Large basement design ideas


47 Cool Finished Basement Ideas (Design Pictures)

These cool finished basement ideas share a variety of exciting ways you can get the most out of your extra living space. A finished basement design gives you, family and friends a place to hang out and enjoy any time of year. From home bars, game rooms, home gyms or movie rooms there are tons of ways to create a finished basement you’ll love.

In modern homes, game room are starting to become an essential part of the house. The modern basement game room shown in the image above with mood lighting make this area look just like a high end nightclub. Gorgeous cone pendant lights over the pool table are ideal for a focused lighting which are perfect for the game. A stylish hideout for the man of the house and his friends.

Table of Contents

By definition, the Basement is the lowest habitable level of a building or a residential house which is usually below ground level. Thanks to interior designers, these basements are now being transformed and remodeled from a dark, damp and dreary place of the house into a functional living spaces which can be enjoyed by the whole family.

The size of the basement doesn’t matter – whether it is a full basement, half, walkout or cellar type. Basement remodeling could enhance the value of the home since it expands the square footage of the house, thus creating an additional, usable space and efficient storage when renovated. A finished basement can also be a good investment.

It is very important to first think about how you want your basement to function.

Open Floor Plan – allows you to incorporate several smaller working areas and different zones for various activities in one well-designed space.

Stairwell – it is best to open the stairwell and install a banister for a more open feel. Another idea is to incorporate storage space with the stairs.

Flooring – it is very important to select suitable flooring which will be durable and appropriate for all types of weather and withstand fluctuations in moisture levels.

Lighting – create well-lighted basement using track lighting, recessed lighting as well as incorporating other types of lighting fixtures for more dramatic effect. Allowing natural light into the basement is a big challenge; and the best solution is installing window wells. Make sure you install window wells where you could make them as wide and deep as possible to bring much needed sunlight into the basement.

Colors – when renovating or remodeling basements, note that colors do play an important role in each design concept you want to achieve. Choosing the right colors will make your basement stand out and create a cozy ambiance.

Sound Proofing – noise from the basement can travel up to the main house, it is advisable to choose an engineered drywall to dampen the noise coming from the basement.

Find inspiration for your basement makeover with our featured design and decorating ideas. Below are concepts and popular choices for different functions and activities for a basement renovation.

A neutral color palette is employed for this modern basement which incorporates a small kitchen, bar and a living area with fireplace. The result is a lovely and relaxed feel for this open floor plan multi-purpose room.  The porcelain faux wood flooring and the area rug adds texture and splash of color to the room.

Basement Remodeling Ideas

Basement spaces have abundant remodeling ideas and design possibilities that would cater any purposes and activities. Our gallery of cool basement design ideas will surely impress and excite you to create your own basement living space where everyone will love to hang out.

This luxury basement with a wet bar offers extra convenience and accessible utility to this lower level living space. Wall to wall cabinetry with open glass shelving provides a display storage for wines and other liquors. Raised panel base cabinets give lots of additional storage space. The stone fireplace keeps this basement warm and cozy; perfect for entertaining and a great focal point for the area.

The stone flooring and matching stone accents on walls and island bar are crafted to create the right balance for this design scheme.

Basement Color Ideas

Whether your basement is for a game room, man cave, yoga retreat, or movie room, this room has the potential to be the best room in the house. What color you chose depends on a few things, the most important being what is the tone that you want to set for the room? Followed closely by how the room will be used and who will be using it most. The color is really going to set the stage for this space so you want to make sure you have the right color before you commit it to your walls.

Before you even consider color, you want to have lighting in the space figured out. If you don’t have any natural light, how are you going to brighten up the space? Will you use pot lights or track lighting, will you supplement with floor and table lamps? Your paint will look worlds different if you change your lighting after you paint, so try to sort out your lighting needs first.

If you are going for a movie screening room, then go with a dark neutral, or simply go dark. You want the walls to recede and you don’t want a lot of glare from your projection equipment or tv. Make sure to use a flat paint and paint the ceiling in a dark neutral to prevent light from bouncing around and creating glares. For a classic, old world move theater feeling, go with a rich burgundy or deep navy.

If you want a more contemporary feel, a gunmetal grey or lighter silvery grey would be perfect. Bold, dark colors aren’t the only choice though, if you aren’t a fan of saturated color, simply chose a dark neutral in tones of grey or brown.

For a playroom, keep it cheerful and bright. A lovely lemon-curd yellow is a great choice provided you have ample lighting. Any yellow tone will look muddy in a dimply lit room, so keep that in mind when selecting paint colors. If you want to be really adventurous, purple is perfect for a basement playroom. Purple inspires creativity and energy and is great for the playroom that will double as a creative space.

If serenity is what you are after, think watery blues with undertones of green. Blue can read differently in different light levels, what looks relaxing on the sample strip can look downright neon covering an entire wall, choosing a blue with green undertones will help prevent that electric blue look. These beautiful, watery colors will make your basement guest room feel light and airy. It will also provide a relaxing, outdoors vibe to a yoga or meditation retreat.

Finally, go bold. If you are going to be using your basement as a sports hangout on game day, why not paint at least one wall your favorite teams color? Yes, it is outrageous, but your basement is your playground, don’t be afraid to be bold and go a little crazy.

There are no hard and fast rules about wall color in a basement, but there are ways to make your color look it’s best in a space that often has no natural light. Ensure that your lighting is in place and adequate before deciding on a color, determine what the space will be used for, and consider the tone that you want to set for the space.

Your basement is one of the few truly personal spaces in a home, make it yours!

A traditional rustic basement family room features period details such as leather furniture, solid wooden chest used as side table, custom made display cabinet and paneled accent wall. Dark brown wood ceiling beam with mood lighting, conceals plumbing and highlights the wood panel ceiling which adds texture and character to the space. This cozy and warm retreat is perfect for relaxation and suitable for any family gatherings.

Basement Game Room Ideas

This contemporary basement design has several entertainment areas such as pool game area, granite home bar and more than a few seating areas are perfect for accommodating different interests and activities giving this game room personal charm and style. Modern drop lights combined with recessed lighting provides ample illumination to the whole area.

Red and Black color scheme makes this luxurious man cave basement very stylish.

Wall to wall custom made cabinetry features an elegant display glass shelves for glassware and liquors. The open space in the middle is perfect for the widescreen TV; while the cabinets below provides that extra needed storage.
Who said that red carpet is just for runways, this red pool table and seating lounge is a unique choice of color which is matched by the red-carpet flooring. Neutral light tone textured gray walls balances the splash of colors.

Transform your basement into a multi-activity area dedicated to have loads of fun. Oversized bean bag seats for relaxing, reading books or just a space for adults to spend quality time with the kids and keeping an eye on them while they are playing. Create a space for children’s games and toys by having a foos ball table and some miniature rocking chairs. Light tone laminated wood flooring is a good choice for this basement play area.

Make use of existing materials such as this basement stone wall; and add accent by hanging artworks and photographs of those treasured memories.

Neutral and earth tone colors combined with comfortable sofa, cozy furnishings make this family basement a warm and inviting space. A small kitchen and wet bar makes entertaining convenient and much fun.

A focal point wall is a great way to build architectural interest in the basement by installing brick tiles for durable and easy-to-maintain walls. This multi- purpose room and entertainment area, features a pool table, game table and home bar transforming a boring basement into the family room where everyone can relax, unwind and enjoy. Many finished basement ideas incorporate a home bar, game area and dining table to provide plenty of opportunities for entertainment and fun.

This “fun-tastic” gray basement recreation and game room features an air hockey game table, a display wall of toy collection and a Star Trek memorabilia and décor. Custom furniture, mini bar and other classic arcade game creates a perfect place for kids and kids at heart to unwind and have a good time.

This contemporary theme gray basement with living room area features elegant furniture and a shuffleboard table is a Game & Entertainment Lovers Dream.  Cool neutral colors with splashes of vibrant warm colors gives this room a groovy, fun, warm and welcoming ambiance.  Perfect hangout spot for teens and adults alike.

This traditional home basement is redesigned to be an adult’s retreat spot. The game area features a poker table with black leather chairs, the sectional sofa and ottoman by the fire place are made of brown leather and a small counter with bar stools. This entertainment area opens and flows out to the basement’s wine cellar. Decorative stones which are used for accent walls, arch ways and fireplace adds warmth and coziness to the room. Homeowners could entertain many friends in a fun place like this one.

A basement retreat where you can watch the NFL big play in this large screen TV and relax on this comfortable sofa lounge.

The shag carpet helps reduce the noise and sound from this small basement hideaway. The neutral color scheme for the ceiling, walls, floors and furniture adds warmth and coziness to the room.

This carpeted finished basement game room offers two ping pong tables with a corner wet bar with storage cabinets. A large couch provides a place to hang out and watch sports games or movies.

Boys will be boys. This small man-cave basement is fully equipped with the essentials a man would need in his hideaway retreat – a wall dartboard, a bar and a liquor cabinet. Texture painted ceiling in two tone colors and neutral color painted walls are balanced by the medium tone wood stain finish of the cabinetry, doors and bar stools. Wall to wall carpet adds a warmth and welcoming feel to the room.

This fun and sophisticated football and baseball inspired sports room basement, features leather seats and sleek modern furniture is a perfect place for family members and friends to gather and watch Sunday night football.

The display shelves of sports memorabilia draw attention to a collection of all those valuable and unique sports souvenirs. This basement combined with a home workout gym is designed to keep you fit while having fun.

Modern Basement Ideas

A luxurious contemporary basement opens to the movie and media room which showcases a drop round tray ceiling, recessed lights, light tone wood flooring and built-in entertainment center which stretches across one wall and doubles as bookshelves, provides extra storage for games, videos and other entertainment technology. A small pantry area provides convenience for food preparation and storage. Classic neutral colors add a sense of well-being, ease and coziness to the room.

This sophisticated movie and media room proves to be a modern hangout for family and friends. Sleek, wall to wall open shelves cabinetry provides an elegant space for displaying keepsakes and a place for the projector screen, stereo, DVD player and other media equipment.

Dark walls, comfortable leather movie seats are great for a movie night.

This plush basement home theater features a comfortable and stylish lounge seats, classic wall lights, black patterned carpet flooring, dark gray walls and patterned red ceiling; where guests’ movie room experience is elegantly superb. Home theater ideas such as this can be the perfect way to utilize a basement to transform it to a room the entire family can enjoy.

Cool and cozy contemporary basement feature an oversized modular sectional sofa seat is a perfect spot to cuddle and relax or host a sleep over party. Drum pendant lights adds style to this small, snug living space.

Pictures of Finished Basements

This man cave basement transformation features a wet bar with bar stools where snacks and drinks can be served while enjoying shows on multiple TV screens. Perfect place to host a Super Bowl Party! Open shelves and cabinetry with granite countertop provides more storage and preparation area.

Adjacent sitting lounge is a great place to relax and catch up with the latest happenings with family and friends. Check out this page for more man cave ideas for the home.

This custom basement home bar design features a small kitchen for convenience in preparing food along with other appliances, sink and wine fridge – perfect for entertaining family guests. Dark tone cabinetry in Shaker style is balanced with the matchstick glass backsplash and light neutral shade of walls, stone tile flooring and carpet.

This beautiful luxurious wine cellar basement with dining table is a haven for wine lover homeowners and their guest to enjoy and unwind. This wine cellar innovation is an efficient and proper way to store and keep vintage wine collection. Traditional custom made cabinetry with natural wood finish is the best choice for this wine cellar; it is designed to prevent airborne contaminants to spoil those vintage wines.

The coffered ceiling with recessed lights, crystal chandelier and patterned flooring complete the traditional rustic style.

This contemporary custom home bar basement features a seating lounge, a custom built mid-sized wine cellar and a dining space which doubles as tasting area. This wine cellar is built perfectly and efficiently not having direct sunlight. Its glass swing-out doors help maintain the correct temperature needed for wines to age and reach perfection.

Wine requires proper storage, and transforming basements into wine cellar is putting this extra living space of your house in to good use. Choose wood which are good in quality having resistance to rot and decay, durable and requires only a mineral oil finish; such as redwood, mahogany, walnut or cypress. Stone floors are the excellent flooring system you can install for your basement wine cellars because they are strong and durable. Granite countertop is a good combination as well.

Create a restful retreat with a cottage inspired basement with a built-in wood bench and a cozy bed nook. Cool neutral color scheme of tan, pale blue, cream and white combined with minimal furnishings gives this area a warm and welcoming ambiance. For small finished bedroom ideas a built in bench that can be converted in to a bed with under cabinet storage is a great space saver and can increase the home’s value.

Create your own sports and hobby museum is the coolest thing to do with a basement. This eclectic basement is furnished with an antique wood boat which is showcased as the main focal point of this basement. A home bar and seating lounge are perfect addition of functional space which make entertaining more fun.

 

Finished basement made use of existing materials and transformed it into an elegant basement living room. Painted concrete floors and concrete hollow blocks walls are painted in classic white and cool gray.

Exposed beams are furnished with industrial lights which provide ample lights to the room. Comfy, soft upholstered sofas and accent chair in neutral colors adds coziness, perfect place to sit back and relax. Splash of patterns and colors from the area rug, accent chair and throw pillows gives a warm and welcoming ambiance.

A traditional living room basement with a cool shade of lime color is perfect balance for the neutral shades of brown for the carpet, kitchen cabinetry, exposed beams, window treatment, door and other wooden furniture. The kitchenette is without an island. But has a corner home bar to give way to the large black leather sectional sofa which is perfect for movie night fun.

This practice basement room is haven for the music lovers, a retreat to express yourself through music and perfect place for a much-needed privacy and band practice. Complete with drum set, keyboard and a collection of different types of guitars, are instruments which make it possible for beautiful songs to be composed and played to the musician’s heart content.

This lovely, feminine and elegant basement with living room is a tranquil retreat for the women of the house. Large, soft and comfortable sectional couch with round coffee table is perfect for those ladies’ get-together parties.

This classic transitional lounge basement which doubles as a movie hub features corrugated steel wall paneling and exposed ceiling giving this basement its rustic appeal. The fully upholstered sofa and arm chairs are so comfortable, it gives balance to the feel of steel.

This luxury home gym basement is perfect for the whole family’s fitness hub. This is a great idea to make the best use of that extra space and keep in tip-top shape at the same time. A fully equip workout area features a weight bench, treadmill, exercise bikes and other fitness accessories makes it very convenient way to lose those unwanted weights in the comfort of your home.

Working out from the convenience of your home is not impossible to be achieved.  Did you know that home exercise equipment is smaller than its commercial fitness center counterpart?  So, these equipment takes up less space in this multi-use basement home gym, which doubles as a yoga studio.  Exposed beams with track light gives this room an industrial inspired theme.

This luxury sauna and marble shower is a stunning add on to your home basement transformation. After a stressful day at the office or for a relaxing private retreat, this is a perfect place to unwind and help loosen up those tired and aching muscles. This sophisticated steam room sauna and walk-in shower which feature custom wood treatment, marble and tile walls will automatically increase the value of your home and property.

This custom-made basement wood sauna brings recreation and relaxation to a new level.

A great new way to spend leisure time entertaining friends and have fun. An innovative and healthy way to relax and unwind in the comforts of your home.

A luxurious modern basement home features a custom bowling alley room with two regulation size lanes, automatic Brunswick pinsetter machines, automatic lane cleaning/conditioning machine, secondary ball return storage rack, projection screen at the end of the lanes, medium tone wood plank flooring, wooden transition strip is incorporated onto the flush-mounted lane surface, different colored neon lights are installed on the walls adding a more modern accent , a mini bar and state of the arts swivel chairs.

Featuring a stripped indoor tepee, neutral colored accent wall filled with memorabilia combined with a wood textured wall finish, another accent wall with wall paper depicting a night sky full of stars, wall to wall carpet, cozy couch and geometric patterns for the throw pillow.

This basement playroom with a specialized native American Indian theme is what this black and white lovely kid’s playroom is all about.

A whimsical castle inspired playroom features a mural painted walls and ceiling showing the entire kingdom. This “tower” can also function as a reading nook by installing carpet flooring, adding some throw and floor pillows which creates a perfect reading spot and a fun place to play, imagine, get creative and just “enjoy the view”.

“Seize the Day” with this small basement makeover which feature a kitchen with shiplap wood cabinetry, butcher block countertop, white paneled wall, overhead open shelving, carpet flooring and a neutral color scheme.

Don’t be afraid to use the Force.  Inspired by the timeless Star Wars movie, this basement room features memorabilia of the Star Wars characters in the movie.  This elegant scheme of beige walls, light tone hardwood floors and a stone fireplace is a perfect fit for a movie fanatic with a trendy taste for design.

By using turf instead of carpet and a height of 3000mm, this game room basement features a full swing Golf Simulator, and a place with enough space to allow for swing practice. This trendy indoor sport is a good idea for a basement transformation for homeowners to entertain guests. Indeed, this basement room with virtual golf practice driving range can be a man cave for golfers.

Who wouldn’t stop and look at those wonderful fishes, as guests walk into this remodeled basement. This huge wall aquarium adds a splash of color, depth and a trendy style to this basement. A seating area gives a warm and welcoming feeling.

 

This contemporary basement media room features a living room with comfortable long brown leather couch with tufted ottoman; multiple TV screens are perfect when watching movies on a weekday evening or weekend, or watching your favorite sports live.

Components and other things are tucked away in the custom-built cabinets below.  Neutral, monotone colors and layout scheme makes the basement hangout open and bright.

Elegantly designed finished basement which features an arched entry leading to the home bar is an inspiration for a timeless European style design.  Light tone cabinetry provides more additional storage space.  Granite countertop blends well with the whole color scheme.  Neutral colored patterned ceramic tile flooring works well with the whole design scheme.

A sophisticated media room featuring an open plan layout design scheme features a kitchenette and bar for entertaining, a light one wood cabinetry is designed for extra storage space and at the same time doubles as an entertainment area and a working/study corner. The fireplace serves as a focal piece and makes this room warm and cozy together with the cool neutral shades of brown and tan.

Creating a space that works, this rustic wood basement with a game table centered in front of the home bar for entertaining guests, friends and other family members. Stone flooring, wood wainscot panel and custom-built railings, cabinetry and bar counter in medium tone wood finish, carpet covered stairs and flooring provides a warm and welcoming feel. See more basement flooring ideas on this gallery page.

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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Finished Basement Game Room Built-In Shelves

Lasley Brahaney Architecture + Construction

Basement finished to include game room, family room, shiplap wall treatment, sliding barn door and matching beam, numerous built-ins, new staircase, home gym, locker room and bathroom in addition to wine bar area.


Modern Farmhouse Basement

Rosemary Lily

Home Inspiration: Large country style basement with exterior windows, gray walls, vinyl flooring and gray floors

Libertyville Basement Remodel

Matrix Basement Systems, Inc.

Design ideas for a large neoclassical (modern classic) basement with exterior windows, gray walls, carpet, horizontal fireplace, stone fireplace front and brown flooring

Luxury Underground

Lauren Levant Interior

Fresh design idea: underground, large neoclassical (modern classic) basement with colorful walls, dark parquet floors, brown floors, tile fireplace front and horizontal fireplace - great interior photo

Basement Home Theater with Bookcase

FBC Remodel

©Finished Basement Company
Original design example of a large neoclassical (modern classic) basement with exterior windows, beige walls, carpeted flooring, brown floors and a home theater without a fireplace

Temptation Gray Bar

Thyme & Place Design LLC

When my client had to move from her company office to work at home, she set up in the dining room.

Despite her best efforts, this was not the long-term solution she was looking for. My client realized she needed a dedicated space not on the main floor of the home. On one hand, having your office space right next to the kitchen is handy. On the other hand, it made separating work and home life was not that easy. The house was a ranch. In essence, the basement would run the entire length of the home. As we came down the steps, we entered a time capsule. The house was built in the 1950's. The walls were covered with original knotty pine paneling. There was a wood burning fireplace and considering this was a basement, high ceilings. In addition, there was everything her family could not store at their own homes. As we wound though the space, I though “wow this has potential”, Eventually, after walking through the laundry room we came to a small nicely lit room. This would be the office. My client looked at me and asked what I thought. Undoubtedly, I said, this can be a great workspace, but do you really want to walk through this basement and laundry to get here? Without reservation, my client said where do we start? Once the design was in place, we started the renovation.
The knotty pine paneling had to go. Specifically, to add some insulation and control the dampness and humidity. The laundry room wall was relocated to create a hallway to the office. At the far end of the room, we designated a workout zone. Weights, mats, exercise bike and television are at the ready for morning or afternoon workouts. The space can be concealed by a folding screen for party time. Doors to an old closet under the stairs were relocated to the workout area for hidden storage. Now we had a nice wall for a beautiful console and mirror for storage and serving during parties. In order to add architectural details, we covered the old ugly support columns with simple recessed millwork panels. This detail created a visual division between the bar area and the seating area in front of the fireplace. The old red brick on the fireplace surround was replaced with stack stone. A mantle was made from reclaimed wood. Additional reclaimed wood floating shelves left and right of the fireplace provides decorative display while maintaining a rustic element balancing the copper end table and leather swivel rocker.
We found an amazing rug which tied all of the colors together further defining the gathering space. Russet and burnt orange became the accent color unifying each space. With a bit of whimsy, a rather unusual light fixture which looks like roots from a tree growing through the ceiling is a conversation piece. The office space is quite and removed from the main part of the basement. There is a desk large enough for multiple screens, a small bookcase holding office supplies and a comfortable chair for conference calls. Because working from home requires many online meetings, we added a shiplap wall painted in Hale Navy to contrast with the orange fabric on the chair. We finished the decor with a painting from my client's father. This is the background online visitors will see. The last and best part of the renovation is the beautiful bar. My client is an avid collector of wine. She already had the EuroCave refrigerator, so I incorporated it into the design. The cabinets are painted Temptation Gray from Benjamin Moore.
The counter tops are my favorite hard working quartzite Brown Fantasy. The backsplash is a combination of rustic wood and old tin ceiling like porcelain tiles. Together with the textures of the reclaimed wood and hide poofs balanced against the smooth finish of the cabinets, we created a comfortable luxury for relaxing. There is ample storage for bottles, cans, glasses, and anything else you can think of for a great party. In addition to the wine storage, we incorporated a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, and a sink. Floating shelves with integrated lighting illuminate the back bar. The raised height of the front bar provides the perfect wine tasting and paring spot. I especially love the pendant lights which look like wine glasses. Finally, I selected carpet for the stairs and office. It is perfect for noise reduction. Meanwhile for the overall flooring, I specifically selected a high-performance vinyl plank floor. We often use this product as it is perfect to install on a concrete floor.
It is soft to walk on, easy to clean and does not reduce the overall height of the space.

Basement with Murphy Bed

Innovative Construction Inc.

Home Inspiration: Large neoclassical (modern classic) basement with access to the outside, home bar, white walls, vinyl flooring, beige flooring and wallpaper

Harmony Club Modern Farmhouse

restyle design, llc

We went for a speakeasy feel in this basement rec room space. Oversized sectional, industrial pool and shuffleboard tables, bar area with exposed brick and a built-in leather banquette for seating.

Wauwatosa Basement Remodel

Kowalske Kitchen & Bath

This 1933 Wauwatosa basement was dark, dingy and lacked functionality. The basement was unfinished with concrete walls and floors.

A small office was enclosed but the rest of the space was open and cluttered. The homeowners wanted a warm, organized space for their family. A recent job change meant they needed a dedicated home office. They also wanted a place where their kids could hang out with friends. Their wish list for this basement remodel included: a home office where the couple could both work, a full bathroom, a cozy living room and a dedicated storage room. This basement renovation resulted in a warm and bright space that is used by the whole family. Highlights of this basement: - Home Office: A new office gives the couple a dedicated space for work. There’s plenty of desk space, storage cabinets, under-shelf lighting and storage for their home library. - Living Room: An old office area was expanded into a cozy living room. It's the perfect place for their kids to hang out when they host friends and family. - Laundry Room: The new laundry room is a total upgrade. It now includes fun laminate flooring, storage cabinets and counter space for folding laundry.
- Full Bathroom: A new bathroom gives the family an additional shower in the home. Highlights of the bathroom include a navy vanity, quartz counters, brass finishes, a Dreamline shower door and Kohler Choreograph wall panels. - Staircase: We spruced up the staircase leading down to the lower level with patterned vinyl flooring and a matching trim color. - Storage: We gave them a separate storage space, with custom shelving for organizing their camping gear, sports equipment and holiday decorations. CUSTOMER REVIEW “We had been talking about remodeling our basement for a long time, but decided to make it happen when my husband was offered a job working remotely. It felt like the right time for us to have a real home office where we could separate our work lives from our home lives. We wanted the area to feel open, light-filled, and modern – not an easy task for a previously dark and cold basement! One of our favorite parts was when our designer took us on a 3D computer design tour of our basement.
I remember thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, this could be our basement!?!’ It was so fun to see how our designer was able to take our wish list and ideas from my Pinterest board, and turn it into a practical design. We were sold after seeing the design, and were pleasantly surprised to see that Kowalske was less costly than another estimate.” – Stephanie, homeowner

Contemporary Ranch-Style Home

Brad Dassler-Bethel . Architect

This winning award, luxurious home reinvents the ranch-style house to suit the lifestyle and taste of today’s modern family. Featuring vaulted ceilings, large windows and a screened porch, this home embraces the open floor plan concept and is handicap friendly. Expansive glass doors extend the interior space out, and the garden pavilion is a great place for the family to enjoy the outdoors in comfort. This home is the Gold Winner of the 2019Obie Awards. Photography by Nelson Salivia

Audubon Finished Basement

TATCOR Building & Remodeling

Basement Bar Dream Realized! Enter this cozy entertainment space by the downstairs landing with updated neutral paint colors and light wood-style vinyl flooring.


Oxford Ave.

Carla Bast Design

Modern Farmhouse Basement finish with rustic exposed beams, a large TV feature wall, and bench depth hearth for extra seating.
Original design example of large outdoor basement with gray walls, carpet, reversible fireplace, stone fireplace front and gray floor

Ultimate Man Cave

Rae Duncan Interior Design | RDID

Cynthia Lynn
Photo of a large neoclassical (modern classic) basement with exterior windows, gray walls, dark parquet floors and brown floors without a fireplace from

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AV Excellence

Fresh design idea: underground, large basement in a classic style with white walls, light parquet floors and brown floors without a fireplace - great interior photo underground, large rustic basement with brown walls, laminate flooring and brown floors without fireplace

Industrial Basement

JR Custom Living

Original design example: large rustic basement with brown walls, medium tone parquet floors and brown floor without fireplace

75 photos of the arrangement of the basement floor

Tasks of the basement premises

The basement floor is a semi-basement, which is partially sunk into the ground.

An area of ​​this type is used for storerooms, garages and other premises and must have excellent drainage, insulation and waterproofing.


Arrange the basement of your house

Without heating, of course, it will be possible to stay in such a room only in summer, and vegetables stored for the winter may freeze. There is a high possibility of mold. Without ventilation, the air in the basement will be stale and musty, and you can’t do without electricity at all. Read more: how to prepare a cellar for storing vegetables. Therefore, the basement floor will become comfortable for life if, during its construction, the necessary generally accepted standards are followed with heating, electricity and ventilation systems.

When designing a gym, the issue of good ventilation must be addressed

When creating a sauna or shower room, pressure sewage is necessary, special attention should be paid to the ventilation of the basement

Basement design ideas for a house

What can a basement be turned into? - you ask.

Yes, whatever! If in the residential part of the house there is no way to allocate space for your own hobby or fun, feel free to implement the project on the ground floor. We offer to consider the latest ideas for the rational use of space in the basement.

Technical room. Household appliances such as boilers and boilers rarely fit into the overall concept of a living space. So, why not take these devices, together with all utilities, to the basement? Here they will always have free access, and there is no need to worry about their compatibility with the environment.

Laundry. Despite the attractive appearance of modern washing machines and dryers, it is far from always possible to choose a model that would suit a bathroom or kitchen project. In view of this, the design of the basement in a private house can be “tailored” to laundry needs: connect household appliances, arrange a drying and ironing area.

Gym. The ground floor is a great place for sports.

Instead of one simulator, usually hiding in the corner of the room or in a closet, it is possible to install a full-fledged set of simulators here. To equip the hall, it is necessary to lay a solid floor covering, and close up the walls with soundproofing material. Thus, the noise from the work of sports equipment will not interfere with the rest of the household in the main part of the house. It is desirable to make one of the walls mirrored so that the room seems more spacious.

Children's world. Parents often forbid their children to run and play outdoor games in living rooms. But a mobile baby needs space so much! Why not transform the interior of the basement of the house into a children's area? Here the child will be able to play, play sports or frolic with friends without fear of disturbing adults.

Billiard room. This idea will appeal to the strong half of humanity, and the beautiful half will not mind such a lounge area in the house

When designing a room, it is recommended to pay special attention to lighting.

Above the billiard table it is necessary to organize uniform ceiling lighting; in the rest of the plinth, you can get by with spotlights or wall lamps

In addition to the billiard table, the lounge area is often equipped with a seating area, a small table and a bar, creating comfortable conditions for friendly gatherings.

Home entertainment room. Spacious + distance from the residential area = the perfect place to create an amusement park. Equipping a cinema hall or a play area with machine guns and set-top boxes in the basement, you can immediately cut off loud sounds from the bedroom, living room or nursery. In addition to electronics, a soft corner and, if possible, a small refrigerator are placed in the basement for convenience when watching movies.

Workshop, hobby room. The design of the basement of the house can be designed taking into account the hobbies of the household. Does playing drums (violin, piano, trumpet, etc.) prevent your loved ones from relaxing? It doesn't matter: create your own music studio in the basement - you can hardly find a more isolated place! Of course, the basement can be turned into an art workshop, a modeling corner, a repair shop, etc.

Ideas for decorating a basement in a private house are as diverse as hobbies.

Even at the stage of arranging basements, many people decide that they will contain boilers, boilers, gas water heaters, storage racks, tools or other things. However, the range of use of such a room is much wider than it seems at first glance.

Even if you have a house that has already been commissioned, it's never too late to redecorate the interior of the basement to realize a creative idea.

Basement: where to start refurbishing

Regardless of what is planned to be placed in the basement, it is necessary to carry out mandatory measures. Without which no refurbishment is simply possible.

Good Ventilation Device

The first thing to do if you decide to improve your basement is to provide good ventilation. Equip a ventilation duct and connect a forced ventilation system to it.

Basement in a private house: waterproofing and insulation

The next stage of work is waterproofing and insulation of the basement.

If you do not take care of high-quality waterproofing, then any efforts to re-equip the basement will quickly come to naught.

Carefully inspect the room and look for all possible leaks: joints between foundation blocks, between walls and floors, concrete slabs. All cracks and joints should be sealed with cement mortar. For the treatment of joints, special water-repellent materials can be used. It is not bad when sealing cracks and joints to reinforce them with fiberglass strips.

After that, complete moisture protection of the walls and ceiling of the walls and ceiling is carried out. It is better to use penetrating and roll waterproofing in combination.

Only after the waterproofing work has been carried out and there is confidence in reliable protection against moisture, proceed with the insulation.

Floor insulation

To insulate the floors, you can use the old proven expanded clay. Or a new material that is gaining popularity - foam chips.

The work technology is simple:

  1. The base of the floors is covered with PE film, wooden logs are installed on it, better than hardwood.
    But you can replace wood with metal profiles.
  2. Fill all gaps flush with the joists with expanded clay or crumbs.
  3. A metal or fiberglass mesh is laid out over the insulation material.
  4. Poured concrete screed.
  5. After 7-10 days, when the concrete has dried well, pour the floors with a self-leveling mixture.

The result is a perfectly flat and warm floor.

Wall insulation

Basement walls also need insulation. For this, you can use mineral wool and polystyrene foam. Suitable foil insulation for walls, basalt or vermiculite plates.

Heating device

If it is planned to build a wine cellar in the cellar, then the question of heating does not arise. Because wine doesn't need heat. High-quality thermal insulation will prevent temperature fluctuations.

But for all other options for using the basement floor, you will have to consider the heating system.

Projects of houses

It will be useful to consider planning options in order to make the right decision and achieve maximum efficiency in construction.

With garage

This type of layout of a frame or brick house with a plinth allows you to practically not change the overall height of the building. But the drafting of the project must be approached as carefully as possible. Failure to take into account even “small” subtleties threatens with serious problems. Be sure to analyze the soil, set the level of moisture. If the level of moisture is too high, the car itself may suffer.

Correction of the project to the local conditions is required. The ceilings of modern basements will be at least 2 m from the floor. Other important requirements are high-quality ventilation and exhaust, a fire-safe door and a stable heating system. Finishing is carried out with fireproof, heat-resistant materials. Exit gates are equipped in the same way as in a separate building.

With an attic

The plan of a private wooden house with a plinth and an attic can include a total area of ​​up to 360 m2.

On such an area it is quite possible to place a terrace, a boiler unit and a kitchen-dining area. Facing must be made of natural stone. A good example of such a building is shown in the photo. Both a general elegant design and a comfortable semi-underground floor are provided.

One-storey

A boiler room, a garage and a kitchen and dining area can be placed in a house measuring 15x15 m. The main structures are often made of wood. The best option is to use a glue bar. However, brick construction is also widespread.

The variant shown in the photo:

Ready-made basement houses 10x10 m are quite widespread. In such a building, you can already show some freedom of action.

Usually they try to allocate a separate room for each family member. Options:

Two-storey

The project of a monolithic 2-storey building with a basement in its pure form is rare. In combined walls, monolith is combined with brick. The foundation and floors for greater reliability are made of monolithic reinforced concrete. If the lower tier is made of monolithic concrete, you will have to carefully calculate the depth and width of the walls. It is better to turn to professionals.

When designing, they often try to use the option with a residential basement tier

In this case, maximum attention will have to be paid to the insulation of the building. A simple light shaft, even in combination with windows, is not enough for acceptable insolation

A superstructure with a fixed or variable height is used.

To further improve the microclimate, solar-air collectors are used.

Three-storey

The photo shows one of the options for a house with a basement tier 3 floors high. A small red-brick area on the facade looks very attractive. The impression is complemented by a side forged balcony. In general, the building was designed clearly with the expectation of a calm and harmonious look. Framing the lower tier with natural stone also fits into the overall concept.

It would be more rational to place the sauna and swimming pool not in the semi-basement, but on the first floor. The place for the bedroom is chosen in the most quiet area.

In any case, stone material is recommended for the exterior finish of plinths. However, its natural options, despite the external attractiveness and practicality, are quite expensive. Therefore, you can opt for artificial analogues. Regardless of your preferences, you will have to engage in careful selection in appearance.

Most often, cement-based stone is used; if it is difficult to prefer a particular option, it will be a completely justified decision.

The plinth itself should be built from foam blocks. The first step, as always, is leveling the base and waterproofing the foundation. Guides and special "cords" will help to maintain ideal lines. The first row of blocks for the greatest reliability is reinforced with bent reinforcement. Any seams must be carefully filled with mortar.

Planning nuances: how the room can be

The wine cellar is one of the pleasant little things that make life more comfortable. It has long ceased to be a sky-high dream; such an element of luxury can be afforded by the owner of even a small house.

It is no coincidence that more and more owners organize their own wine cellar

For the idea to succeed, it is important to build and equip a storage place according to the rules of collection science, and they have long been known.

The first thing you need to know is to choose a building site

Most people are sure that bottles of wine should be stored exclusively in the cellar.

In fact, a wine storage room can also be located on the surface; it is only necessary to provide the necessary microclimate. Therefore, the wine collection is placed in different places:

Wine collection at the entrance to the houseSource pinimg.com

Each solution has its own advantages:

Design in a narrow spaceSource jimmyssliceventuracrafteats.com

Basement interior

The basement floor can be a cozy place to relax. This decision has a lot of positive aspects. Firstly, there will be no noise from this room. Secondly, there you can make a hood and smoke a hookah. Third, it's unusual.

Optimal solutions for a basement lounge:

  1. Use carpet that will create comfort for your feet.
  2. Use wood paneling or plaster to finish the walls.
  3. Use cork wood for the ceiling lining.
  4. Avoid windows, use spot and central artificial lighting.
  5. Create a sofa area with soft seats, and put small wooden tables next to it.
  6. Install a pool or football table.
  7. Provide a wine corner with wooden racks and shelves for wine bottles.

These are just a few solutions that you can change to your liking. The main thing is that the room is cozy, large enough to invite friends. The interior of the basement must be chosen independently, based on your own taste.

The basement of a private house is an ideal place for a cinema. It's dark in there, you can create a cozy atmosphere suitable for watching movies together.

Optimum solutions for cinemas can be:

  1. Painting of concrete walls and ceiling in a pleasant color.
  2. Use of soft carpet.
  3. Dimmable spot light application.
  4. Installation of large upholstered sofas with decorative pillows.
  5. Purchase and installation of closed cabinets and storage cabinets.
  6. Use of a low glass table next to the sofas.

An additional kitchen on the basement floor may be needed if the cottage is often used to receive a large number of guests. The congestion of the main kitchen will lead to the fact that there will be nowhere to cook, and it will become inconvenient to store food.

The best solutions for a second kitchen can be:

  1. Clapboard wall and ceiling decoration. Transparent varnish, protective impregnations will prevent the accumulation of odors created in the kitchen during cooking. In addition, they protect the tree from moisture.
  2. Use of ceramic tiles on the floor for easy cleaning and keeping the surface in good shape.
  3. Installation of a pair of bright chandeliers.
  4. Installation of cabinets, refrigerators and kitchen units in which food and utensils can be stored.

An unusual but very interesting solution could be to create a library on the basement floor. Suitable for connoisseurs of writing and even fine arts. Such a room can be used for inviting guests, as well as for other purposes.

Best solution for basement library:

  1. Use pastel colors to plaster the ceiling and walls. It is better to cover the floor with a small mosaic in a dark tone with a matte finish.
  2. Apply spot lighting mounted in the ceiling, as well as the main lighting.
  3. Use large bookshelves along all walls up to the ceiling.
  4. Good paintings can decorate such a room.
  5. Use a large chair for a comfortable reading position, and a small solid wood table to place a book or something on.

Often there is no place for children to play in the house, so the basement can be a great playroom.

The design of this type of plinth is quite simple. It includes a lot of interesting and colorful elements.

Optimal solutions for the playroom:

  1. Use plaster or paint to make bright walls. As in many other cases, the best option for the floor is carpet.
  2. Install a 2 or 3 storey house for children.
  3. Provide a cabinet or chest of drawers for storing toys and board games.
  4. Complete with large soft toys.

The last but very interesting option is the gym. On the basement floor, you can install various exercise equipment, install a ventilation system and train for your own pleasure.

Optimal solutions for the gym:

  1. Use slabs as wall cladding and wooden beams for the ceiling.
  2. Non-slip screed available.
  3. Use pile carpet to place machines, barbells and other workout items.

Advantages and disadvantages of buildings with a basement

Projects of country houses with a basement have a number of advantages over other buildings.

Advantages

This arrangement has much in common with the fund of residential multi-storey construction in the city.

The basement of an apartment building is used, as a rule, as a technical room for equipment and communications.

When growing products on the site, the plinth can be equipped with storage for supplies and preparations for the winter. With an optimal microclimate, the products will be of good quality and the right condition for a long time.

Disadvantages

Only the cost of houses with a garage and a basement can be attributed to the unequivocal disadvantages, even if a basement is being built under the finished house.

Excavation work will require the involvement of additional equipment, ventilation and waterproofing, as well as thermal insulation of the building will lead to greater costs than a house built on soil without underground.

Therefore, in some cases, with a limited budget for construction, the desire for a basement is abandoned in favor of cost savings.

When building a house with a turnkey basement, the building is also influenced by the following factors:

The height of the groundwater passage in the soil, in particular, if they are very close to the surface, then the construction will require enhanced waterproofing, which will significantly increase the estimate for the construction of the house;
The qualitative characteristics of the soil are no less important during construction, since the level of the foundation drops to a sufficient depth

obtain certificates from local land tenure authorities;
It is important to study the composition of the soil and the presence of areas with a slope, high hilly terrain.

. The construction of basement levels will require the following types of work:

The construction of basement levels will require the following types of work:

Cellar or cellar waterproofing

We will go through the whole work step by step to make it easier for you to navigate. The process looks like this:

Substrate preparation. Everything starts with preparation. If you do not clean the surfaces of dirt and dust, then the final result will be much worse. Therefore, you are required to remove all dirt and dust from the surfaces. Any means of purification are used: a broom, mops, rags.

The next step is to treat the surface of the walls and ceiling of the cellar with a water repellent. Most often this work is done with a brush. The process is labor intensive but reliable. Nevertheless, if you are a happy owner of a sprayer, then it is recommended to use it.

Then the quality of application will be even better, and the time spent is much less. Advice! Work carefully, not missing a single section in the cellar. The entire surface must be treated with

Pay particular attention to hard-to-reach places in the cellar. The application must be even.

When you have treated the entire surface, it remains to wait for it to dry completely

Only after that you can start waterproofing the cellar floor before finishing work. To do this, you will need a built-up roofing material and a blowtorch. Take the roll and cut the strips to the required size. It is enough to measure the distance from the wall to the basement or cellar wall and add 10–15 cm to the length on each side. For example, the length of the cellar is 2 m. It turns out that you need a strip of roofing material of 2.3 m. An overlap of 15 cm will be made on the walls so that the waterproofing is reliable.

After cutting the material, you can start fixing it. Work starting on one wall and working your way to the other.

First, glue a piece to the wall, then slowly move along the length, warming up the layer of bitumen and gluing the strip to the floor. Do not overdo it with heating, so as not to spoil the material. You can see the very technology of fixing the built-up roofing material from this video:

Advice! If you are unsure of your abilities, with regard to fusing, there are alternative options for fixing the roofing material. This can be done by applying mastic to the floor and gluing the roofing material onto it. There is also a special self-adhesive roofing material, for fixing which it is enough to remove the protective layer. Then it will be easier for you to waterproof the cellar.

We can say that the waterproofing work is ready. One layer of roofing material may not be enough, so lay another layer with protective chips on the finished substrate. Some simply make a concrete screed, the thickness of which is 2 cm. It will protect the waterproofing layer and make the floor stronger.

Tip! To insulate the basement or cellar to maintain the optimum temperature (your products will not freeze and overheat), you can lay logs on the floor and cover everything with expanded clay. The insulation layer is covered with a vapor barrier and a screed is made. As for the walls, you can use mineral wool or foam.

After all the manipulations, your cellar or basement is ready for decorative finishing.

Bookmark ideas for a private house basement 21

A basement is an integral part of any private house. This is a very convenient place to organize various areas and rooms that are inconvenient for placement on the upper levels. In addition, the basement has many natural benefits that literally scream to be used.

This article will focus on the different types of rooms in the basement. Consider possible functional areas and their combinations. An unbiased review with all the pros and cons of a basement location can hopefully inspire our readers to take a closer look at their property's precious underground square footage.

The key to success lies in the fact that some of the functional spaces do not require natural light. And rooms like home theaters instead need complete darkness while watching a movie. Of course, such places are most suitable for placement in the basement.

Basement waterproofing

Even if all construction and technical processes are technically correct, waterproofing is mandatory. It is from this stage that the preparatory finishing of the basement begins.

Basement waterproofing during the construction phase

This work can be done by hand, without the involvement of expensive specialists. The main thing is to use a step-by-step algorithm:

  1. All cracks, joints between foundation blocks are carefully sealed. To do this, additional recesses (strobes) are made, from which all dust and particles of construction debris are removed. The depth of such a recess is 3-4 centimeters.
  2. A special repair compound, or hydraulic seal, is placed in the strobes.

    Learn more