5 Features Our Designers Love Adding to Basements
Gone are the days when a basement looks like an afterthought to the home–something you’d rather keep behind closed doors. Today’s finished basements are an extension of the existing home, with unique features all their own. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite basement features, from the tried-and-true to the more avant-garde. See if any of these ideas spark your interest:
Archways
Sound like old news? This simple feature won’t hit your budget, but can make an impact in the overall design of your basement, helping to designate, or set apart one area from another. Don’t overlook this uncomplicated way to lend a custom touch to your basement’s design.
Accent walls
Don’t limit yourself to thinking of accent walls only in terms of paint color. Imagine the drama of paneling a basement wall in reclaimed barn wood, or the charm engendered by painted shiplap on a wall or ceiling. If either of those ideas sounds like too big of a commitment, try peel-and-stick wallpaper which makes a big statement that can be easily changed down the road, should the need or desire arise.
Home stage / music room
The basement is an ideal spot for creating a home music or dance studio. Since you’re starting from scratch, you can customize the amount of insulation (for sound) that goes into and surrounds the room, Turn it into a recital hall with a stage and lights, or add the electronics needed to create a recording space. The options are limitless!
Glass dividers
Not all basements are large and open. Make the most of the area you have by using glass wall partitions to divide and define the space. You may forfeit privacy, but in return gain light and add a modern, industrial feel to the basement layout.
Luxury home cinema
Always a favorite choice, adding a home theater in the basement remains a top pick. As with the music room, insulation is among the first considerations when planning a home theater. Next would be low-volt wiring for surround-sound and other tech-necessities. From there, make it as luxe as your budget allows with posh reclining seating, mood lighting, and a wet bar for refreshments. Your basement will be the neighborhood hot-spot!
