A basement has a whole host of useful things; it could be a playroom, a gaming room, a room for meditation and yoga, or a bar! There are so many ways that you can convert your basement and make it a space that you really use. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your basement.
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Could it be a room?
Part of the fun when it comes to the basement is thinking about all the possibilities! Do you need an extra bedroom for guests? Perhaps you have older children that need some private space. Or, you really want to start a business from home.Before you dive headfirst into the project, spend some time deciding what the room should be. Because if you head into it without a plan, the room will end up with the right furniture but still as a dumping ground for other things.
Typically basements work excellently as a space that you might not find ordinarily. An extra living room, a dedicated cinema space, and things like that.
Kitchen or Bathroom?
It is absolutely possible to have a bathroom or a kitchen in the basement - so long as the right preparations are made. You're going to need some ventilation, windows are great, but vents can work. The plumbing might sound like a pain, but once it is done - you'll be happy you took the plunge.We often think of bathrooms and kitchens as light and airy when possible - and that is achievable with the interior design and using mirrors and lighting in smart places to bring them to life.
And, since this is a room that isn't on display all the time, it means you can have a lot of fun and experimentation there. Make the most of the space and really work on making it personal. Who knows, it might become the focal point, and other rooms in the house might be redecorated to help.
Small Works
It is important not to be scared of small spaces. Offices and toy rooms often work brilliantly when there is only a small space available. Or, for those who are more inclined, small spaces are ideal for things like gyms.In the case of a smaller room, using modular furniture or furniture that has more than one purpose is a must. Desks that fold back to the wall, foldable chairs, and even sofas with storage are all a must.
Getting smart with how to use the space and having plenty of storage can change a lot.
Light
Light is one of the trickiest things to tackle, and it will come down to smart placement, different levels, and types. Natural light bulbs are going to be incredibly important, but apart from that, what else can you do?See if there is anywhere that you can steal the light from. For example, if a renovation is on the cards - is there room to make some of the floor above (roof of the basement) glass? This will help light trickle down into the basement.
Floor lamps can help light up any corner that the main light downs reach, as well as a range of table lamps.
Depending on what the room is going to be used for, you might want to add coloured ambient lighting to the room. Strip lighting is easy to add to a room, and in some cases, it can be simply taped where you want it and controlled remotely. Meaning you can create many different settings in the room.
Temperature
Temperature is something that is tricky, and it is not wise to have some types of heating options in there. Anything with gas that needs a lot of space to work well or anything with open bars should typically not be in the basement.Most often, the basement will run cooler than the rest of the house. It is often best to talk to a heating and cooling expert to see what your options are - and what is achievable.
Changing your basement into a useful space is something that can make a world of difference to you and your family - it is a 'free' extra space that has a lot of potential.
A basement is often a place of untapped potential and a way to get more room without paying for an extension; here are some other tips for increasing your space: Why You Don't Need to Move House to Get More Living Space Inside Your Home.
