Your Basement Remodeling

Why is the basement the last place people finish or renovate even in new homes? Because it’s often dreary, damp and dark and has strange areas, odd shapes and pillars that get in the way. It’s the place that gets used to put garden tools, where you toss dirty laundry out of site, where canned goods can explode and potatoes can grow roots from their eyes. It’s a place where mushrooms thrive unhindered and where horror pictures can be filmed.

Why? Because it’s underground and dark! People are attracted to open space and light. It’s simply human nature. Cave dwelling, for most of the world, went out of fashion long ago.

Your first priority in remodeling a basement, no matter what it will be used for, should be finding the means to open it up as much as possible and bring in light, be it natural or electric.

There is no reason why one of your basement remodeling ideas can’t be similar to loft designs. Low ceilings can be given the illusion of being higher and pillars can be focal points, as can exposed pipes and tubes and industrial equipment such as heaters and furnaces. Some of the greatest bars and restaurants in New York, and around the world, are located underground where, after remodeling a basement these savvy entrepreneurs (and their basement remodeling contractors) have not even attempted to hide basement pipes or ducts. If you are determined to hide them, then use paneling or boxes that take up as little space as possible and leave the main area open, but remember that these pipes or ducts may need to be accessed for maintenance so don’t hide them without providing a way to get at them later.

Maximize your basement finishing remodeling projects with basement remodeling plans and décor that incorporates light colors and smooth textures, track basement lighting, mirrors and open cabinets or shelves and avoiding heavy drapes, bulky outdated furniture and dark or drab colors.

… because this will make a basement seem cluttered and claustrophobic even if it’s not. And although bedrooms and bathrooms unavoidably require basement walls, there are tricks that can maintain the illusion of openness while providing privacy.

Glass for Internal Basement Doors and Windows

One trick in basement renovation is to build a wall but make of it mostly a window. A large internal wall that separates a bedroom from the living space could be designed with glass block windows to make the area appear more open.

Doors can be French doors or glass paneled doors instead of solid wood. Use glass blocks and frosted window panes so the windows will not need to be covered with drapes or heavy curtains. If anything, use sheer or light colored cotton for accentuating internal windows.