Creating A Lower Level

Design Tips for Creating a Lower Level You’ll Love

Basements of the past often held a reputation for being little more than an afterthought in a home’s design — dark, cold, and purely utilitarian spaces for laundry, storage, or other mechanicals. But today’s lower levels have come a long way from their humble beginnings. With the right design choices, your basement can be as comfortable and inviting as your main floor.

Here are three of our best design tips for transforming your lower level into a space in which you and your loved ones can relax, entertain, and enjoy:

Make It Yours

There are no rules when it comes to designing your lower level. Because you don’t have to incorporate essential spaces, your square footage is freed up for you to personalize the area to your interests. It should be a reflection of your lifestyle and passions. Depending on your interests, you may want to include a craft room with built-in storage for all of your supplies, a gym with a sauna or steam room; a gaming room with a pool table; or a media room with a large-screen television, surround-sound and plush recliners. Truly, there is no end to the creative possibilities, from wine cellars and wet bars to in-home libraries — let your imagination guide you in creating a space that’s unique to you.

Create Comfort

If your home is located in a climate prone to cooler fall and winter months, consider installing radiant in-floor heat. The warmth underfoot rising into the air above is a game-changer for turning a cool, drafty basement into a comfortable, inviting one. Similarly, a wood or gas-burning fireplace can be a welcome addition in creating warmth — both in temperature and aesthetic. Complete the look with finishing decor touches, like soft pillows and throws piled onto comfortable seating to establish a cozy atmosphere.

Provided your lot allows for it, one of the best ways to further create an inviting ambiance in your basement is to incorporate windows that will usher in natural light. Be sure to also include plenty of ambient, task, and accent lighting, just as you would throughout the rest of the home.

In addition to windows, adding walk-out access can help your space feel even more like a main-level living area, creating easy connection to the outdoors. Including a covered patio with protection from the elements alongside comfortable seating, a fire pit or a hot tub will make the space extra-special and a go-to spot for entertaining.

Provide Easy Access

For those planning for their retirement years, incorporating an elevator (or, at least the shaft and saving the mechanicals for future installation) is a smart way to ensure long-term accessibility. In the meantime, if you would like to add a touch of whimsy into your plan, consider a hidden tunnel slide leading directly to the lower level. (Guaranteed to be a hit with the grandkids!) For a more traditional approach, take the opportunity to elevate otherwise utilitarian stairs. Handcrafted wooden spindles, metal balusters or even horizontal cable railings add a stylish touch, signaling that the lower level is a special space in its own right.

Ready to create the bonus space you’ve been dreaming of? (Or want help clarifying your vision?) Ward’s team is just a call or email away.