The average basement size is 30 square feet, give or take a few.Â
30 square feet is just enough space for extra storage or a washer/dryer set, but why stop there? If you want to make the most of your home, consider a basement extension and/or renovation.
Designing and constructing a new basement might seem overwhelming, but we guarantee it’s exciting once you break the process down into bite-sized pieces. You first need a design idea!
If you need a few tips and ideas to start brainstorming for your new basement construction project, keep reading. We’ll get the creative juices flowing.
Take a Look at the Remainder of Your Home
Before diving headfirst into basement remodeling, take a step back to look at the rest of your home. Does your current design style satisfy you? Or are you wanting to go in a new direction?
If you are satisfied with the design of your home, make notes about what makes it so great. It might be the tall ceilings or open layouts.
For those who aren’t happy with the design of their home, think about what you’d like to do differently. Home renovations are the perfect excuse to try something new!
Decide What’s Important to You
You and your family should also decide what’s most important to you for this new space. Having an idea of what you’d like to do within the space will help generate renovation ideas.Â
Maybe you’d like to use your new and improved basement to:
- Create extra space for guests
- Build a family movie room
- Set up a home gym
- Set aside space for creative hobbies and work
The possibilities are endless.
Start Sketching Out Ideas
Now that you know what you’d like to use the space for, it’s time to start sketching out design ideas.
Do this part yourself, or consider hiring a professional design company. Sometimes it’s best to have extra team members working to make your basement dreams come true.
Let’s now jump into popular basement design ideas!
Open Floor Layout
Create a light, airy feel with your basement home remodel by designing an open floor layout.Â
This type of layout is ideal for families who enjoy hosting social gatherings and feeling connected within their home space. An open layout allows people to be together even while involved in a variety of activities.
If you do want to use the area to entertain guests, build a small kitchen area with an island. The kitchen area then flows outwards and transforms into a sitting area or living room.
Install glass barn doors to meet in the middle between privacy and an open layout. Glass doors allow the chance to look out onto the rest of the basement while providing a divide.
Walk-Out Basement
Do you have plenty of friends or family members who enjoy visiting? Are you interested in becoming a rental host through a platform like Airbnb?
There’s a good chance you’d benefit from a walk-out basement. A walk-out basement is a basement with at least one above-ground wall. You typically see walk-out basements in homes located on slanted ground.Â
You can build a door and staircase inside your home to access your walk-out basement, or you can leave it completely separate for private guest access. The latter concept is similar to a garden unit apartment.
Walk-out basements are also great design layouts to incorporate natural lighting into the basement space. Because one wall is above ground, you’re able to install large windows or glass doors to let in sunlight.
Lighting Fixtures
For those unable to incorporate natural light into their basement interior design, install lighting fixtures.
Go for a sleek, industrial look with recessed lighting fixtures, or go the more traditional route with simple ceiling light fixtures. If the basement tends to get warm during the summer months, install fans with light fixtures.
Create an artistic feel with a ceiling platform lined with light strips. Install color-changing LED light strips onto your platform for an extra burst of fun.
Minimalist Laundry Center
Do you want to perform home renovations to create more practical, clean spaces in your home? Design a minimalist laundry center.
Chat with a plumber about creating a laundry hook-up in a wall in the basement. This is where your washer and dryer will sit.
In the case of spills or water drops, install tile flooring in your basement. Tiles are sleek and easy to clean, much more so than carpets.
If you have space, install a utility sink and shelves beside your laundry area. This creates more space to store cleaning solutions, mops, brooms, etc.
Enclosed Entertainment Area
Get the experience of going to the movies without ever having to leave your home. Build an enclosed entertainment area in your basement.
Construct 2 walls at a right angle in the corner of your basement space for a simple entertainment space. Inside, design a movie theater setting with a couple of rows of chairs or large couches.
Avoid further furniture clutter by designing and building a wall unit entertainment center. Store your television, gaming systems, and speakers inside this wall unit. Create extra storage with shelving above the television.
Lofted Sleeping Space
Designers in jam-packed cities have perfected the art of maximizing space with a lofted bed. Have some fun yourself by building a lofted bed area.
A lofted bed can be reachable by a small ladder or set of stairs. It’s great for those working with a small, yet promising, basement space.
Once you’ve built your lofted bed area, design a lounge area underneath. This might include a couch and television or a bookshelf and a chair. It’ll be your secret escape within the home!
Are you wanting to host guests in your basement? Instead of creating extra lounge space, install a counter. Top it with a microwave and a coffee maker, along with extra plates and cups.
Built-in Bar
Does someone in your family enjoy acting as a bartender? Take your entertainment game up a notch by designing a built-in bar.
Construct large wooden shelves with glass doors to display your finest bottles and glasses. Or, go for a classic look with a mirrored wall and glass shelves.
Are you wanting a more modern feel for your basement bar? Create an accent wall by installing textured wallpaper or painting a vibrant accent wall. Top it off with shelving units and a bright neon sign.
Don’t forget bar seating! Grab a set of barstools at a local home decor shop, or install a set of mounted barstools for permanent use.
Storage Shelving
Declutter your main living area by turning your basement into a sprawling storage unit. It’s the perfect place to hide season decorations, broken furniture, luggage, and other large home items.
To better organize your items, install large shelving units along your wall. It’s best to use sturdy metal shelves to ensure heavy items won’t fall.
Shelving in a basement is also great if you run a business out of your home and need a secure place for inventory. Purchase several large buckets and baskets to store a variety of products.
Creative Workspace
For creatives and free spirits, turn your space into a creative workspace during your basement remodeling.
Rip up your basement carpet, and replace it with tile. This allows for an easy clean-up in the case of a paint spill or clay smear.
Install spotlight fixtures facing the wall. Use these to display your art, almost like a mini home gallery.
Build wooden shelves along your walls to store materials and oil paintings that need to dry. The shelves will keep your work safe and away from pets and kids.
Are your hands often messy from making work? Create a hook-up for a large utility sink. Use the sink to wash off your hands and clean your materials.
And because it’s your basement, install a small platform on the floor of the room to act as a display space for your sculptures. Your basement is your personal museum.
Make the Most of Your Home: New Basement Construction Ideas
Increase the property value of your home and make the most of your space by constructing a new basement. If your home already has a basement, invest in an exciting renovation.
Use the above new basement construction ideas to help you decide what you’d like to do with the space. Hire a design and renovation team to help turn your vision into a reality.
You can trust NOVA Basement Finishing to get the job done! Check out our site for more information, and contact us today to get the ball rolling.