An unfinished basement is like a clean slate! With endless options and thousands of ideas on Pinterest, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to decide what to include in your basement remodeling design. Let’s look at three design elements that will turn your subterranean storage room into a comfortable and entertaining area of your home.
A Night at the Movies
Do you love a good movie? Sometimes, nothing can melt away the week’s accumulated stress more than kicking back and enjoying a great film. Also, what better way to do that than to create your own personal space, grab some popcorn, and savor the comfort of your home? The basement is often the perfect place for a theater room since there are usually minimal windows or none at all, and it is separated from the rest of the living areas.
Where to Put the TV
The first step is deciding on the best viewing location for that state of the art new TV. Wall mounting can be a great way to get a clean, minimalistic look to your room, but be sure to take into consideration the connections for your various components. Will your theater room also double as a gaming area for the kids? Consider some built-in cabinetry in the entertainment area to keep everything organized and hide all those pesky wires.
From a viewing perspective, avoid mounting the TV on a wall with any windows, as any backlighting or lights from cars will make it difficult to see the screen and detract from the view. If placement on a windowless wall is not possible, a good idea would be to install light-blocking window treatments. You should also consider pre-wiring your components before the new drywall goes in. Components like gaming consoles, Blue Ray players, and surround sound speakers can be remotely located easily if accommodated before the walls are closed up.
Set the Mood with Lighting
Everyone at the movie theater knows that the movie is about to start when the lights dim. However, for safety reasons (and to decrease the chance of a spilled drink), lighting also needs thoughtful consideration when designing your home theater. If your proposed theatre space will also be used for other purposes, dimmable lighting might be the most crucial aspect of the design.
Snacks are a Movies Best Friend
No theater is complete without a concession stand, and the best part about yours is no lines or exorbitant snack prices!!. Consider including space for a mini fridge and storage for candy, popcorn, and other snacks. Who wants to run all the way upstairs for another Twix bar? A small bar area can double as a handy and accessible concession stand for your theater.
The Perfect Seating
One of the most important components of your home theatre space will be your choice of seating. First, you should determine if your theater area will be a dedicated space or double as a family room and/or gaming center? If it’s a dedicated space, individual theater seating with cup holders and even raised platforms could be a fun choice. If the kids play Xbox when you’re not there, a perfectly sized sectional may be your best bet. Seating is a design element that obviously is more flexible than moving walls, but it’s important to consider how your family’s use of the space may change over time as kids get older and your needs change.
Kids Play Area
Having a place where the kids can be kids and not worry about how loud or crazy they’re being can be a great for them, and a relief for you! The kids gain some independence by having a space just for them, and you won’t be nervous about where they are or what they’re up to. Let’s take a look at some of the things to consider for your basement remodeling project.
Gaming Area
Kids love games and games come in many shapes, types, and sizes. And the games they like now are sure to change as they grow. Consider including a place to store all these fun things when they’re not in use. Depending on their ages and the type of games they play, a dedicated game table and chairs are also an excellent addition. tThat never-ending game of Monopoly or the 2000-piece puzzle can wait for them to return when they’re ready and best of all, it’s not cluttering your kitchen table.
Reading Nooks
For those kids with a quieter, more contemplative side, a reading nook might be the perfect addition. Consider creating a secluded space, (for example, under the stairs) with built-in bookshelves and a cozy place to cuddle up with their favorite book. Stuff it with pillows, blankets, and a place for snacks and a drink, and you have created the perfect little sanctuary for your child.
Party Time!
One of the best parts of childhood are sleepovers. , Watching movies, playing games, and goofing around with best friends – the stuff of memories.. If this is the kind of fun your child loves, built-in bunk beds can be a great addition to the playroom. The other parents won’t have to send sleeping bags, and cleanup for you will be more manageable.
Your house will become the place your children’s friends want to visit and, more important, you will know they are safe. As an added bonus, the kids get a great place to have fun and feel independent while creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Keeping in Light
On a more aesthetic note, keep your color choices bright and cheerful to help make your basement feel more open and light. Include plenty of overhead as well as accent lighting so that you have options when activities change. For fun, consider adding a chalkboard wall where kids can draw, write and be creative. . The kids get to express themselves and will love having control over their own personal space. A painted mural is another way to add character and fun to a basement playroom. You could use characters from their favorite movies or make it a jungle theme, so they feel like they’re on a safari! The possibilities are endless and including the kids in the planning process can also help make the space a place they will love.
Bar & Billiards: The Big Kids Playroom
Including a bar area in your basement design will create an adult entertainment space, or the perfect addition for for your “man cave”. Invite the gang over to watch the game in your own private sports bar. A bar can be many things, so let’s explore a few options to consider.
Bar = Mini Kitchen
Like designing a kitchen, bars can have different levels of finishes and amenities, and budget and space limitations will be your most significant limiting factors. The first thing to consider are the appliances you’d like to include. These will include the obvious, like a refrigerator and microwave to the more extravagant -an ice machine, wine cooler, or even a beer tap. Once you have decided on the amenities you want, the design can take shape. f
Game Time Gaming
Whether you are looking for the perfect place to watch the game with friends, host a weekly poker night, or enjoy a game of billiards or air hockey, planning the seating and TV placements is critical. You want to make sure everyone can be comfortable while sipping a brew, watching the televised sporting event and enjoying each other’s company. Get these critical elements right, and the big game and poker night will always be at your place – if you want it to be. Above all, have some fun, but take the time to think through the spaces in advance to maximize their functionality and the fun you’ll have later.
