Basement Decorating Designs

In the realm of home decor and design, the basement is often an afterthought. However, the unique open floor plan that many basements have provides the ideal blank canvas for innovative and fashion-forward decorating. Keep the look light and bright to jazz up a dark space, and design with the space's functions in mind, be it a guest room, a lounge, a Tiki bar, a playroom, a home office or mere storage space.

Prevention/Solution

Contend with your basement's challenges head-on. Basement design lends itself to belongings pushed into corners and stacked along walls. Large, exposed beams, posts and pipes inhibit creating a finished look. Oddly shaped spaces and nooks, such as an opening under a stairwell, seem useful only as collectors of negative space. However, creating shelving, hidden storage and textile dividers, and creative uses of wall color and finishes can turn all these potential detriments into assets.

Function

Before designing a basement, consider the functionality of the space. Because basements often hold off-season implements and equipment, install deep and high shelving along one wall or in an L-shape across a corner. You can set off this area with a tri-fold Asian screen, a tall bookshelf or a long canvas cloth as a curtain. The remaining space should contain pieces that make lounging or playing comfortable. Add color and comfort with elements such as bamboo floor mats, thick rugs, floor cushions, upholstered furniture and throw pillows.

Palette

Open up your basement using paint and wall treatments. Paint the ceiling a bright white to make it soar or a periwinkle blue to emulate a sunny sky. Highlight windows by painting frames and sills white or yellow. Add some funk to a functional space with a full-scale wall mural of a nature scene or with wall decals. Take advantage of your basement's relatively low profile by letting your imagination fly with patterns and colors. Bright Indian paisleys, retro flowers or bold abstract shapes add visual pop to pillows, ottomans, throw rugs or wall art.

Potential

If your budget is deeper or your skills more professional, a basement remodel can include more deluxe features. Use exposed beams and pipes as the basis for an industrial urban look. Transform a forgotten corner into a karaoke bar or a Tiki lounge complete with paper lanterns over lights and small tables to hold umbrella drinks. A blank wall can support a screen for projecting movies. Install vinyl movie seats to complete the theme.

Warning

Basements can be fun and functional, but they also can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Before you install wall-to-wall carpet or outfit a guest room in the basement, check the walls and floors for stains, wetness or drips that signify a potential problem.

References

• Basement Lounge Makeover
• Adam's Sleek Basement Office for Two