It may well be the case that, all those years ago, one of the stand-out features of the property you now own was the basement, and you and your family dreamt of the possibilities such a room can offer.
If you were able to complete such a transformation and are currently happily reading this article in a reclining chair in your basement, then your job is done, but if not, and life got in the way of pursuing your ‘man cave’, ‘beauty parlor’ or ‘games room’, then this article is for you.
Here is how to change a dingy basement into a functional extra room in your home.
Add a Variety of Indoor Plants
First and foremost, just as is the case with any other room within your home, regardless of the core purpose you want the basement to represent, you simply cannot go wrong with indoor plants.
Indoor plants in your basement, providing you have ensured they can live and thrive in darker conditions, will afford you the following benefits:
- A reduction in feeling stressed, burntout, and out of control
- A way to reduce allergens in the home
- A method of improving both the duration and quality of your sleep
- A natural way to clean and filter the air (particularly useful in the basement)
Focus on Warmth & Texture
Naturally, although largely dependent on the weather in your particular area, the basement does not tend to be the warmest of areas in your home, and it is down to you, therefore, to access your inner interior design expert and create a warm, inviting, and snuggly den.
Large rugs on the floor are a fantastic place to start, as are a variety of different-sized throws and blankets (the thicker, the better) and cushions on any couches or chairs you may have in there.
Take the Opportunity to Check Your Home’s Plumbing
Now, it is, of course, technically possible to install a freestanding bathtub in your basement if you so desire, and while that is all well and good, you need to first check that your plumbing system is working correctly and check for possible causes for sewer line clogs.
By far the best way to know that your plumbing system is functional and be assured that you are not going to spend a fortune kitting out your new basement space only for it to be ruined by a burst pipe is to contact a professional.
Erect Stair Rails Down to the Basement
Finally, once you have spent all this time and effort creating the ultimate space down in the basement, you should also remember to accentuate and highlight your achievements.
The best way to do this is to make an impactful and impressive first impression with the addition of dramatic and eye-catching stair railings down to the space. Additionally, you could also carry on the design aesthetic in the basement itself with the artwork on the stairs.
