Basement remodeling can be a scary process. With so many options, it can be challenging to feel like the right choice has been made. Here in The Bay Area, there are a mix of older and newer homes with basements and with the price of real estate, being able to turn an old basement into livable space for your family can be a great decision. Looking at some incredible basement remodeling ideas is an excellent way to deal with that fear and find something that everyone will genuinely love.
Read on to learn five of the most fantastic basement remodeling ideas to transform a basement, featuring specific tips to make the space shine.
Create A Cozy Second Living Room
Creating a second living room area is a common use for a basement remodel. However, there are so many options with a remodel of this type that it can never go out of style. Rather than focusing on just creating a living room, consider all of the extra options to make the space shine.
Basement living rooms work best with additional features that are missing from the main living area. This should be your focus. Why make just a second living room when you can make a living room that serves different purposes?
These extras can make or break a basement remodel. Consider what you already have upstairs, as well as the layout and light of the basement, before moving on. Some popular choices that fit into a second living room include:
- A library or reading nook
- Game area
- Children’s area or playpen
- A game-day spot
- Music corner
Ultimately, every choice you make should be something that will see use or bring you joy. Something that draws you or guests down to the second living space is always welcome. To start, a game area – whether for adults or children – is often a safe choice.
Separating space, even slightly, is an excellent way to make the basement living area feel more organized and unique – two great features. Normal tips about living room organization and flow hold here, as well.
Choosing A Style
Choosing a style for your basement living room is essential. Whether you prefer a sophisticated and classy look or a charmful and cozy one, it is important to dedicate yourself to it. The more you enjoy a space, the more likely you are to use it.
Style can be a tricky thing to nail down, especially for a home. Basements are a way to break away from the rest of the house, do something unique, or choose options that do not really fit with the rest of the home. Normal tips about styling any room apply, but feel free to play fast and loose with the rules.
With that said, here are some things to consider while transforming your basement into a second living room:
- The architecture
- Existing furniture
- Flooring
- Paint and color
- Light
- What you like!
Maybe your basement has a nice corner perfect for a reading nook, or surprisingly good natural light that makes it better for a casual lounge area. Whatever it is, harness it and channel a style you like.
If you are working within a budget (a good idea!), consider how existing parts of the basement can help. If there is suitable flooring or lovely light fixtures, try incorporating them into the remodel.
Incorporate A Wine Cellar
A wine cellar can be the star of a home if given the right amount of attention and care. For any wine or alcohol aficionado out there, a personal wine cellar can be a dream. Luckily, a basement remodel is the perfect chance to put one in.
Plus, there is so much more you can do with one. Wine cellars need not just focus on storing the beverage; you could make a wall of wine that incorporates into another kitchen, or use the storage as a dividing wall. View the wine cellar as a focal point of a larger basement remodel to make it shine.
Of course, there are some additional requirements that come with creating a wine cellar. While most basements are natural fits due to their cool nature and low light, your situation may differ. This could cause the cellar to require more work and money to get right.
If you have decided on a wine cellar, move on ahead and focus on the accompanying pieces. This is where you can amaze people; while including an excellent space for storing wine is already great, the extras will define the basement remodel.
Deciding On The Next Part
The first question to ask yourself is how much you want to feature the wine. There are many different levels available here. You could expand the wine cellar space into a larger kitchen or food and dining area, for example. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you may want to focus purely on storing the wine – and leaving tasting for the upstairs. No option is incorrect.
Some ideas to get you started on accompanying pieces include:
- A tasting table
- A kitchenette
- A dining area
- A wet bar
Most of these focus on using the wine cellar as an excuse to include more food and drink in the basement. These are often great avenues through which we bond but do not need to be focused on.
If that is not your goal, do not worry; you can still craft great wine storage and use it in the rest of the basement remodel. Maybe you include a wine wall in a redone living room or use a standing rack behind a couch.
Often, the number of additional pieces you can include depends heavily on the size of your basement. Additionally, other basement uses must be considered. If you still need to do laundry down there, for instance, turning everything into a wine cellar may not be the best idea.
Create A Room For Music Or Other Hobbies
Transforming an unfinished basement into a hobby or music room is a great use of the space. Everyone’s hobbies are different, but almost everyone could benefit from some dedicated real estate to spend time on them. Due to how many categories this remodel could cover, let’s focus on big picture ideas.
Choose Your Hobby
The first step is deciding what hobby you want to have a room for. While you do not have to choose just one, it can make designing your space easier. Alternatively, combine two similar hobbies, such as painting and drawing.
Make A List Of The Things You’ll Be Adding
With a hobby in mind, make a list of your most commonly used equipment. These are things that should have a permanent and easily accessible spot in the remodel and will be different for everyone. You should also make a list of items that are good to have but see less use.
The commonly used equipment should be placed within defined and easy-to-reach areas so that the space is highly usable. Depending on your hobby, you may want to “feature” some of these and build the remodel around them. For example, creating a dedicated space for a giant canvas to sit just makes sense as a painter.
Additional Storage Space
Your other list is things that require storage. While this is preferably easy to keep clean and organized, remember to plan for the future. Most people expand on their hobbies over time, so building a system that accounts for that is crucial.
Include Soundproofing Or Other Special Features
Your hobby, or perhaps other members of your house, may benefit from including additional features. One typical example is soundproof paneling for a music room. Not only will this stop the sound from spreading to the rest of the house, but it will also dampen the echo inside the basement.
Most hobbies have something like this. An extra that, while not required, boosts enjoyment. If it is in the budget and feasible in the space, try to add it in. You can also try to include these extras as new focal points to give the basement some unique style. While the function of a hobby space is the most important thing, it is helpful to enjoy the look of the space, too.
Finally Craft The Gym Of Your Dreams
Health-focused individuals or those looking for some privacy while working out should consider transforming their basement into an incredible gym. An added benefit of this remodel is that you do not even need much space. You can purchase only the equipment you need and lay it out to effectively boost your workout time.
When it comes to home gyms, it is easy to fall into thinking that you need a complete set of everything; after all, it is likely what your local gym has. While planning your own, however, it is important to be realistic. Gym equipment is expensive and takes up a lot of space. Think about the core machines you use every time you workout and focus on those.
Of course, you can go absolutely crazy with it as well. If you are into a more niche form of working a sweat like rock climbing or martial arts, add an area to practice. This can be a great injection of creativity and usefulness.
Install The Best Flooring For Weights
The key area to focus on while building a home gym is the flooring. Regardless of what equipment you use, you will be working up a sweat; some floors handle that better than others. Flooring that is easy to clean and non-absorbent works best. Most often, this is in the form of hardwood or concrete. Specifically avoid carpet, as it traps moisture and smells. This is sure to cause issues in the future.
Special gym mats, such as those seen in modern gyms, are also an option. These can be a bit more expensive but absorb the shock of dropped weights and ensure a healthy softness. Bonus points for adding to the general gym aesthetic, if that is what you are looking for.
If your workout plan involves rolling or potentially dropping from height, grab cushioned flooring. It is better for your knees and general health.
Plan Out A Fully-Featured Laundry Room
The final amazing basement renovation idea is one that, on the surface, is not too exciting. You may already do your laundry in the basement and see no need to update the space. However, consider how you might actually enjoy doing laundry more with a dedicated area for it.
Renovating your basement and laundry area is a great way to separate tasks and include spaces that make the chore into a more enjoyable experience. Think of some of the various struggles you face while doing laundry and how to avoid them. If you can design ways to avoid these struggles, laundry is suddenly much more doable.
Things such as:
- Space for folding clothes
- Storage for extra cleaning supplies
- Fun colors
- Designated areas for different family members
Can not only make a beautiful space but save you time in the day. Even a tiny corner of the basement devoted to laundry and renovated to fit is better than dreading the task every time.
Recap
There are plenty of ways to make a basement remodeling job stand out. Ultimately, it all comes down to choosing a direction and style and dedicating yourself to it. Often, the devil is in the details here. There is no need to go in an entirely new direction, but you’ll enjoy incorporating at least a few fresh ideas into any remodel. A second living space, wine cellar, hobby room, expanded laundry room, or an indoor gym is an excellent option for a basement remodel.
Considering a basement remodeling project? If you are located in The Bay Area, contact Element Home Remodeling East Bay today. We specialize in beautiful basement remodeling projects and have a reputation in The Bay Area for our custom service and attention to detail. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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