Tag Archives | Decorating

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

Turning a Basement Into A Family Room: Designs & Ideas

A Fun and Comfortable Space (1): Some ways to make the basement family room more fun and entertaining would be to have a pool table (2) or a pit, pillow mound, or beanbags in front of the TV area seen in picture (3). If you want to turn your basement TV room into a home theater have a look at our post here for ideas: (Designs and Ideas For a Basement Home Theater).

Snacks and Drinks: A bar countertop is something to have in a family living room (4), along with a small refrigerator for drinks and snacks. If you want to go a step further there is the option of a dry or even a wet bar (8 Different Basement Bar Ideas and Designs).

Dividing Into Rooms: If you have a large basement space it can be divided up to create multiple rooms. Or even just hanging curtains can be used to hide away different areas:

Gym (Ideas for Setting up a Home Gym in a Basement)
Home Office (Ideas For Turning a Basement Space Into A Home Office)
Kitchen (Looking at Basement Kitchen Ideas and Designs)
Wine Cellar (3 Ideas for Basement Wine Cellar Designs)
For kid friendly ideas like having a chalkboard wall have a look at our post here: playroom (Fun Basement Playroom Ideas: From Softening the Floor to Swings)

Storage: Just like any family room, it will need storage. Built in or free standing? Have a look at our post here for ideas (In The Basement: Storage and Organization Ideas).

The Nook (5): Some unique basement family room ideas revolve around the nook under the staircase. A lot of people have turned that space into a cozy office, playroom, or storage space – The Space Under The Stairs: Ideas and Designs.

Lighting: Lighting is also an important part in making a basement feel like a comfortable space. For ideas on how to light the basement the best way have a look at our post here (Design Guide: Basement Lighting Ideas and Options). (6) Windows are one way to do this, as it brings in sunlight during the day – some places will require you to have certain types of windows fitted into a basement because of fire concerns.

The Walls: (7) For ways on decorating the walls of the basement have a look at these two posts: (Decorating Basement Walls: Ideas from Stamped Concrete to Chalkboard Paint) (A Palette Guide To Basement Paint Colors). 1/2/3/4/5/6/7