one will work better. For instance, if bedrooms in an apartment suite require windows, then that option is eliminated. Home theaters and game rooms, on the other hand, work very well in areas with limited windows. As do gyms and wine cellars. Regardless of the direction you take with your basement, it’s a good idea to include at least one bathroom, if possible, as it saves everyone a trip up the stairs. Discussing your options with your designer is a great way to narrow down the list and select the perfect basement renovation. Visit Emily Henderson’s blog, How to Make Your Cold Dark Basement Better, Cozier, for more inspiration to bring your blank canvas to life.
How to make a basement count as living space
Turning your ordinary basement into an ideal living space is not as hard as you think. By knowing a few simple design rules and guides, you can convert your basement into the family’s favorite hangout.
- Game room: Picking a theme is a great way to design a family game room. Perhaps your family is a big fan of Marvel or DC. You can pair bold accent colors, such as red and yellow, with fun modern art pieces. This idea also works well with a home theater, and old movie posters can be incorporated into the design.
- Entertainment space: Having a second kitchen has several benefits, but a basement kitchen can provide an all-in-one hangout spot. Ensure that there is sufficient and comfortable seating, making it easier for everyone to connect with one another. If your basement has sliding doors to an outdoor space, this makes the perfect combination for a memorable evening.
- Home office: While working from home is becoming increasingly common, it can be challenging to carve out a dedicated space. Placing your office in the basement is ideal since you are out of the main flow of traffic, which means less noise. Select colors inspired by nature to create a calm mood and have ample sources of light, especially if there are no windows.
When designing any living area in the house, including the basement, it’s essential to consider color, comfort, and connectivity. Because of their expertise, a designer can be a fantastic assistance to you while you go through the transition process.
Basement space without windows
When a basement has no windows and none can be installed, it can feel dark and uninviting, but with some simple design tricks, you can easily transform it from dismal to dazzling. Start with lighter paint colors, such as white or a soft yellow, since they reflect light in any space. You can add pops of fun colors to the decor, but a neutral palette helps keep the space open and welcoming. Another key element is lighting. Layering your lights works really well in a basement design. You can install canned lighting and then incorporate ceiling lights along with floor and table lamps. Track lighting is a wonderful option if you want more direct lighting, such as in game rooms and home theaters. Automatic lighting options are a good idea in basements since they will turn on as you descend the stairs and turn off after you leave. Reflective materials, such as mirrors, maximize your light sources and help limit the amount of shadows in the basement. When choosing flooring, opt for more muted tile colors and patterns, as well as lighter wood stains. This complements a wide range of architectural aesthetics, making the basement feel lighter and brighter.
How to maximize basement storage
One main reason for renovating the basement is to gain more storage, but sometimes this leads to piles of boxes, leaving very little room to move. How do you gain the most for your square footage?
- Start by evaluating the space. Do you have a full wall or room to use, or will the basement be used for several functions?
- Keep it separate. If you want to use your basement for multiple purposes, plan on creating a separate storage space by either installing a wall or utilizing a closet area. Be sure to clearly label everything you store so that it can be sorted and found easily.
- Maximize the walls. Utilizing custom-built-ins and shelves allows you to store more in a designated area. Clear container bins and boxes allow you to easily see what’s inside without having to pull everything off the shelf or out of the cabinet.
Doing this will ensure that you maximize storage space in your basement while also avoiding clutter.
Greenbrook DesignThe world of interior design has run the full gamut of trends, from minimal to over-the-top and back again. Your home is meant to be your happy place, and a good design can affect the atmosphere. There are multiple styles to choose from, including modern, traditional, farmhouse, and transitional. Each possesses characteristics that make them unique in their own way, but sometimes what is offered is not enough, which is where the term mixology comes in, and no, we are not referring to the mixing of cocktails. There is a beauty when mixing and matching design styles, cabinets, and furnishings to create a space that perfectly reflects you. For a long time, designers were taught that things needed to remain within a certain realm of style in order for them to look good, but over the past few years, those boundaries have been broken down to make way for homeowners to express themselves in their own way. Out of this, there have been some new terms used to describe the shift in styles, such as grand millennial. If you like a few elements from multiple styles, then mixology may be your new best friend.
Walker Woodworking Is Biophilia Design For You? We love the looks nature inspires, which is why we have multiple products available for you to browse inside our showroom. From unique artwork to furniture pieces, we invite you to visit us and spend time browsing our 5,000 square foot showroom located in charming Uptown Shelby and find the inspiration you’ve been looking for to create the perfect environment in your home.
The world of design draws on multiple elements to create the perfect space for homeowners, a place that represents them and their particular style. Color plays a vital role in the design process, and its effects go beyond just adding a splash to the room. Color can affect our mood, communicate a message, lessen eye strain, and even play a part in remembering certain events. It also has the ability to influence the size of a room with certain colors, causing the area to feel larger, while other shades create a more intimate feel. Color selection can be a fun and rewarding process, plus it provides you with a great way to tell your story. More homeowners are discovering the beauty of contrasting colors, and this choice is gaining popularity in the design world. From two-toned kitchens to opposites in cabinets and tile, contrasting colors can spice up your design and make a stunning statement. Let’s explore more about what contrasting colors are and how they can help you tell your story.
Greenbrook Design While cabinet hardware is essential for functionality, it’s also a key element in the overall look and feel of your space. When selecting hardware, there’s more to consider than just appearance. How do you want your cabinets to open? Do you prefer knobs, pulls, or a combination of both? Should you go with cup pulls for a traditional touch or sleek bar pulls for a modern edge?
These decisions may seem small, but they can have a significant impact on both the usability and aesthetic of your cabinetry. Hardware serves as the finishing touch—bringing together the design while also making everyday tasks more comfortable and intuitive.
Walker Woodworking You are ready to begin your renovation, but you are unsure whether you want to go with custom or semi-custom cabinets. While custom cabinets will provide you with the exact fit you need for your space, they are at the higher end of the price range. Semi-custom cabinets tend to be a more budget-friendly alternative while still giving you the style and function needed for your space. Many homeowners are discovering the benefits of choosing semi-custom cabinets and are learning that they can still get the look they want while staying within their budget. Let’s talk more about what semi-custom cabinets are, the benefits they bring to your project, and some of the options we offer here at Greenbrook Design.
Greenbrook Design
Walker Woodworking