5 Clever Ideas to Steal from this Basement
Looking for inspiration to take your basement finish from average to exceptional? Look no further. This beautiful, open basement lends some great ideas for a remodel or renovation. Highlighted below are five features you may want to work into your basement finish.
1. An open and inviting basement stairwell welcomes all who enter.
First impressions matter. Before you even reach the basement, consider the steps taken to get there. A closed-in staircase can feel dark and narrow, and isn’t particularly alluring or even welcoming. Don’t assume that you’re stuck with the configuration of the existing staircase. Opening walls at the top and/or bottom of the stairs and adding attractive handrail and balusters is an easy and affordable option that makes the staircase feel less constricted and more inviting. In some cases, a landing could be added near the bottom of the stairs with the remaining stairs framed at an angle leading into the basement. Depending upon the staircase configuration you may also wish to consider adding a feature wall, as in the photo above. If stonework is out of the budget, simply painting the wall an accent color adds interest and helps tie the upper and lower floors together.
2. A gas fireplace adds warmth and charm.
Whether you prefer a modern style or a more rustic one, fireplaces add an inviting touch to any room, especially a basement. A gas fireplace is particularly convenient as you can quickly add ambiance with a mere flip of a switch. This is great for hosting holiday parties, creating a cozy atmosphere, or simply warming up the room. Adding a decorative mantle above the fireplace also brings interest and character to your basement.
3. Glass doors and abundant windows allow natural light.
If you’re fortunate enough to have a walk-out basement, make the most of it. Work with an architect to center your basement’s layout around the glass patio doors and large garden-level windows, ensuring that the most-used areas will have the most natural light. If, on the other hand, your basement is not a walk-out and has smaller windows, consider replacing them with larger egress windows.
4. Varied lighting serves ambiance, accents, and tasks.
When the sun sets and it’s time for a cozy evening inside, the right lighting system in your basement makes all the difference. Basement lighting sets the mood for entertaining, movie nights, family games, homework, and hobbies–just to name a few. Create a custom lighting plan, based on your basement’s intended uses, that provides general lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting.
5. A Basement wet bar adds convenience and personality.
Nothing says hospitality quite like a basement wet bar. It’s easy to make it the focal point of your basement’s design by selecting tasteful finishes–granite or quartz countertops, stylish tile back-splash, and wood beams or accents as shown above. You’ll be especially glad to have it when it’s time for movie snacks, or drinks on game day. A wet bar can be as simple as a mini fridge and small sink with a few cabinets, or it can be more of a second kitchen with full-sized appliances, sink, and plenty of cabinets.
