Basement Decorating Guide

For most homeowners, the basement is a damp, cold room nobody really uses. But others see it as potential space: a chance to extend your living area and make your home more inviting. More and more people are discovering the value of basements and making the most of them. Guest rooms, pantries, fancy home theaters-the possibilities are practically endless when it comes to utilizing your basement.

Of course, that's just the start; actually using your basement is another matter. One can easily spend thousands of dollars just to make the space usable. But there are also faster, less expensive ways. If you're ready to transform your basement, here's a quick guide to help you get started.

Your purpose
First, what do you want to use your basement for? If it's just for practical storage, you may want to skip the curtains and fancy area rugs. Go for cheaper, more utilitarian options such as concrete flooring and simple window treatments. If you're building a home theater, be ready to spend a bit more. Depending on your preference, you may need to repaint your walls or replace your flooring altogether. Before spending on anything, determine your basement's main purpose and how much you're willing to spend for it.

Your fixtures
Next, you'll need to decide on furniture. Basements tend to be dark and cool, so warm and cozy furniture may be a good choice. This works especially if you're building a new room or basement lounge. For storage units such as shelves, go for earth and wood tones-the warm tones will compensate for the hard, straight edges. You can also lay some plush wool area rugs around the furniture to soften their look.

Your flooring
When it comes to basement flooring, comfort should be your main consideration. Most basement floors are left unfinished, which results in a rather cold atmosphere. Make up for it by choosing "soft" flooring materials such as wood and cork. If changing your flooring is not an option, invest in comfortable rugs instead. Contemporary area rugs come in bold designs and make a nice focal point for your room. If you want something simpler, try using strong, solid colors. Red area rugs, blue area rugs, and black area rugs are some of the most popular choices.

Your colors
Colors affect the overall mood of your basement, so keep a theme in mind when choosing a color scheme. It's usually best to choose a muted shade as your dominant color, and accent it with stronger, brighter hues. Remember, it's not just the walls: you can also add splashes of color with curtains, area rugs, and other room fabrics. Colorful oriental area rugs are great for livening up the room-just throw one at the center and you've got an instant focal point.

Your lighting
Lighting tends to be limited in basements, so you'll have to rely on artificial light. If you have at least a small window, maximize natural light by choosing bright surfaces like white walls and yellow area rugs. Use mirrors where appropriate to reflect the light and spread it around the room. For small basements, recessed lighting usually works best-it gives a classy, subdued light that doesn't overwhelm your décor.