Many homeowners have a basement that they just don’t know what to do with. It’s often dark, dreary, and downright spooky! If this sounds like your basement, don’t worry – you aren’t alone. This blog post will discuss how to turn your basement from frightful to fabulous in just a few simple steps!
Are you tired of your basement looking like a set from a horror movie? If so, you are in luck! You can use many different tactics to transform this space into a stunning room that you will happily show off to guests. Here are the main guidelines you should follow to get the basement of your dreams!
Make a Plan
The first step to take is to make a plan for your basement. What do you want to use the space for? Do you want it to be a home gym, an office, a playroom for the kids, or something else entirely? Once you know what you want to use the space for, you can start planning how to make it happen.
Lighting is one of the most important things to consider when making your plan. Basements are often dark and dreary, so adding plenty of light will be vital in making the space feel more inviting. You might also want to consider adding some windows, even if they are just small ones.
Pro Tip: Can’t add a window? Create the illusion of space using mirrors, dummy windows (with lights behind them), or landscape murals.
Make It Functional
The final step in the planning phase is ensuring that your basement is functional. This means considering things like insulation, heating, and cooling. Do you need a guest room? If so – the basement might be an ideal option. Will you spend most of the evening there watching the tv? If so, consider putting in a small bathroom, so you don’t have to make your way upstairs every time nature calls.
Pro Tip: If you plan on using this space for entertaining, then include a wet bar or mini fridge. This way, your guests can help themselves!
Finish the Basement
Before you can get into decorating this space, you first need to make sure that it is safe, healthy, and habitable for you and your family. Therefore, you should hire professionals to handle the basement renovation, remodeling, and finishing.
If you have moisture issues, the first step is to waterproof the basement so that water can’t get in when it rains. Depending on the layout and your local climate, you may also need to add a drain or sump pump to get rid of water. As there are often a lot of electrical outlets here, these will need to be tucked away for safety and aesthetics. This is an essential first step as it’s far easier to waterproof a basement before it’s finished than after it’s completed.
Pro Tip: Many waterproofing companies will also offer finishing services, so it’s worth checking to see if they have a package deal.
Now that the basement is finished, it’s time to start decorating! When choosing paint colors and furniture, remember that light colors will make the space feel larger and more inviting. You might also consider adding personal touches like family photos or exciting art pieces.
Pro Tip: Be sure to add plenty of storage! This is key in any room but especially important in a basement where things tend to get cluttered quickly.
Pick a Theme
The last thing that you want is a haphazard-looking space. To avoid this, come up with a theme for this space. This will act as a guide when choosing everything from the color palette to furniture.
As you can imagine, the theme will be based on the kind of room you want.
When choosing your theme, select one similar to what you have in the main house. This way, this space will not feel drastically different but rather a natural extension of your home.
Pro Tip: If you are having trouble deciding on a theme, try browsing home décor magazines or websites for inspiration.
With these guidelines in mind, you should be well on your way to creating the basement of your dreams! Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with this space. After all, it’s yours! Remember to have fun with it and make it your own!
Choose the Right Paint Colors
As you can imagine, a coat of paint can make all the difference to your basement. Before you make a decision, however, it is important to consider what you will be using this space for. If it is going to be a family room or a playroom, then opt for bright and sunny colors like yellow or blue.
Want something a bit more sophisticated? Then light greys or a bright white is the way to go. When choosing the correct shade, you should be mindful of the color scheme chosen for your main house. Choose a complementary color to ensure that this space feels like an extension of your home.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget the ceiling! This is often overlooked but can affect how your basement looks and feels.
Bring in Plenty of Light
As we mentioned before, basements are often dark and dreary. To combat this, you will need to bring in plenty of light. The first step is to ensure that all windows are clean. Once you have done this, open the curtains and allow natural light to flood into the space. If your basement doesn’t have any windows, then consider adding some artificial lighting.
Pro Tip: Lights come in all shapes and sizes, so take the time to choose ones that fit your budget and the style of the basement. When placing lamps or light fixtures, be sure to position them in a way that will evenly distribute light throughout the space.
Multiple lighting forms ensure no dark corners in an already dark room. If you want to use this space for watching movies, choose dimmer lights. This way, you can lower the lights as needed without plunging the space into darkness.
Pro Tip: If you want to save on energy costs, then choose LED bulbs. These use less electricity and last much longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Add Some Life with Plants
Another way to bring some life into your basement is by adding plants. Not only do they look great, but they also purify the air. When selecting plants, be sure to choose ones that are easy to care for, as you don’t want to worry about them while you are away on vacation.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have a green thumb, consider fake plants. These days, they look so realistic that it is hard to tell them apart from the real thing!
Incorporate Storage Solutions
As we noted briefly before, one of the main problems people have with their basement is that it often becomes a dumping ground for all the things they don’t use regularly. To avoid this, you will need to incorporate some storage solutions into your design.
This could be anything from built-in shelving to freestanding cabinets. The key is to choose storage that is both stylish and functional.
Pro Tip: If you want to save money, consider repurposing items you already have around the house. For example, an old dresser can be used as a TV stand or sideboard. There are plenty of DIY storage ideas to pick from!
With these guidelines in mind, you should be well on your way to creating the basement of your dreams!