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.
Walker WoodworkingThere is more to color than simply a large selection of hues. Color sends a message and can represent thought and emotion, especially in the world of design. Each year, Pantone announces its choice for the color of the year, a tradition that started in 1999, and designers everywhere eagerly await the news. Classic Blue was this year’s choice of color, a color that represents the future.
As we prepare to close the door on one decade and begin anew, many are filled with anticipation of what the coming year will bring. Blue has always been associated with stability, relaxation, and tranquility, as is seen in nature with the ocean and sky. We understand that hectic schedules and stressful office days generate a need for a place to unwind and completely relax. Here are a few ways to incorporate the color of the year into your home and give it that welcoming environment that will last throughout the coming decade and beyond.
Walker WoodworkingLight is one of nature’s most captivating elements, and its presence has the power to transform a space. In the world of interior design, natural light plays a vital role—not only by enhancing aesthetics but also by elevating the overall atmosphere of a room. It can create dramatic contrasts that bring depth and interest to a space, while also highlighting architectural and design features.
Natural light, when thoughtfully incorporated, makes interiors feel larger, warmer, and more welcoming. At Greenbrook Design, we embrace a design approach known as daylighting—the intentional use of natural light to shape how a space looks and feels throughout the day. It’s one of our favorite tools in the design process.
Here are just a few reasons why we love incorporating natural light into our projects…
Walker WoodworkingRugs have long been a staple in interior design, often described as the “shoes” of a room—they complete the look. Whether subtly complementing a color palette or boldly standing out as a statement piece, rugs add warmth, texture, and personality to any space. A well-chosen rug can effortlessly transform the entire feel of a room.
However, traditional rugs come with their share of drawbacks. From frequent deep cleaning (which often means renting equipment and moving heavy furniture) to concerns about allergies and curled edges that pose tripping hazards, maintaining a rug can be more work than many homeowners anticipate.
That’s why we’re excited to introduce an elegant, low-maintenance alternative: Vintage Vinyl floor cloths.
In today’s tech-savvy world, it’s easy to find decorating tips and budget advice with just a few clicks. Popular shows on networks like HGTV make home remodeling look fast and effortless—transforming entire kitchens or bathrooms in under an hour. While these shows are inspiring, what often goes unseen is the extensive planning and detail required behind the scenes to bring those transformations to life.
At the heart of nearly every successful project is one key factor: staying on budget.
Window treatments not only provide shade and privacy, but they also allow the homeowner to show their personality. No person is the same, and neither should their window treatments. They are meant to be a reflection of you and your style. Whether you prefer a more contemporary or traditional style, solar or soft roman shades, wood or pleated, Graber’s vast array of colors, options, and designs will surely suit anyone’s taste. Learn more about Graber on our product page or come visit us in our showroom located in Shelby, NC, and ask to see our Graber display. We would love to help you add the finishing touches to that space where nature and home meet.
Greenbrook Design
Walker Woodworking