Is the basement the last room in your home still left to tackle? Or maybe it needs to be adapted to your family’s needs. Achieving the basement space you want without spending a fortune is possible! With a little vision and imagination, it could even become your favourite room in the house.
Basically, the general idea is to first focus on the elements that are already in place, then to make changes that don’t require a huge amount of cash. You may be surprised by the results!
Conceal Shabby Flooring
You can put damaged or dated flooring out of sight and out of mind with some beautiful colourful rugs or, alternatively, rugs that blend in with the existing flooring material. This is far cheaper than ripping everything out and installing new floors. Another ingenious idea is to lay an inexpensive carpet wall-to-wall!
Divide Without Walls
Erecting walls can cost a pretty penny! The good news is that you can delineate rooms wall free. Place a bookshelf between two distinct zones, or use chic screens, in bamboo, for example, if this suits your home’s style. A couch, with its back turned to one of the areas, can likewise serve as an attractive divider. This is equally a great tip if you want to keep an open-plan layout.
Work One Area at a Time
If you don’t want this single floor to eat through your entire year’s renovation budget, proceed one room or zone at a time. For example, use a quarter of the basement to set up a full living room, with a sofa, armchair, couch, area rug, television consol, floor lamp, wall art, standing vase, etc. The bedroom can wait a few months, and the bathroom can come later… until eventually your entire basement is finished!
Use a Warm Paint Colour
Most of us can afford a can of paint! Give your basement a fresh start with a new shade on the walls. It will instantly feel clean and airy. You’ll then also be able to get a clear and objective view of the space, and not be influenced by damaged walls or outmoded paint colours. Stick to warmer tones for a cozy and welcoming ambiance.
Throws and Cushions to the Rescue
Is your couch starting to show its age? You did buy it 20 years ago! Still, you may not need to purchase a new one right away. Conceal the faded, stained and torn upholstery with throws and cushions. You can likewise completely transform the way it looks with a new slipcover.
Enhance the Space With an Accent Wall
Does your basement have a brick or stone wall? This is a great opportunity to jazz up the space with an accent wall. By painting it in a trendy colour, like cream, greige or even black, you can showcase its texture. Your basement will instantly feel less drab.
Create a Cozy Bedroom
Do you have one or more bedrooms in the basement? Forget old bedframes and outdated melamine or other type of furnishings that will automatically spoil the overall look. We know: the basement is typically the area of the house where dilapidated pieces of furniture end up! To create the perfect sleep sanctuary, buy a bedframe in a classic style, such as a plain wood-coloured one. For the bedding, opt for a cream-coloured comforter and pillows, then add a rug and floor lamp.
Window Treatments May Not Be Necessary
Despite the small windows, we all want a light and bright basement. If possible, avoid covering them up (such as if they are not within line of sight of the street). That’s a few more dollars in your pocket!
Have our ideas inspired you to revamp your basement?