For many of us, the basement is the last place we think about when it comes to interior design. It’s usually dark, cold with a funky smell and piled high with boxes we haven’t opened in years.
Whether you’re starting with a bare shell or looking to refresh an existing basement, this is the perfect opportunity to think outside of the box, and add value to your home. Clear out the clutter, maybe consider off-site self-storage, and you’ll suddenly have the canvas for something stylish, unexpected and completely your own.
With the right ideas, your basement could be transformed into one of the most exciting parts of your home.
Here are some unexpected ways to rethink your basement:
1. A Wellness Retreat
Cool, quiet and tucked away – basements are the perfect place to create your own little sanctuary. If your space is limited due to existing items, then here’s a trusted resource on decluttering and its benefits from the NHS.
Whether it’s yoga, meditation or simply a spa-inspired escape, a wellness retreat downstairs can give you that well-deserved switch-off moment without leaving the house.
Basements are notoriously very dark and any light they do receive through windows is typically cold in nature, so use warm neutral palettes to create a welcoming space. Use paint colours with a red, yellow or pink undertone, this will help to counteract the coolness of the light in the room. You’ll want to take this approach whatever your plans are for your basement.
Team this with a layered lighting scheme so it feels ambient and well lit, combine overhead pendant lights with wall lights, table lamps and candles to create a soothing space.
2. A Creative Studio
Every creative needs a space to let ideas flow. With clean white walls (remember to lean into an off-white though rather than a bright white though which can feel cold and clinical), flexible lighting and smart storage, the basement can become your dream studio.
Whether you’re working, painting, crafting, designing or simply journaling, your basement can be a great place for your creative ideas.
If you have a particularly large basement, it might be a good idea to zone it accordingly so you can carve out a space for a studio, but also relaxation.
3. A Boutique Cinema
A basement really is well positioned for an at home cinema, but make it a luxurious one!
Think about including reclining chairs, or large lounging sofas and instead of choosing a warm neutral scheme, you’ll want to set the tone with a moody colour scheme. Instead of black, lean into shades such as deep aubergines, moody pinks or chocolate browns for a really intimate feel.
Up the ambience by planning a lighting scheme that feels like a real cinema experience with wall lights and even step lights leading down the stairs.
Add blackout curtains, a sleek projector and a stocked cabinet for snacks and drinks, and you’ve created the perfect space for a rainy-day.
4. An Entertaining Lounge
Not quite a bar, not quite a living room – more of a hidden hangout. Basements are perfect spaces for low lighting, plush seating and a moodier atmosphere – all attributes which makes them suitable for hosting.
Style it with a statement sofa, vintage-inspired glassware and ambient lighting. Whether you’re mixing cocktails or mocktails, it’s about creating a glamorous, intimate space for friends.
5. A Green Escape
When the weather’s grey outside, why not bring a piece of nature indoors? With trailing plants, vertical greenery and a cosy reading nook, a basement can be transformed into a calming, boho-inspired green escape.
After all, it’s medically proven that indoor plants can boost mood and reduce stress! Add LED grow lights if needed, but let soft textures, rattan accents and layered greenery do most of the talking.
Earthy inspired design has been on the increase because it feels good to be around! For a colour scheme, use a warm neutral as your backdrop, incorporating greens, browns or rusty reds as accent colours. It’s the perfect way to boost your mood all year round.
