Your basement is an often underutilized space in your house and a great place to consider transforming to increase living area and give the potential of a massive return on investment. Renovating this part of the house is an often overlooked and yet highly rewarding project that can have a visible and noticeable impact on the values in and around your home.
Whether you ultimately decide to finish the space or create a man-cave, home gym, guest suite or rental property, consider making some structural changes to the basement. It pays off in the long run when it comes to resale time. Careful planning will go a long way, and like other renovations, taking the time to separate long-term and short-term goals can result in a better use of resources and provide a more successful end result.
Heading down into the basement can reveal some hidden potential and create a whole different room and atmosphere.
Adding Aesthetic Appeal
Once considered to be just storage space, basements are growing in popularity as auxiliary living areas and providing an attractive area for the family, guests, and renters. When finishing out the basement, go for upgraded flooring, painted walls, and molding that will add to and elevate the basement’s aesthetic appeal. Molding, paint, and flooring choices can be matched to the rest of the rooms in the home, creating a cohesive look throughout.
Light It Up
Lighting can make a huge difference when it comes to making the space look inviting. Plenty of natural light, as well as overhead and task lighting, should be included in your plan. When it comes to lighting, larger and brighter lights are more desirable than the smaller, lower wattage bulbs that will give off a dim, gloomy, and dated look. Pick fixtures and shades that fit your overall basement design plan and feel free to choose energy-efficient LED bulbs to increase energy savings.
Many times, basements tend to be darker because windows and doors are not able to bring in sufficient natural light. By adding additional lighting sources on different walls around the basement, you can make the room crawl with light. Recessed lights in the ceiling, combined with track lighting, wall sconces, and portable lamps, can do wonders and make a big difference in the look and feel of the room.
Proper lighting can also help set the mood and bring the design together. Consider dramatizing the room with statement lighting pieces like a decorative pendant or even with modern chandeliers.
The Flooring Effect
It is important not to overlook the flooring when making changes to the basement. Consider the lifestyle and activities that will happen in the room and choose a flooring material that beautifully enhances the look while also being built for its purpose. Quality hardwood floors will add a warm appeal and look far more inviting than basic tiles.
Cork options are also a viable option for cushioning with a softer feel, happy to accommodate long hours of sitting and playing, especially with kids. Even carpets can be used for a softer, cozier feel on the feet. Opt for slightly different colors that will shimmer in the light.
Better yet, go for a combination of hard and soft flooring near sitting areas. This can add a visual and tactical appeal to the space, making it softer and warmer for lounging and gathering.
Considerations
- What are your long-term plans for the space?
- What kind of activities will take place?
- What type of flooring would best suit the space and the activities?
- What type of features will add the most aesthetic value?
- What type of lighting will bring out the full potential of this space?
Conclusion
When you make improvements to your basement it is a great opportunity to make smart decisions that can boost the resale value of your home. Choosing the right finishes and creating a functional space will solve lots of storage problems while increasing living space. Taking the time to envision how the space will look and feel can make a significant difference in the overall appearance and create a stylish space that you and your family and friends can enjoy.