An inviting basement has the incredible power to significantly increase your property value. Most basements are below ground level, so it is a challenge to make them bright, warm and inviting. A finished basement is a crown jewel on an already well-kept home, so putting some time and thought into its design will have you creating yet another inviting space to chill and relax with friends and family.
The many functions of a finished basement
As you consider lightening and brightening your basement, think about all the ways that you can use this beautiful space for. Some of these many uses include:
- Adding an extra bedroom or bathroom
- Increasing your square footage and property value
- Opening up a rental space for extra income
- Adding recreational, storage, or guest space to your home
Most people looking at a home do not expect the highest-end materials in a basement; they are looking for clean, bright, and organized. How can you make this below ground haven more light and inviting? Here are some ways that you can improve your basement and improve the value of your home:
1. Employ the use of some bright colors
Who says a basement has to be drab and boring? Feel free to use bold, contrasting colors liberally; the more the better! You don’t want your palette to be gaudy or glaring; a bright tone on the walls in the rug, or on accent pillows will attract the eye and make it more inviting to all who enter.
2. Use a little contrast
Choosing a few prominent pieces that can add contrast, such as a dark armoire or some side tables, will help everything around those pieces seem lighter and brighter. Keeping things in your coordinated color scheme will create an attractive space for intimate parties, football games, or movie night with family.
3. Open up
Sure, basements are full of hardware, plumbing, and all things utilitarian. There’s no reason all of that has to be in full view of your living space, though. Embrace the unifying aura of an open floor plan; expanded wall space will make your basement seem bigger, even without a lot of window space. It will soon become the best little nook for hanging out with friends for game night or a few rounds of table tennis.
4. Organize and declutter
Some people use their basements as a dumping ground for the unsavory and unwanted. You may not be a professional organizer, but there is something beneficial about going through your belongings and decluttering. Organize your space so that it looks like a space you WANT to return to, and you will reclaim parts of your basement that you can use as living space, recreational space, or even entertaining space.
5. Use strategically placed lighting
Most basements have low ceilings, so anything less than an inconspicuous lighting concept is going to get in the way, particularly for your taller visitors. Some strategically placed recessed lighting, wall sconces, and even floor lighting along the walls will brighten up your whole basement without getting in the way of your vertical space.
6. Go white
White walls automatically open any living space; there is nothing like a clean, crips, light wall to brighten up the whole room. Choose a paint that is pleasant to look at while being mildew and moisture resistant; you may find yourself repainting if you have the occasional drip from time to time.
7. Use light flooring
Just like light colored walls, the use of light colored flooring adds the illusion of extra space and light in your basement. Steer clear of hardwood, as you may have issues with warping in a moist basement. Opt instead for durable yet comfortable carpet, low maintenance laminate with area rug accents or brightly colored tile with accent tiles. Your room will look clean, fresh, and ready to be used.
8. Trim your greenery and landscaping
Believe it or not, you can let a lot more light into your basement by keeping the area around your windows free from overgrown greenery and debris. Whether you have standard sized windows or lovely large egress windows letting light into your basement, keeping these areas clear will result in a more inviting space for you indoors.
9. Put some mirrors up
It may sound a bit cheesy, but the reality is that mirrors instantly expand the look of your space and reflect light in ways that brighten up your whole room. Whether you opt for floor to ceiling mirrors or add accents here and there with wall hangings and mirrored shelving, you will brighten and add sparkle to your basement with the addition of these beautiful home accents.
10. Add some shiny floors!
ever underestimate the power of some good reflective flooring. Polished laminate, concrete and tile floors add opulence and extra light to a room with their sheen, and they are likely to brighten up the look of a space by adding depth and beauty from wall to wall.
11. Keep your style consistent
If you are light and breezy on the upper deck, you should continue your style trends right down into your basement. No one wants to feel like they are entering a dungeon when descending your stairs; use light colors, charming accents, and fun and flirty decor for a whimsical feel that both looks light and feels light!
12. Furnish your space for fun and frivolity
Setting up your basement space as a recreational haven is one way to keep things light. Bright colors, play equipment like pool tables, table tennis and some video games for the kiddos is one way to keep the mood and the decor light. Add some fun track lighting along the ceiling and floors for added ambience, and get ready for some rocking good times in your recreational space.
Need some help? Contact us today
Ron Nathan Interiors is a company that knows design; award winning design concepts, a commitment to customer satisfaction, and intimate knowledge of how to completely transform a space on a budget are what we do best. If your basement needs some lightening and brightening, contact us today to see how we can innovate and renovate your space.
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