Basement Remodeling – Better Homes & Gardens

Create a Cohesive Style

Basements often conjure images of damp, dark, cold caverns. But remodeling a basement can add valuable living space to your home.

With a vision of introducing the style of the upper floors to the lower level, this unfinished basement was remodeled so it didn't feel like an afterthought or disconnected from the rest of the home. Beaded board and window trim add traditional detailing that's consistent with the home's aesthetic. Columns built around unsightly steel support posts help the structural necessity blend in beautifully.

The walk-out basement's entry also received an upper-level treatment during the remodeling process. A cushioned bench built onto the back of a bookcase creates a full-fledged entryway inside the basement's exterior door. A woven rug captures dirt before it's tracked through the space, and compartments beneath the bench corral outdoor gear and games.

A ceiling surfaced with drywall, rather than a dropped treatment, imbues the space with aboveground ambience. At the end of the remodeling project, the budget was depleted, but the homeowners still needed a floor treatment. Tiling the floor as planned would have significantly increased the price of the remodel. Instead, the homeowners painted the concrete floor and, for safety, put an antislip additive in the paint. Indoor-outdoor rugs help define the zones in the basement.

An awkward under-the-stairs nook proved to be the perfect location for a wet bar and snack station. Thrifty material choices and planning outfitted the space on a dime. The backsplash was cobbled together from square and rectangular tiles left over from a bathroom installation, and the granite countertop was a remnant. Recessed shelves add storage space to the wet bar.

Natural Light

Windows -- even small ones -- add livable charm to a basement room. Natural light warms below-grade spaces and makes them more pleasant to live in. For style, add window treatments to frame -- not block -- the openings.

Innovative Art

Concrete walls make hanging art difficult. Think beyond the hammer and nails when accessorizing. Lean a large art piece or mirror against the wall, or prop interesting items on ledges, tabletops, and shelves. If you want to hang artwork, experiment with adhesive hooks and hangers, but be sure they're sturdy enough to support the pieces.

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Basement Remodeling - Better Homes & Gardens