KIM, FIX MY HOUSE!
CREATIVE IDEAS FOR A FUNCTIONAL BASEMENT SPACE.
Basements can become a place to
store items, furniture that is
outdated and closet overflow. The
space below our usual living areas
has often been poorly treated. The
ugly step-sister no more; base-
ments have quickly become a
trend feature in homes and
re-envisioned as a stylish and
functional space.
When it comes to design, don’t
overlook your basement but give
it the same respect and treatment
that you do the upstairs. The
lowest floor should reflect your
unique taste as a necessary
extension of your home.
PLAYFUL PLAYROOM
Whether you have little ones or
tweens who need a space to
gather with their buddies, your
basement can be the perfect
hangout for kids of any age.
Perhaps a games area will lead to
family scrabble. Or a craft corner
that you can also use to wrap
gifts. Ultimately, this space can
provide a fun getaway from the
rest of the house. Fun is not just
for the kids either. Add a pool
table or ping pong table so that
the whole family can play
together.
OUT OF OFFICE
If you work from home, then
being able to create an efficient,
private work space can be a
blessing. Define the space by
including all the elements that are
necessary for you to get work
done. Don’t limit yourself to office
furniture, but choose something
that works with the style of your
house. Maybe a vintage wooden
desk with a comfy office chair is
your vibe. Or go minimal with a
table that is simple and can
function as a place to have a
meeting or brainstorm. Look for
pieces that are multi-taskers so
that you get the most use out of
the square footage.
WET BAR
Adding a wet bar to your
basement will amp up the
potential for fun evening activities.
Away from a messy kitchen or
chilly backyard, a bar will invite
guests to wile the night away
making fancy mixed drinks and
listening to music. With a wine
fridge and soda on tap, your
basement will become the
destination for you and your
friends to have a night out without
ever leaving your house. Collect
vintage glassware and plates to
keep the vibe retro or stock the
place with finger foods and drink
cans to skip any cleanup.
MOVIE NIGHT
Give Netflix and Chill a new
meaning with an in-home
screening room. With their limited
natural light and low ceilings,
basements are the ideal location
to set up a screening room
complete with reclining chairs or
comfy couches. Home theatres
have become much simpler and
affordable due to recent advances
in technology. Add in a mini-bar
and popcorn maker so couples can
enjoy a truly cinematic experience
together in the comfort of their
own home. - Text by Kim Bartley,
www.kimbartleydesign.com
C R E AT I V E S PA C E U N D E R T H E S TA I R S
Built-in Bar Playhouse Powder Room
Triton Austin Custom Homes
www.tritonaustin.com Arin Solange at Home
www.arinsolangeathome.com My Bespoke Room
www.mybespokeroom.com