Better Basement - ideas for your basement reno

Many of us purchase homes with unfinished basements.  The unfinished basement is like a big, blank canvas! It's a great option for anyone who needs more space.  Space for storage, working, entertaining and more....If you have purchased a home with unfinished basement, it can be overwhelming - where to start  What to do?  so many possibilities..... Take inspiration from these inventive basement decorating ideas

 

 Love to entertain?

Have you considered a small kitchen or bar in the basement?

Turn an unused area of your basement into a kitchenette-slash-bar for an alternative spot to entertain guests. Blogger Alex of Northstory created a welcoming, vintage vibe with an antique wall clock, wooden crates, and pipe shelving.  This is a great idea if you plan on having a pool table or theater space.



Laundry room in the basement?
Basement laundry rooms are very common and often they have a creepy look to them.  Think about creating a bright laundry space with lots of light, painted walls and a cozy carpet.



 Got kids?
The basement is a great escape for them (you, too).  So think about creating a kids area in the basement.  I love the idea of a huge chalkboard wall.  I did this in my basement and it is always used.  So easy to do, too! Plus, educational posters on the wall and a table and chairs for crafts, lego and more....






Work it!
 Get Your Tools Organized
This DIY tool caddy by Mom 4 Real, built out of pegboard, is great for storage. Plus it's convenient: It can roll wherever you need it to go.




Additional income?
 Depending on the zoning of your property you may be able to have an income suite in your basement.  That rent could go towards your mortgage and make life a bit easier




 Before


 After

Main floor getting crowded?
why not try a Functional Family Room?
Depending on the style of home you have, you may not have a main level family room (we see this a lot in older homes).  So create a functional family room space in the basement.  Something for everyone to enjoy.  This is also great for families that don't want a TV on the main floor. 



Selling soon?
If you are looking at selling your current home soon think about updating the basement with a stylish makeover so it looks and feels more like a part of the home and not an after thought




 Before - wall to wall carpet and basic beige walls



 After - a true stylish family oasis for everyone to enjoy.  Updated flooring (wood grain tile) and a more current paint colour on the walls (in soft grey) plus the home staging makes this space look like a part of the home and lifestyle.

Get Organized!
with an ever changing climate, kids and activities - we need storage.  Think about carefully planning your storage space to keep the area organized.



 Have a walk-out?
some basements have walk outs, why not turn that into a mud room area? If you have kids, the mud room is perfect for coats, boots, back packs and more....plus if you also have baement laundry this will make a lot more sense....