We recently won the 2016 COTY Award for a recent basement remodel. So, we figured we’d expand on the many options homeowners have when building or remodeling your basement. Here are 12 ideas that can fill the space of a finished basement.

 

Movie Theatre

This idea is perfect for a basement room with no windows. Deck it out with a huge flat screen, impressive sound system, dimmed lighting, a popcorn maker, candy dispenser, and comfy seating. Plan out how many people you plan on hosting at one time and fill the room with recliners, couches, or raised seating accordingly. It is always a good idea to keep bean bag chairs or easily storable seating on the side for additional guests. What would be more fun than a family movie night at your own movie theater?

Art Studio

Keep the mess downstairs! An art room is a great place for inspiration and separation from the rest of the world! Lots of natural lighting, bright colors, an organization system, and a sound system will be a great start. Then customize from there. Whether you like painting on a canvas or making pottery on a wheel, this is the room for your equipment. You will also want to have a large table or counter top for plenty of work space. Keep your favorite projects on display to show them off!

Bar

Whether you want to go with a sports pub theme or a cocktail lounge, this will be a great place to host guests. A full stocked bar, signs advertising your favorite sports team or beer, a TV, and a place to sit are a great start but take this as far as you want to.

Add a sound system, lighting, a beer cooler, soda gun, beer taps, or a margarita maker to fit your taste. You could even make a spot to infuse vodka or brew your own beer if that is something that interests you. 

 

Reading Spot

If you like reading, an in-home library or reading nook is the place for you. It could be anywhere from a nook under the stairs to a large room. Use it as a get-away from the stress in the rest of the home and great storage for your favorite books.

In a big room, picture bookshelves lining every wall to hold your books or memorabilia and the rest of the room as a reading nook. Put a coffee maker or beverage cart next to the seating to have easy access to your favorite drinks.

For a more simplistic area, have a cozy chair, blanket, and a stack of your favorite books on a side table.

 

Gaming Room

A video gamers dream! If you’re the old school type, find some arcade cabinets and fill up the walls. Otherwise get your gaming systems and a flat screen tv and make the room your hideaway. Bean bag chairs, a beverage cart, snack area, custom lighting, a sound system, gaming posters, or shelving for action figures, etc. can create a great hangout.

 

Wine Cellar

Design this room with plenty of shelving, a wine cooling unit, and great lighting so that you can show off your space. A glass door also looks awesome if you want to showcase your wine cellar from nearby rooms. Wine does best in humidity. Create this by adding a fountain which will double as a focal point!

Workout Room

The convenience is unbeatable when you invest in your own gym. Not only is it a couple of rooms away, but you also have full access to all machines at one time.

Fill the room with your favorite equipment, mirrors, a drinking fountain, and a great sound system. You can even make a motivation wall with pictures, quotes, or a workout checklist to get you pumped up!

Sports Room

Pick your favorite sport and make an area to practice. In our 2016 Parade of Homes Artisan Dream Home, we made a practice ice rink for a professional hockey player (shown below). Think big! A small basketball court, a batting cage, dance studio, golf simulator, or more could go in your extra room. Put a water or Gatorade station and some sweat towels nearby for convenience!

 

Music Room

Display your musical instruments with passion and have a place that you can play whenever you please. You could even soundproof the room or make it into your own recording studio. Get creative and keep your needs in mind. Comfort and inspiration are huge here so maybe channel your favorite artist when choosing a theme for this room.

Spa

A spa can come in many different forms, but essentially it is a place for you to relax and to come out feeling renewed. This could be a room with a massage chair, sauna, tanning bed, pedicure chair, or meditation area. Keep a humidifier or fountain, natural lighting, plants, essential oils, and natural colors to create a serene feel.

 

Craft Room

Do you love to scrapbook or sew? Imagine having your own space to sprawl out your project. This room should have lots of counter space and storage so that you always feel focused and inspired! Closet space is great for bins of fabric, paper, stickers, etc. and you can have shelves to hold your machines and books. Use things that inspire you for decoration.

 

Now that you have explored many of the options, choose a few of your favorite and start planning your new finished basement!