While almost two-thirds of homeowners are planning on renovating, few people remember that basements offer unique opportunities for expanding and transforming a living space. Basements make great recreation rooms, home theaters, and extra offices, but with careful home improvement strategies, they can serve a greater variety of purposes. In particular, basement bedrooms can be an exciting and innovative way to repurpose a finished basement. If you’re thinking about adding a bedroom in your basement, here are a few tips to make any basement an restful underground heaven.

  • Be Careful About the FinishFinished basements and basements finished for bedrooms are not necessarily the same thing. If you intend to make the bottom level of your house a sleeping area, keep in mind special conditions it may require. Take steps to ensure proper ventilation, so that bedding and carpets retain no moisture. Be careful when choosing insulation as well, so that lower-level sleepers stay warm. Finally, choose flooring for practicality– though you may be tempted by gorgeous wood floors for your new bedroom, remember that basements are the first to flood.
  • Warm ColorsTo make any basement room feel less like a dungeon and more like a safe retreat from the world above, choose warm colors and neutrals. Even an industrial-feeling and chilly cement floor can feel more inviting and natural when paired with buttery walls and inviting browns. Since basements often lack natural light, using sunny and cozy colors can help brighten the otherwise dim space.
  • Plenty of LightAnother way to brighten up a basement bedroom is to simply add more lighting. Although expanding windows is often a difficult task for lower levels, don’t rule out finding creative ways to incorporate more natural light. Mirrors can help light bounce around the room, and make a small space feel larger. Similarly, adding lamps, sconces, and other forms of light while remodeling can brighten up the room.
  • Work with the SpaceUnlike many home improvement projects, working with basements creates unique opportunities for quirky industrial styles and designs. The rustic and functional features often found in rooms previously used for storage and utilities can add character to a transformed living space. Look into keeping a section of brick or cinder block exposed as an accent wall. If it’s not a safety concern, also consider leaving ceilings exposed to make the room feel larger. Some designers even paint pipes and beams to create fun visual patterns. Don’t think you have to hide the fact that the room is a basement to make it feel like a bedroom. A clever basement design can use existing features to create a unique, restful and special sleeping space.

For your next home improvement project, don’t overlook basement finishing as a way to add bedrooms and value to your home. With clever design, you can take your basement from a dim storage space to a beautiful and restful paradise.

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