When we think of basements, we may picture dusty concrete floors, exposed pipes, bins of holiday decor waiting for their season and humming laundry machines. At first glance, basements aren’t in the same playing field as a kitchen, living room or bath when it comes to design opportunities. For many homeowners, remodeling a lower level can seem like a huge project because of a basement’s structural nature with typically lower ceilings, less natural light and exposed utilities.
However, as the pandemic redefined home life, more people began to look for ways to increase space, functionality and comfort in the square footage they already had. Working, learning, exercising and even enjoying a glass of wine all began to happen exclusively within a home’s walls. As a result, many homeowners began looking toward a lower-level remodel to fulfill their family’s unique needs. Recent research even points toward a rise in basement remodel inquiries in 2020 compared to previous years. Basements are finally having their moment in the sun—figuratively, of course.
Today, the spaces in a home need to serve multiple purposes, and basements are no exception. However, just as any other room should, basements need to reflect a homeowner’s unique tastes and personality. Having designed multiple lower-level spaces in recent years, there are a few key trends our firm has witnessed emerge.
1. MULTIFUNCTIONAL DESIGN
Many day-to-day activities previously done outside the home, such as work, school and exercise, have transitioned to inside the home, and our spaces need to reflect those lifestyle changes without feeling cluttered or congested. Because we need to make sure everyone has the space they need in an area of the home where some things cannot be moved (think trunk lines or structural columns), redesigning a basement and figuring out a floorplan can feel like solving a puzzle; each room needs to “fit” within the structural components but in a way that feels intentional.
To achieve this, we use every nook and cranny of the basement in a way that not only looks deliberate but also serves a unique purpose depending on the homeowner’s needs. There should be no unused, “accidental” spaces. An office may double as a guest room. A playroom can also function as a home gym. The empty alcove under the stairs can be transformed into a playful yet functional bench for kids. And an open-concept living area, which still reigns in popularity, serves multiple purposes, like watching TV, playing board games, and relaxing with friends and family.
Many families also use basements as storage areas. Installing tasteful built-ins and cabinetry that are a design feature themselves and have the capacity to store all the odds and ends is a great way to blend style and functionality. And you don’t have to get rid of those unfinished storage rooms; instead, look for ways to incorporate these areas seamlessly into the layout of the space.
2. LESS LIKE A BASEMENT
While basement-y might not be a word (yet), one of the things we are seeing across remodels is that clients want their finished basements to not feel like a basement but instead be a natural continuation of their home. By design, these areas often have some unsightly quirks, such as exposed electrical work or structural poles, that homeowners want to hide. But instead of putting up boxes around everything in an effort to hide these unwanted (but necessary) elements, we are finding the best way to camouflage is to incorporate them into the design itself. For example, instead of a box around a pole, we might cover it with a shiplap accent wall, which is eye-catching yet cohesive to the overall design. Through intentional incorporation, these cumbersome components can actually work in your favor.
Another potential design challenge with lower levels is that, by nature, they often don’t have windows. Consequently, lighting choices, whether it’s a fixture or the hue of the light itself, become a much more integral part of design. To achieve a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels bright, light, and airy (and distinctively less basement-y), we blend ambient, task and accent lighting throughout the space. For ambient lighting, we opt for less than 3,000 kelvins, which can feel sterile; 2,400 to 2,800 kelvins work well. Task lighting is a great way to bring warmth to cabinets and bookshelves, giving off a cozy atmosphere. Accent lighting should be used wherever the room does not have an even flow of light sources. Attractive light fixtures, such as sconces, can bring a touch of personality.
Another key element to making the lower-level feel spacious is using light- colored flooring. Where dark hardwood might make a statement in a room with high, vaulted ceilings, in a space with low ceilings and little natural light it can make the entire space feel small and dungeon- like. One of our favorite types of flooring is luxury vinyl tile in lighter, neutral shades to brighten up the space. Not to mention, LVT is durable, easy to clean, and can withstand the wear and tear that might happen in a basement. It can also be laid on concrete floors.
PHOTOS: Anne Matheis