Here’s How to Create Zones in Your Basement

If you’re looking to add extra living space to your home, there might be room right under your feet. A finished basement not only adds more usable square footage, but it can potentially increase the value of your home as well. Make the most of your basement by creating specific zones that will work for every member of your family. Here’s how.

Create a Mood Board

A mood board is a visual tool that helps you figure out the look and feel of the space you are creating. Start by collecting samples of everything that appeals to you: tiles, colour swatches, materials, and images of furniture and/or finished rooms. Sort through your samples and attach them to a poster board to create a collage you can use for inspiration.

Choosing Your Colours

Choosing the right paint colours can make all the difference in a space, especially if natural light is minimal. You can make the basement feel larger by using lighter colours such as off-whites or light blues. Trim, mouldings, and the ceiling can also be painted lighter shades. You can also paint different zones in different colours. Try to stick to the 60-30-10 rule that interior designers recommend (60% dominant colour, 30% secondary colour, 10% accent colours).

Create an Anchor Zone

When doing your basement remodeling, think about the primary way you’ll use the space. This means creating an area that will anchor the space and drive all your design ideas. Some suggestions for an anchor zone include a living room/tv watching area, a bar, or even a basement gym.

Optimal Types of Lighting

• Ambient Lighting: Recessed pot lights or track lights provide ambient light that spreads over a large area and is perfect for a tv zone.

• Task Lighting: This type of lighting illuminates certain areas or tasks, such as a hanging pendant light over a bar or reading lamps near a chair. 

• Indirect Lighting: If you want to set a mood in a specific area, consider indirect lighting, such as a small wall light hung over a piece of art.

Furniture Ideas

Don’t let your basement become the place where old furniture goes to die. Basement remodeling is a major investment, and you’ll want to create a space that has a “wow” factor. Keep furniture comfortable and functional. Modular furniture often works best as you can rearrange the pieces based on changing needs. Items that do double duty are great too, such as large ottomans that can be used for extra seating or serving tables.

Rugs & Flooring Ideas

When selecting your flooring, remember to consider the possibility of moisture or flooding. Tiles are more resilient whereas carpeting may need to be replaced if water damage occurs. Engineered or laminate floors work well and can be complimented with an area rug. If you want to use carpet, try carpet tiles as these can be easily replaced.

Shelving

A functional basement needs storage areas that also need to blend with the overall look of the space. Open, floating wall shelves come in a variety of materials. The invisible brackets keep the room looking neat. Bookshelves or entertainment units come in all shapes and sizes and can be incorporated in areas such as living rooms, kids’ playrooms, or even to store your wine collection.

Wall-Mounted Drop Tables

These specially designed tables hang from the wall and can be pulled down only when you want to use them, freeing up valuable floor space. They’re ideal for use as an office desk, craft table, gaming table, or even in the laundry room for folding clothes.

Create an Alcove

If you find an oddly shaped corner or alcove in your basement, think of it as an opportunity to create a charming and unique space. Depending on the size, you could turn it into a cozy reading nook, a small home office, an additional storage area, or a display area for photographs and art.

Consider Converting a Closet

Under-used closets can be converted into functional spaces with ease. With some stackable shelving or a small desk, a closet can become a craft area, a home office, a reading nook, a compact bar or a small laundry room.

Basement Zone Ideas

Dividing the space so that everyone in your family will enjoy themselves is easier than you think. Here are some ideas for zones that might work in your home:

Family / TV Zone

Give your family extra living space by creating a comfortable area to lounge or watch television. Sectional couches, a big screen tv or an electric fireplace will create a favourite new spot for everyone to gather.

Gaming Zone

Whether your family enjoys playing pool, ping pong, or video games, with a little imagination you can create the ultimate basement games room. Be sure to include unique lighting, a variety of seating and table options, and even bold wall colours to set the right mood.

Office Zone

A basement office can easily be created in a small corner, nook or closet. A small ladder desk, an office chair and some storage are all you’ll need to create an extra workstation in your home.

Crafting / Board Games Zone

Create a special area for crafting or playing board games or cards in one zone in your basement. Use a unique paint colour and area rug to define the space, or install a free-standing room divider to make the room feel private and special.

Home Gym Zone

Work out anytime you choose with a basement gym. A basement gym gives you the opportunity to set up your equipment the way you like and is a convenient and ideal way to keep fit.

Bar Zone

Why head upstairs to the kitchen for drinks and snacks when you can install a basement bar? This area can either be the anchor zone of the room or tucked away in a corner depending on your entertainment needs.

Kid Play Zone

Give your kids their own unique space. Remember to use age-appropriate furnishings: for example, toddlers need softer and smaller items while teenagers would enjoy couches and a place for TV-watching and gaming.

Creating specific zones in your basement can help meet the different needs of your family. How your basement comes together depends on how you want to use it, and what works best from a space and budget standpoint.