An unfinished basement is like a blank canvas where you can map out your dream space. Although it may look like a concrete slab right now, this area can be transformed into an underground escape that complements the rest of your home.
If you’re planning to finish your basement this year, keep on reading. From a kid’s playroom to a luxurious home theatre, here are some inspirational ideas to help you get started!
Lounge-Worthy Media Room
Long gone are the days of cramming into a movie theatre to watch a film with strangers. Enjoy box office hits in the comforts of home with a media room configured to your liking. Many homeowners enjoy the idea of an open-concept space that also acts as an entertainment area. Not only can you watch your favorite movies here, but also serve drinks and snacks with a cozy bar and some stool chairs.
Here are some additional tips for creating the perfect media room:
- Never put viewing screens (or the TV) near a window as this can create glare
- Create a platform for seating areas in the back to increase visibility, just like the theatres
- Consult with an audio expert for speaker placement before finalizing your layout
You may want to soundproof the walls, so you don’t disturb others with those noisy action-packed films. And don’t let low ceiling heights discourage you from creating a media room as people will mostly be seated while they’re there.
Personal Gym
The COVID-19 pandemic has not only shut down gyms, but it’s also made us think of different ways to get the gym experience at home. So if you’ve got an empty basement, why not turn it into the ultimate exercise space?
The first task though is making sure that your gym equipment can fit down the stairs. For example, if the machinery doesn’t come apart and your stairs come down at a sharp 90-degree turn -- a personal gym may not be in your cards. So before you begin, make sure you either have the appropriate room, or that your workout equipment can be disassembled.
Ceiling height is also incredibly important for a home gym. You’ll need enough clearance to use upright machinery, especially for pull-up bars. And when it comes to treadmills, many homeowners forget to account for their own height above the equipment.
Here are some other tips to keep in mind:
- Home gyms require ample space, so make sure your basement is big enough before converting
- Choose flooring materials that can endure the weight of heavy machinery, and the continuous wear-and-tear of high-impact activities
- Wall-to-wall mirrors and a sound system for music can make your gym feel even more like the real thing
Ultimately, you’ll want to make sure the overall environment is conducive to exercise. This means your basement should have good air circulation, air conditioning and minimal distractions.
Children’s Playroom
Would you rather keep all those loud and colorful toys out of your living room? By converting your basement into the kids’ play area, you’ll have a legitimate excuse to send all those toys downstairs.
When designing your playroom, make sure everything is at a child’s eye level. This means bookcases, shelving and seating areas should be easily accessible. Although bright colours are great for keeping kids engaged, avoid elaborate themes that need to be updated as your child outgrows them. One idea is to keep the walls and furniture relatively neutral, while incorporating accent pieces in bolder hues. Rugs, chairs and cushions in your child’s favorite colors are a good way to add character, and can be easily changed up as they mature.
And because small children usually want their parents close by, it’s important to make this playroom enjoyable for adults too. Plan for a small entertainment area, reading nook, or even a laundry room, so you can keep an eye on the kids at the same time.
Basement transformations with VaVia
No matter what you decide to do with your basement, one thing’s for sure: All renos create a ton of mess! But there’s no need to worry what you’ll do with all that construction waste. From unwanted furniture to demolition debris, rely on VaVia to help you clean up quickly and safely.
Our 10 and 15-yard containers are perfect for renovations, and many other projects around the home! Whether you’re decluttering the basement or making way for a home gym, you can count on VaVia’s waste disposal solutions to get the job done right.
For more information on renovating your basement, contact us here.