Interior design basement ideas
30 Modern Basement Remodel Ideas
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You’ll be shocked by how much it increases your home’s value.
By Lucia Tonelli
Design: Liz Caan/Photo: Eric Roth
Does your basement feel more like an unused dungeon than a stylish space to hang out in? For more homeowners than not, a basement is merely a storage space for unwanted furniture or boxes full of who knows what. By letting this square footage go to waste, you're missing out on prime interior real estate, which can ultimately decrease the value of your home. Plus, what better place to have fun with design than a room secluded from the rest of your house?
Before you begin remodeling, there are some important factors to consider. "As with any room, the first important step is to think about what the space will be used for," says designer Christine Markatos Lowe. "Do you mostly use it during the day or at night? Will there need to be plumbing installed, for add-ons like a bathroom or a wetbar? Will it be a kids space or more for adults and entertaining?" she adds. Once you've nailed down your purpose, there are several factors to contend with. Since basements are typically windlowless or very dim, appropriate lighting is key. "Typically the ceiling height is going to be pretty low, so installing recessed can lights or low-profile flush mounts is a must," Markatos says. "Treating the ceiling as a fifth surface area to play with is also a great way to bring in some more interest through wallpaper or paint to an otherwise dark and flat area.
"
Still unsure where to go from here? Read below for 30 surprisingly stylish basement ideas that will transform the look—and value—of your home.
1
Warm things up with a Modern Faux Fireplace
2
Set up Extra Seating Behind the Couches
3
Turn the Space into a Craft Room
4
Shiplap the Walls for a Cozier Feel
5
Install a Formal Projector Screen
6
Opt for Cinema-Themed Decor
7
Add Recessed Lighting to Give the Illusion of Higher Ceilings
8
Go Bold With Eclectic Patterns
9
Keep the Palette White and Bright
10
Transform an Awkward Corner into a Stylish Storage Space
11
Add a Corner Kitchen Space for Easy Access to Snacks
12
Finish Concrete Floors With a Striking Lacquer
13
Line the Ceiling with Warm String Lights
14
Experiment With a Fun Design Theme
15
Install Storage Beneath the Stairs
16
Construct a Bar Beneath the Stairs
17
Welcome Guests with a Movie-Themed Stairwell
18
Stick a Half-Bath Under the Stairs
19
Install Barn Doors to Break up the Space
20
Dedicate a Corner to Laundry
21
.
..Or Make it a Full Laundry Room
22
Turn it into a Guest Bedroom
23
Amp Up the Luxury With a Statement Ceiling
24
Build Adult-Appropriate Bunk Beds
25
Choose a Chalkboard Accent Wall
26
Let the Games Take Center Stage
27
Add Family Photos for a Personal Feel
28
Create a Dedicated Workspace
29
Embrace an Industrial Design Scheme
30
Go Bold With a Statement Staircase
Lucia Tonelli Assistant Editor Lucia Tonelli is an Assistant Editor at Town & Country, where she writes about the royal family, culture, real estate, design, and more.
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20 valuable ways to convert your space |
(Image credit: Bisca / Future / Simon Brown)
These clever basement ideas will be essential if you are considering transforming an unfinished basement into a habitable zone – or even excavating to create one for a home built without.
Converting or decorating a basement so it's a liveable space is a smart way to establish extra square footage – especially if you’ve exhausted the opportunities above ground, or prefer not to build out.
From spacious living areas, playrooms and home offices, to specialist rooms including home gyms, movie theaters and wine storage, the opportunities for expansion are endless with a basement conversion as part of your whole house design.
Here, we’ve put together basement ideas to inspire your remodel together with expert advice for a successful project.
Basement ideas
While basement ideas can encompass a whole host of different rooms, what’s crucial to all – and to make the most of your basement – is creating sufficient light, dividing up the space successfully if it’s not to be open plan, and making the decor aesthetically pleasing as well as sympathetic to the rest of your home.
1. Prioritize basement lighting
(Image credit: Future)
It's possible that your basement lighting ideas will be compromised by the height of the ceiling, but where you can, design a scheme like you would plan living room lighting.
This means considering not just function, but mood and atmosphere, too.
So, while you might have overhead lighting, whether a stand-out fixture like the one above or simple space-saving spotlights, ensure you install decorative wall lights to make ceilings look higher, bring in table or floor lamps to create warm pools of light around the space, and even highlight architectural features with directional lights.
2. Ensure basement flooring is warm and light-reflecting
(Image credit: Simon Brown)
Basement flooring ideas need to tick many boxes: they need to be tough because it's likely your basement is used for everything from get-togethers to watch sports (think: family room ideas for inspiration) through to storage for all that family clutter you can't find space for upstairs. Basement floors also need to reflect light to make the space feel brighter and bigger; and they need to be warm-toned in order to make the room(s) feel welcoming.
Ideally you will also choose a surface that runs throughout.
Real wood looks beautiful, but engineered wood can be a tougher choice for a space that's newly built. And, like real wood, it can be refinished when it needs updating.
3. Grab as much natural light as you can
(Image credit: Bisca)
One of the most important small basement ideas you can incorporate into your design at early stages is to increase natural light. This is best done by lighting the basement with toplight – via roof windows, glazed exterior panels or even open trends and glass balustrades on your basement staircase.
Choosing a light paint color for walls helps, too. ‘Prioritize creating a light and bright environment so it’s a place you want to be,’ says Andi Morse, founder and principal designer, Morse Design .
It's also particularly important when you are considering basement office ideas.
4. Install a light well
(Image credit: Maison Vanentina)
Glazed light wells, which can sit within a deck, patio or simply within the backyard, will bring in top light to a basement, and allow you to expand the basement's floor space beyond the footprint of the house.
Or you can opt to have an interior light well, positioned near to a window on the ground floor of your home.
Around three times brighter than side light, top light will flood basements with light, and allow you to use the walls for other purposes – whether to house a luxury bathroom, as here, for simply for storage.
5. Use reflective surfaces
(Image credit: David Lovatti)
As well as boosting light levels, decorating with mirrors can enhance small spaces with low ceilings, so they are a real bonus for small basements.
'Don't limit mirrors to basement bathrooms – they are a bonus in bedrooms and especially hallways and other narrow spaces where there may be no natural light at all,' advises Lucy Searle, Homes & Gardens' Editor in Chief.
6. Be creative with basement storage ideas
(Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd Photograph: Jan Baldwin)
Basement bedrooom ideas and storage needs to be well thought-out. If you have little floor space within a games' room or living space, built in storage, such as shelving, cupboards with space-efficient sliding doors or beneath lift up lids in seating are all great options.
In bedrooms that are only used by guests, you can swap closet space for peg rails, but invest in a storage bed beneath which you can hide everything from spare linen to out of season clothes.
7. Make it a fun space
(Image credit: Charles Cunliffe Architects/David O.Marlow)
Planning a basement conversion is a great way to add the fun-to-have spaces to a home that you can’t sacrifice space to on the first floor. This remodel by Aspen, Colorado based Charles Cunniffe Architects transformed what was a mechanical and crawl space into a large family room with a bar, billiards and game room, plus a glazed wine store.
Bear in mind that you may need to create extra head height for a successful basement remodel. Here, the levels of the home were dropped by two feet to provide adequate ceiling heights in the basement.
8. Install a basement bar
(Image credit: Cult Furniture)
One of the most fun basement ideas (bar none) is a basement bar.
Combine it with a games' room and you have the perfect family – and friends – hangout space.
If you are going to install a bar in a basement, ensure there's an exit in case of fire, that ventilation is good, and that lighting has been designed in layers so that you can conjure up just the right atmosphere.
9. Opt for a playroom
(Image credit: Lyn's Design Style/Radion Photography)
If your basement ideas include creating dedicated space for kids to play – plus valuable room for toy storage – follow the lead of this project.
Boise-based design practice Lyn’s Design Style created a kids’ play zone for the family’s youngest two children, aged three and five. Packed with fun playroom ideas, the space provides a cozy nook for fun and games with the separate door and window making their space more of a feature within the living area.
10. Boost the usefulness of a basement
(Image credit: One Seed Architecture and Design/Janis Nicolay)
Consider grouping the super-useful and desirable spaces of a home in the basement to keep the first floor uncluttered, cleaner and quieter.
We're talking devoting your space to mudroom ideas, laundry room ideas – even a kids' games room.
Designed by Vancouver-based One Seed Architecture + Design , this sleek basement accommodates a mudroom/entry, and laundry room. There’s a home gym, too, that keeps exercise equipment out of living spaces or bedrooms.
11. Brighten up the basement
(Image credit: Unique Home Construction)
Take advantage of basement ideas that will make it a light and airy part of your home. ‘The goal is to maximize ventilation, natural light and sense of connection with the outdoors,’ says James Burrell of Burrell Architects . ‘You may be able to cut back the floor above to introduce light, cut a light well all the way through the house, or install a glass ceiling to borrow light from windows above.’
However, if the design of your home precludes these strategies, or your budget doesn’t stretch, opt for decor that will make it feel bright and open. For this subterranean space in Seattle by Unique Home Construction a bright white finish was chosen for the walls, while the ceiling joints and lumber have been left exposed and finished in matt black, increasing the feeling of height.
Finished with glistening fairy lights, this shows the creativity that can be had for basement ceiling ideas.
12. Create clever space dividers
(Image credit: Mode 4 Architecture/David Meaux)
It’s possible to divide up a basement to create different zones without detracting from the open feel of the space.
Designed by MODE4 Architecture , this basement remodel uses a two-sided open bookcase to separate the main living space from the back hall and utility areas. The project was driven by the family’s need for a space that could serve as a chill-out zone for teenagers, and a guest suite for friends and family to stay.
13. Think texture
(Image credit: Best Practice Architecture/Ed Sozinho)
Add decorative interest to a basement remodel by opting for different textures. When Seattle-based Best Practice Architecture transformed the basement of this 1912 home into a bright and spacious family area most of the walls were painted white to enhance the airy feeling of the space, while portions of exposed brick wall and the exposed overhead timber ceiling add warmth and contrast to the space.
14. Introduce windows to a basement
(Image credit: VFA Architecture and Design/Scott Norsworthy)
Introducing windows as part of your basement ideas is highly desirable. ‘Add new windows to bring in as much natural light as possible,’ advises Sean Barnett, owner and principal architect at Portland-based Polymath Studio Architecture . ‘This is the most effective way to make your basement feel like it’s no longer a basement, but rather a comfortable, inviting part of your home.’
For the basement of this Toronto home by VFA Architecture + Design , the rear yard was stepped to create a sunken courtyard. The lower grade allowed for larger windows, channeling more natural light into the basement. Previously mainly used for storage purposes, it’s now a light-filled playroom.
15. Benefit from the peace
(Image credit: Beige and Bleu/Tamara Flanagan)
Its separation from the rest of the home makes the basement an ideal venue for home office ideas or a study space for kids that’s quiet and away from the distractions and hustle and bustle of the other stories.
The basement in this Boston home was designed by Beige & Bleu and caters for a family of teenage girls, providing a space for them to study together with a lounge area separate from the rest of the house.
16. Boost the number of bathrooms
(Image credit: Webber Studio/Chloe Gilstrap, Jake Holt)
If you plan to incorporate a basement bedroom or guest annex in the basement, it makes sense to add a basement bathroom for convenience and ease of access.
‘I usually recommend a full bath in the basement so you can shower after a workout or wash the dog in the basement, for example,’ says Liz Caan, founder and principal at Liz Caan & Co , a Massachusetts-based design firm.
Bear in mind, of course, that this will require extra electrical and plumbing work and will therefore drive up overall project costs.
This master bathroom was added to the lower level of this Freedman’s Cottage home in Austin, Texas. The original property was extended significantly as part of the remodel by Webber + Studio .
The bathroom is filled with light thanks to the installation of floor to ceiling glazing to the rear of the property.
17. Work a small space
(Image credit: Hoedemaker Pfeiffer/Haris Kenjar)
Even a tiny basement can become a luxurious and functional addition to a home. In this basement renovation by Seattle-based Hoedemaker Pfeiffer , the long neglected cold storage space beneath the porch of the house was re-purposed and transformed into a contemporary wine room. Built-in joinery has been incorporated to maximize every inch of space.
18. Build out from the basement
(Image credit: Granit Architects/Andrew Beasley)
It’s worth contemplating building out as part of a basement remodel, creating a connection to the outside and simultaneously bringing in extra daylight. In this London home, Granit Architects designed a glazed double height space that ensures the basement kitchen diner is filled with natural light.
19. Select characterful materials
(Image credit: Maximilian Hurley Construction/Tony Colangelo)
The palette of materials used to finish a basement can create a link with the remainder of your home.
In this basement renovation Maximilian Huxley Construction restored the lower level of the 1903 home from two separate suites into one shared family space.
The project was respectful of the home’s 1903 origins, and has incorporated reclaimed wood floors, countertops, shelving, stair treads and paneling. Exposed steel beams and masonry elements give the space on industrial feel.
20. Avoid blocking light
(Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd Photograph: Jonathan Gooch)
Think about fitting a glass balustrade to basement stair ideas to keep the light flowing freely through the space. Other strategies to ensure it’s light-filled? ‘Keep the space as open plan as possible to allow the available natural light to flow through the room,’ advises Kieron Bell of Kitchens International .
If the basement is the location for a kitchen, use the areas with the most light for the cooking and dining areas where you will spend most of your time, and those furthest from the natural light for ancillary rooms, such as laundry areas, pantries and storage.
Glass partitions, rather than solid walls, will ensure the best light flow through the space.
What should I put in my basement?
A basement can provide space for many different rooms. You might want to consider making it a more relaxed living room while the main living room remains a more formal space. It could also be playroom for the kids, or a home library.
‘If your basement has a separate entrance, consider the uses and the flexibility this can provide,’ suggests Liz Caan. ‘Maybe a guest suite would be nice, an au pair area, a home office, or a media gaming room?'
If you plan to incorporate a bedroom or guest annex in the basement, it makes sense to add a bathroom for convenience and ease of access.
Other uses to which a basement can be put are as a laundry room, mudroom, or maybe a space for crafts. Think about including a kitchen, or kitchenette to make entertaining easy, adding a basement bar, or creating a wine cellar.
What adds most value to a basement?
'To add the most value to your basement, you really need to think about what your home currently lacks.
So, if it has no guest space or a guest bath upstairs, adding this into the basement will give you the best return on your investment,' says Lucy Searle, Editor in Chief, Homes & Gardens.
'Equally, if you lack a family or rec room or home office, these will be a good choice, as would a laundry space or a wall of storage that can free up space upstairs. If, however you are adding a basement to your home as a bonus because your house is really well equipped, it's a great idea to add a space that future buyers can see as a lifestyle bonus, whether a home gym or wellness space, for example.
'What else can add value to a basement? Think: good lighting, well-planned, neat-looking storage, quality flooring and furniture that's well chosen to suit the space's layout.'
How much does it cost to finish a 1000 sq ft basement?
Basement conversion costs or a finishing project is largely determined by the space you’re starting out with. However, to finish a 1,000 square foot basement, you might expect to pay from around $20,000.
However, there is an enormous range in costs. ‘It really depends on the amount of clean-up work required; for example, the relocation of existing utilities and things like the addition of a bathroom or kitchenette,’ says Christopher Tucker, principal/owner at MODE4 Architecture , a design practice based in Alexandria, Virginia.
If your existing basement is unfinished, it’s likely that you’re working with a space that’s completely open. Putting in partition walls to zone off bedrooms and bathrooms is an addition that will drive the price up.
Jobs that involve moving the plumbing or incorporating additional structural elements, such as digging down to create more height, add to overall costs, too.
The cost of specialty rooms is another key consideration. Incorporating a movie theater, for instance, will require custom AV work and potentially extra sound insulation. It’s important to consider all these factors from the outset so you can get a realistic budget plan drawn up. The materials you choose will also influence costs.
Sarah is a freelance journalist and editor. Previously executive editor of Ideal Home, she’s specialized in interiors, property and gardens for over 20 years, and covers interior design, house design, gardens, and cleaning and organizing a home for H&G. She’s written for websites, including Houzz, Channel 4’s flagship website, 4Homes, and Future’s T3; national newspapers, including The Guardian; and magazines including Future’s Country Homes & Interiors, Homebuilding & Renovating, Period Living, and Style at Home, as well as House Beautiful, Good Homes, Grand Designs, Homes & Antiques, LandLove and The English Home among others. It’s no big surprise that she likes to put what she writes about into practice, and is a serial house renovator.
Basement Renovation laminate and gray flooring without fireplaceOld Westbury Wine Cellar
Chango & Co.
Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Construction Administration, Custom Millwork & Furniture Design by Chango & Co. Photography by Jacob Snavely
Stylish design: underground, huge neoclassical (modern classic) basement with gray walls, dark parquet floors and a horizontal fireplace - the latest trend neoclassical (modern classic) style with access to the outside, gray walls, laminate flooring, standard fireplace, stone fireplace front and brown floor - great interior photo
Chan Basement
Knight Construction Design Inc.
Home-inspired medium-sized neoclassical (modern classic) basement with exit, gray walls and carpeting
Roswell Speak Easy Basement
Haggard Home Cabinetry & Design
outdoor style with home bar, black walls, vinyl flooring, standard fireplace, brick fireplace front, brown flooring and clapboard walls
Basement Remodel with Kitchen, Theater Room, Popcorn Snack Bar and Bathroom
Cabinet-S-Top
style cabinets in Cherry Slate on the island with Cambria Skara Brae quartz on the countertop. A bathroom was created and installed a Waypoint DT24F door style vanity cabinet in Duraform Drift with Carrara Black quartz countertops. In the shower, Wow Liso Ice subway tile was installed with custom shower door. On the floor is Elode gray deco tile. A movie room and popcorn/snack area was created using Waypoint 650F door style in Cherry Slate with Madera wood countertops. nine0007
Silverleaf Estates Basement Reno
Bearded Builders
Home Inspiration: Large contemporary basement with access to the outside, white walls, light parquet and beige flooring, no fireplace
Downingtown Finished Basement: Theater/Bar Area , Kids Area and Powder Room
TATCOR Building & Remodeling
Due to the limited space and the budget, we chose to install a wall bar versus a two-level bar front. The wall bar included white cabinetry below a white/grey quartz counter top, open wood shelving, a drop-in sink, beverage cooler, and full fridge.
For an excellent entertaining area along with a great view to the large projection screen, a half wall bar height top was installed with bar stool seating for four and custom lighting. The AV projectors were a great solution for providing an awesome entertainment area at reduced costs. HDMI cables and cat 6 wires were installed and run from the projector to a closet where the Yamaha AV receiver as placed giving the room a clean simple look along with the projection screen and speakers mounted on the walls. nine0007
Naperville Custom Basement 2
Matrix Basement Systems, Inc.
Fresh design idea for a large modern style basement with exterior windows, gray walls, medium hardwood floors and brown floors without a fireplace - great interior photo
Roslyn Home & Basement
D&G Construction
The basement was finished with a modern industrial design that includes barn wood, black steel rods, and gray cabinets. This includes a custom barn wood accent wall, perfect for a TV mount.
Modern Farmhouse Basement
Rosemary Lily
Homey inspiration: large country-style basement with exterior windows, gray walls, vinyl flooring and gray floors
Basement remodeling with walk-out
BasementRemodeling.com
Basement walk-out with a large exterior French door vinyl floor and beige floor without fireplace
Geneva Renovation
Desa Design Studio
Basement living room and bar area.
Stylish Design Large Modernist Basement with Exterior Windows, White Walls, Laminate Flooring, Standard Fireplace, Masonry Fireplace Front and Brown Flooring - Latest Trend
Primrose 2022 (Lake Elmo, MN)
Robert Thomas Homes
Primrose Model - Garden Villa Collection Pricing, floorplans, virtual tours, community information and more at https://www.
robertthomashomes.com/
5 examples of transforming non-residential space
Wentworth Inc.
If your basement is a damp, closed dungeon where cans, paints, and other unnecessary items are stored, don't despair. Our examples will show you how a depressing basement can be transformed into a family retreat, an inspiring creative space, a guest suite or a man cave. nine0003
Some of our examples had a large area and plenty of natural light, while others were nothing more than wet dungeons. Here are five of the most amazing basement renovations, along with links to see the full progress report.
Colonial upstairs, Scandinavian downstairs
This basement renovation has given the family a multipurpose space where they can spend time together, play, watch TV and work in the home office. nine0003
In addition, there is an opportunity to break away from the colonial decor that is used in the rest of the house. Now they can enjoy Scandinavian modern style.
Wentworth, Inc.
Designer and builder Bruce Wentworth left the ceiling beams exposed and painted them white to brighten up the space. He used wooden slats to cover up some of the most unsightly elements: the air ducts and support columns. This area now forms a media wall. nine0003
Wentworth, Inc.
Viva dark color!
Architect Ryan Duebber has turned this once cramped and damp basement into a favorite retreat for entertaining and warm friendships. The refurbishment of the premises gave the owners a living room, laundry room, bathroom with steam shower and a kitchen with a bar.
Ryan Duebber Architect, LLC
Duebber painted the exposed rafters black in keeping with the contemporary tastes of the owners.
Ryan Duebber Architect, LLC
Industrial details are often found in utility basements. One such detail is concrete floors. The designer used a galvanized metal wall, curved and corrugated, to separate the living space from the outbuildings.
Ryan Duebber Architect, LLC
Family-friendly
Designers Erin Davis of Mosaik Design & Remodeling and Jenny Guggenheim of Fig Studio Interior Design designed and built this space, which includes a TV lounge, play area, mini kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. The entrance to the basement is flooded with natural light. nine0003
Mosaik Design & Remodeling
The kitchenette is a great place to prepare snacks for a movie night or a social get-together.
Mosaik Design & Remodeling
Window table used for board games.
Mosaik Design & Remodeling
Family Guy Getaway
The writer and producer needed a place to relax, work and be inspired, and designer Kyle Schuneman provided him with a basement conversion into a man's den. nine0003
Schuneman installed mahogany bookcases to store and display the owner's favorite items.
Joe Schmelzer, Inc. dba Treasurbite Studio, Inc.
The designer used the basement's concrete overhang to create a comfortable resting place.
