Nearly 60% of homeowners say they plan to complete some type of home improvement project this year. One of the most common places for homeowners to remodel is the basement, and doing so can be a great way to add style, function, personality, and value to your home.
Renovating your basement? Check out the 10 ideas below for inspiration.
An At-Home Classroom
Does your child need at-home classroom space for the online curriculum set up by their private school? If you are renovating your basement, why not use the space to design a custom classroom? Whether you have one child or multiple children, your basement may be the perfect place for them to learn.
An important thing to remember is that kids thrive with structure and routine, so you want to design your basement classroom with this in mind. Each child will need their own desk and chair, but there are multiple places that can be used for more than one student at a time. For solitary work, set up desks that are free from clutter and distractions. You can take a corner of the basement and throw comfy bean bag chairs or large pillows on the floor to create a fun and cozy group reading spot. You can also have an art station with an easel or another drawing desk and other areas for hands-on group learning.
While television may be helpful for viewing instructional videos, keeping one in your at-home classroom can be a major distraction. Instead, try to use computers and tablets, or projectors and screens for lessons that require video instruction.
What else does your at-home classroom need? You will want to keep all the normal learning tools on hand, including:
- Notebooks or loose leaf paper
- Binders
- Books
- Writing instruments
- Whiteboards and markers
- Art supplies
- A clock
- Hand sanitizer
A Movie Theater
You have been waiting all day to watch your favorite team play an important game only to find out that your partner wants to check out the latest true crime documentary. Does that sound familiar? How often does everyone in your household agree 100% on what to watch? If you are renovating your basement, stop the remote wars and build your own movie theater.
To create your own movie theater, you will need a projector, screen, sound system, and of course, comfortable seating. If you want to create an elegant basement theater, consider wood flooring installation as the foundation for your room. It is important to note that if you are invested in having the best acoustics possible, either carpeting or a thick rug over your hardwood floors is your best bet.
The best thing about renovating your basement to include a home theater is that you will be able to enjoy your favorite shows and movies in complete comfort. Choose plush couches or recliners, and for the ultimate comfortable and convenient experience, consider a universal remote that will allow you to lower the blinds, dim the lights, and control audio andvisual components right from your chair.
A Craft Room
Do you love creating things with your hands? Whether you like to create custom craft stamps, knit clothing, make jewelry, or scrapbook, renovating your basement to include a craft room is a great idea.
The tools you need for your craft room will vary depending upon your personal craft preferences, but there are things that will be necessary for any craft room. The first thing you need is adequate lighting. You cannot craft beautiful necklaces if you are unable to see what you are doing, so pay attention to the lighting fixtures you choose when renovating your basement.
It can be hard to feel creative and productive in a cramped, cluttered space, so one of the most critical aspects of any craft room is the workspace. An ideal work surface for a craft room is one that provides you with plenty of space to spread out your materials and supplies comfortably.
Shelving and storage are also two items that are necessary for your craft room. When renovating your basement, choose shelves that allow you to store your materials conveniently. Open shelving is a great way to store things that you use all the time when in your craft room, while closed shelving is perfect for keeping things you use less often out of the way but still easily accessible.
A Bar
If you love entertaining friends and family and you are renovating your basement, why not transform your boring basement into a beautiful bar? Unless you have extensive experience with remodeling, your best bet is to call a qualified home improvement contractor to tackle this project for you.
The best part of designing your own bar is that you can tailor it to your exact needs and design preferences. There are a few things to keep in mind when creating a bar in your basement. First, you need to find the best location for the bar. You can set your bar up however you like, but many people like creating home bars that have counters that resemble an island in a kitchen. This type of bar has a few advantages, one of the most important being the amount of storage you can build into it.
Additionally, a bar set up to resemble a kitchen island gives a basement bar a more cozy and homey feel, which is probably the look you are going for if you are adding a bar to your basement. If you want a bar that is fully functional and that more closely resembles a professional bar, you will need to get some plumbing work done and have a sink installed, and you will want your home improvement contractor to craft a display area for your beverages and glassware.
A Spa
Life is busy and it can be hard to take the time you need to for proper self-care. Even if you find the time, a bathtub full of kids’ toys or a living room with constant noise and distractions is not the ideal place to unwind and relax.
A basement spa can be the perfect solution for finding time to relax and refresh yourself. What should you include in a home spa? That depends entirely on your relaxation preferences. A sauna may be a perfect addition to your basement spa, or you might want a room with a comfy recliner and an essential oil diffuser for a completely relaxed reading experience. Essential oils or CBD infused oils can create an extra dimension of relaxation and enjoyment.
If your style of self-care involves doing your nails or makeup, a beautiful vanity with comfortable seating might be a great fixture for your spa. No matter what type of spa you want to set up, be sure to choose mellow, muted colors for your decor. A red room might look cool, but a color that aggressive can make your basement a difficult place in which to unplug and relax. You might also want to consider a mini-fridge to stock with your homemade spa water, skincare items, and healthy snacks.
A Home Gym
Renovating your basement to create a home gym is something that will benefit every member of your household. Whether you are a complete exercise novice or you are a professional and you want your own personal gym at home, you will be able to customize your basement to suit your needs.
Many homeowners choose to have some type of cardio equipment with the most popular being treadmills, stationary bikes, and elliptical machines. If you do not have the space for a large machine, you can still get your cardio in with activities that keep you moving, like jump-roping or running in place. Another staple of a home gym for many homeowners is weights. You might want to install weight machines or have a selection of various hand weights for strength training.
If you are looking to add some indulgence to your home gym, consider adding a hot tub. Nothing is better after a strenuous workout than soaking your body in soothing hot water. Plus, a hot tub is a great way to unwind after a long day, whether you got your workout in or not.
A Dance Studio
If you are looking into basement remodeling services and love dance, why not use your space as a personal dance studio? The best part of deciding to turn your basement into a dance studio is how easy it is. There are only a few key items you need.
The first thing you need is quality flooring. Carpets and cozy rugs may feel comfortable on your feet, but are not conducive to dancing. There are a number of options from hardwood to laminate vinyl, and you can get in touch with a home remodeling professional to help you decide what type of flooring will best accommodate your needs.
Next, you will need mirrors. Most professional dance studios have at least one wall that is floor-to-ceiling mirrors because it allows dancers to pay close attention to form and body movements as they are practicing. You will also need a sound system, though you do not need something that is state-of-the-art. A simple mp3 player can suffice as long as you have the required speakers. For many forms of dance, installing a ballet barre can be helpful for stretching and warmups.
A Play Room
Tired of picking up toys all over the house? When you are renovating your basement, a playroom for your kids is a great way to keep the chaos centralized. Whatever your children are into, a playroom can feel like a magical place.
There are a few important things to consider aside from what toys you want to include. You want the space to be comfortable and safe, so you will need proper heating and air conditioning installation. Additionally, while keeping toys in a centralized location can cut down on cleaning, you also do not want them scattered everywhere all the time. Shelving, cabinets, and other organization items are a must to keep your playroom tidy.
A Laundry Room
If you are renovating your basement and do not have a ton of space to work with, consider a laundry room. Laundry rooms are more than just a place to store your washer and dryer, and they can be a major convenience when doing anything laundry related.
In addition to plumbing services, for the most convenient laundry room you will need counter space and storage. A sink can also be a helpful addition to your laundry room, as it is the perfect place to pre-treat any stains on clothing items. A counter, or some type of workspace, is ideal for folding clothes after they are dried, and can also serve as storage of laundry items if you do not have specific storage cabinets or shelving.
An In-Law Apartment
In-law suite additions are an increasingly popular choice for homeowners who are remodeling their basements. When renovating your basement, adding an in-law suite can be a very wise long-term investment in your home.
Typically, in-law suites are connected through a shared door and function as a sort of efficiency apartment. Most in-law suites feature a bedroom and living area, as well as a small kitchen and a bathroom. If you have elderly family members living in your basement, be sure to pay close attention to proper accessibility. You might need doors that are wide enough for a wheelchair or a walk-in bathtub to reduce slip and fall injuries.
What makes an in-law suite a good investment? One thing homeowners always want more of is space and having extra living quarters is very attractive to potential buyers. Not only that, if you do not have in-laws or elderly family members living with you full-time, you can always rent the space out for a little extra cash.
When you are renovating your basement, you are only limited by your budget, space, and imagination. From simple transformations into a functional laundry room to impressive at-home gyms with a hot tub, there are nearly endless ways to make great use of your basement.