Interior Design Blog

Basements get a bad rap. Often the keeper of seldom used junk and a graveyard for bugs and cobwebs, they can lack design appeal. Viewed as large and cavernous. Cold and dark. Overseer of utilities. Neglected and a bit "unloved". Even kind of creepy.

On the flipside, I think they are a huge area of opportunity! Talk about unused square footage! Fear no more! There are endless ways to update your basement without breaking the bank. Don't overlook this area of your home because you think it'll take a huge investment to spiff it up. Having another area where kids can "hang out" on cold winter days is ideal. Especially when you can just close the door and worry about the mess later!

Of course I always recommend to start by figuring out what you want to use the space for; is it a play area for the kids? Wine storage? A home gym or office? Determining how you will use the space will help you plan your space to fit your needs.  I suggest you keep an area of your basement for storage because after all, where are you going to put all that stuff?

Click here for a fantastic basement space planning guide!

HGTV nailed it with this basement remodel! Painting the existing floors, walls and ceiling made for a quick and easy update and instantly adds light and an industrial vibe to the new space. To keep costs to a minimum they used floor to ceiling curtains to divide the room, rather than adding walls.

If you have an older home with exposed brick and wood ceilings, here's another option; paint the brick and add some inexpensive laminate wood flooring. Easy to keep clean and it warms up the look and feel of the space.

Because basements are bonus space that you don't have to see on a day-to-day basis, you can get creative with your design. Use your creative license to do the things you've been dreaming of doing, but just aren't quite daring enough to do it in your main living areas. Use a fun paint color. Try a DIY project. Have some fun!

Not sure what to do with those unsightly walls? Try this! It's an easy, stylish way to cover ugly walls or to section off areas. Just hang some pretty floor to ceiling curtains. Voila!

If you are a DIYer (or just dream of being one), I encourage you to try creating a pallet wall. This one, found on Cape27Blog ,cost a mere $20! And it's gorgeous! I would love to try this in my basement (hint, hint honey... ;-) )

Looking for an inexpensive way to update the stairs leading down to your lower level? How about this clever idea? Painted & Numbered...Love it! This could be my next "snow-day" project (if we ever get snow in NH this year!).

It's important to furnish your new space with comfortable pieces that will invite you and your guests to go downstairs and stay awhile. If you plan on using the space for movie watching, game night or for lots of kids to gather, it'll be important to select durable, stain proof fabric and lots of seating! I love all of the color choices in this room. Bright, fun and inviting.

If you envision your basement becoming an extension of your living area, then I love the idea of replacing your panel door with an interior French door. It gives the feeling that you are welcome to go downstairs.

Because I am always trying to stay one step ahead of my kids, I loved this idea of hanging a mirror in the staircase for easy spying! Gotta love a mom who outsmarts the kids!

I hope I got you thinking about the space below your house! It's time to clean it out and give it a fresh, new meaning! Check out my Pinterest board, Basement Makeovers, for loads of great ideas and inspiration!