Wondering what to do with your basement space? Consider turning it into a basement family room where loved ones can gather around and create lasting memories. Some homeowners may hesitate to renovate their basement into a family room, fearing it will be expensive. But there are many family room ideas on a budget that can give you the basement family room of your dreams. With the right equipment and basement contractor, what once was just a room for storage can become so much more.
One of the first things you’ll want to determine as you begin planning your basement renovation is what your budget is. This can vary depending on the scope of the project. Therefore, make sure you give yourself leeway in your budget for unexpected expenses.
Basement Decorating Ideas for a Family Room
Your family room in your basement could be used for anything. Depending on the size of your basement, it could be just a basement living room or a family room that comes complete with a kitchen and bathroom. It can also be used as a multipurpose room that has something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Either way, you can make the most of the area through careful planning.
Basement Family Room Ideas
Once you have determined your budget, decide on a floor plan that works best for your needs. Here are a few basement ideas that will help you get the most out of your space.
Use Neutral Colours
Bright colours draw attention to certain areas of the room. However, they tend to make the room look and feel smaller. Using bold colours on the walls of a basement is not the best idea even for spacious basements. Instead, the best paint colours for basement family rooms are neutral colours like grey, beige, and white. Use these colours on the walls and for large pieces of furniture. Reserve the bold colours for accessories and decorative items like throw pillows, rugs or vases.
Open-Concept Basement Floorplan
This is particularly important if your basement is small. As far as possible, avoid erecting any walls. Instead of using walls to divide sections of the basement, use colour and décor to create a distinction between the rooms or areas in your basement.
Have Adequate Lighting
Since windows in most basements are usually small, it’s important that you incorporate more lighting into the room. Lighting has a way of making a room feel bigger. It also helps brighten up the basement and make up for the lack of natural light. Add floor and table lamps where possible. Place hang mirrors strategically in the basement to reflect light.
Create storage space
It’s quite easy to end up with a cluttered basement, especially if you’re using it as a family room. While many homeowners renovate their basements for a specific use, it often ends up being a storage room, as well. To keep the area clean and open, install shelves and cabinets to make sure you’re utilizing the space in your family room well. In addition, purchase furniture that can double as seating and storage like an ottoman.
Basement Family Room Flooring
Flooring is an important part of your basement family room. This is because the wrong type of flooring in your basement could cause significant problems and affect your health.
Known for being prone to dampness and moisture, basements can attract mold and mildew which thrive on natural materials. With this in mind, you must be selective on the materials you use in your basement. Stay away from hardwood floors in your basement. Wood can rot and decay, creating an expensive problem for you.
Best Basement Flooring for a Family Room
While wood is a no-no, there are many other basement flooring options that will give you the right flooring options for you.
✔️ Carpet tiles
✔️ Cork flooring
✔️ Engineered hardwood flooring
✔️ Laminate floors
✔️ Vinyl flooring
✔️ Luxury vinyl tiles and planks
The key is to select a type of material that is water-resistant. Also note that cork, engineered hardwood and vinyl must be sealed correctly before installing them onto your basement floor. Being a soft material, cork can retain moisture. After installing the tiles, be sure to have your professional contractor seal your floors to protect the cork. If you choose to go with a carpet, ask an expert to help you select the best carpet for a basement family room.
Remember that while remodelling and decorating your basement family room is an elaborate task, enjoy the process and allow yourself to create the perfect space. Your vision paired with our expertise will make your dream a reality.