Construction

Design Ideas for Basement Pole Covers: From Functional to Decorative

The simplest way of decorating and doing up your basement poles is to add trimming to the top and bottom of them – just like in picture (1). You can go a step further and fit wainscoting to break up a flat pole. One easy way to add some functionality to the pole is to add a wrap around shelf. Architectural Depot sells the wrap around shelf in picture (2) and they sell the column cover and trimming in picture (3).

Other ways of adding functionality to the poles is to turn them into storage shelves (4) (5) (6), or if your poles are wider apart – a desk, or a kitchen/bar counter can be fitted in between them. Or how about turning a pole into a display shelf with a built in light just like in picture (7)?

Some other decorative design options for basement pole covers would be to use rock (8) or wooden (9) cladding. If the space is for a playroom, you can turn a pole into a fake tree with branches (basement playroom ideas) or simply use rubber padding. If the space is for a home gym, some ideas include fitting the poles with full body length mirrors, or attaching a TV screen or speakers (basement gym designs). 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9

June 4, 2013 in Basement, Construction

Resource Guide for DIY Pergola Construction

Even though we only write posts on design ideas, we’ve put together a list of resources for those looking to do their own DIY pergola construction. These links cover everything you’ll need to know from what materials to use, building plans, to kits, and instructions. 1/2/3/4/5/6

A very detailed step by step guide to building a pergola: Family Handyman
Popular Mechanic’s how to picture guide
Pergola kit (hardware, wooden stencils, and assembly instructions (lumber not included): Amazon
Lumber and kit: Amish Designers
Paid resource for all woodworking plans: Ted’s Woodworking

For ideas on what type of pergola to build, roofing and lighting options, and decorating accessories have a look at these posts:

March 26, 2013 in Construction

Decorating Basement Walls: Ideas from Stamped Concrete to Chalkboard Paint

Paint would be the simplest choice (A Palette Guide To Basement Paint Colors), but there are a few unique things that can be done with it. For example there are a number of texture painting techniques like using a sponge to create a marble looking wall, or using a brush to create linen looking wallpaper as seen in picture (1).

(2) A stone wall will create a very rustic, wine cellar look. (3) While brick veneer, thin slices of brick, create a raw and rugged feel.

(4) When it comes to concrete walls there is the option to have it stamped. This is when concrete is patterned to look like stone, bricks, slate, tiles, or even wood. Or how about getting the concrete polished or acid stained to color it?

(5) A stucco wall is another textured wall idea.

(6) Don’t forget finishing touches like crown molding. Or go a step further and fit the crown molding a few inches below the ceiling and have lights sit on top of it, bouncing light off of the ceiling and into the room (Design Guide: Basement Lighting Ideas and Options).

For more special basement wall ideas, try and tailor the wall decorations to the purpose of the room. For example if the basement space is for a playroom or a home office how about turning the wall into a huge chalkboard by using special chalkboard paint just like in picture (7). (8) Storage units (cupboards, book shelves, wine racks, etc.) can be used to fill up a wall. (9) A home gym would need wall mirrors, a home theater could use sound proofing, a man cave or bar would have walls with wooden panels or sporting memorabilia.

(10) Lastly, a photo frame layout is a great way of decorating a basement wall. 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10

February 8, 2013 in Basement, Construction

Ideas For a Basement Staircase: Designs, Railings, Storage, and More

Who knew there would be so many options when it comes to basement stair ideas and designs? You have everything from the steps, to the railings, and where to put the door or to have one at all (and what about the nook under the stairs?).

The Finished Product: The finished stairs themselves can be carpeted, wooden (1), or painted (2). How about going uber fancy with some floating stairs (3)?

The Steps: When it comes to the steps they can be solid blocks or have a lip on them as seen in picture (4).

Staircase Design: Some options when it comes to the overall design and layout of the staircase include having it broken up into multiple levels (seen in picture (5)), or have the steps widen at the bottom to create a more dramatic entrance (6).

Railing Options: The type of railing you put in will be based on the style you want your home/basement to be. For a modern and sleek look how about glass paneling (7) or brushed steel rails. For a more traditional look wrought iron railing would be best (8) or wooden stair railing (9) (Rustic Décor Ideas For a Basement). Then there is the option of not having any railing and enclosing the staircase seen in picture (10).

The Door: One thing to do to create a more inviting basement space would be to have the door at the bottom of the steps (11). Or go without a basement door at all.

The Nook Under The Stairs: If you are planning a remodeling of the basement and are putting in a new staircase, plan out what you’ll be doing with the space under the stairs. This can be turned into a great nook for a home office (Ideas For Turning a Basement Space Into A Home Office), a playroom (Fun Basement Playroom Ideas: From Softening the Floor to Swings) or a storage area (12).

The Side Wall: The wall going down alongside the stairway can be designed for a number of things. It can simply be used to hang up décor (13). Hooks can be fitted to it to store extra jackets, or how about hanging extra shelves if the staircase is wide enough (14) – for more storage ideas have a look at our post here (In The Basement: Storage and Organization Ideas). Or it can just be lined with stone or painted over (Decorating Basement Walls: Ideas from Stamped Concrete to Chalkboard Paint).

Safety: Lighting also needs to be taken into consideration around the staircase, for ideas check out our post here (Design Guide: Basement Lighting Ideas and Options). 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13/14