Five Modern Basement Design Ideas for Your Maryland or Washington, DC Home
An unfinished basement is a blank slate. Far from being the damp, dismal basement of childhood nightmares, modern basements tend to be as functional and well-finished as any other room in the house. It’s an incredibly versatile space with so much untapped potential – all you have to do now is figure out what you want to do with it!
If you’re looking for some style ideas to boost your creativity, we’ve come up with our top five favorite finished basement space uses. In our estimation, there’s no need to compromise fashion for function when you can have it all. We hope these ideas inspire a vision for what your very own basement can become.
1. Games Room
Whether you have little ones or just love to have a good time, a game room is a perfect way to let your inner child play. You can cut loose and get noisy without interrupting the rest of the household, and when it comes to having fun, the sky’s the limit as it can be a space for all ages. If you’ve got toddlers, try pillow forts, slides, and ball pits. For the teens, foosball, ping pong, and a video game console might be the thing. Adults love puzzles, card games, and pool, and a big-screen is a must for watching the big game. Be sure to add lots of storage and shelving units to put everything away once playtime is over.
2. Home Theatre
A finished basement is an ideal spot for a home theatre. Away from the hustle and bustle of the main floor, you can be sure that your film fest won’t be interrupted by street noise and light. For the full theatrical experience, install a projector, a retractable screen, a surround-sound system, and lights on a dimmer switch. Add a few extra outlets for all your devices, add comfy couches and a big central table, and maybe even a snack bar and mini-fridge to satisfy intermission munchies.
3. Home Gym
For the athletically inclined, what could be better than working out in the comfort of your home? It’s convenient, private, and you can customize your workout equipment to your preferences. When planning, choose pot lights and durable flooring for utility. Add floor-to-ceiling mirrors, wireless mounted speakers, and non-slip padded mats. Keep the space bright and open, and choose functional, low-maintenance materials that are easy to clean. Make sure you have enough outlets for electrical equipment and fans.
4. Bar
If entertaining is your bag, what about having your very own home bar? A warm wooden bartop and plush swivel stools give it an old-style pub feel. If you prefer a modern luxury hotel bar look, try a dark stone countertop and sleek leather or resin bar chairs. Showcase your liquor collection on glass shelves lit from below, and stow your stemware in a glass-front display cabinet or a overhead hanging rack. A mini-fridge, lots of under-counter storage, and a dropped lighting fixture over the bar itself will complete the picture. If you entertain large groups, consider putting in a few seating options and small tables and a TV. Why go out when there’s no bar like home?
5. Guest Retreat
If you’re playing host, why not turn your basement into a relaxing guest getaway? The perks of putting your guests up in the basement include privacy, both for you and your company, and extra space. Your basement guest suite should consist of a large bedroom, a bathroom, and a small living area with comfy seating and a small desk. Add a nice area rug and creative lighting to keep things cozy. Light, neutral-colored shades and linens brighten and enlarge the space. Your guests will feel right at home in their basement retreat.
Bonus: The Downstairs Bathroom
A basement bathroom is the star attraction when it comes to remodeling your home’s lower level. During the renovation, we’ll need to lay water lines and ventilation, but with a little bit of planning, you should have no problems. A bathroom in the basement is a great feature and it pairs perfectly with any of these ideas!
Keep in mind, too, that a finished basement adds to the value of your home – in case you need one more good reason to go for it.
If you’re looking for more inspiration or if you have an idea of your own, Winthorpe Design & Build is ready to spring into action. We are best known for creating beautiful and innovative custom spaces, and we know we can give you the finished basement of your dreams. Reach out today, and let’s get started!
