1. Remodel It - This is the process of actually, physically changing the structure of the room. This can involve hiring a contractor, or learning to do the construction yourself during your free time.

2. Ignore It - This is what most people do. They forget about the space and use it for storage, or as a place to dump clutter.

3. Decorate Around It - So what if your basement is a little rough around the edges. A few simple clever tricks should help you to accentuate the positive aspects of the space, while downplaying or even removing the negative components.

While ignoring your basement, or just using it as a space for extra storage may be the easiest solution, it is certainly not the most fulfilling. Your basement is an entire extra floor of your house, one which is not being used for anything, but which can be used for anything. While it may have some unsavory or difficult aspects, there are also a variety of features that make this space unique

Isolation - Whereas the rest of the house has multiple passageways, hallways, stairs, and other routes which carry traffic throughout its space, the basement generally only has one entrance, and that is at the bottom of a flight of stairs. This makes it a room removed from the hustle and bustle of the rest of your home.

Peace - Being recessed in the ground means your basement may be the quietest place in your whole house. While noise and commotion may be noticeable if you have a lot of people on the floor above you, the insulation provided by 4 walls of solid earth means that outside distraction can be kept to a minimum

Ambiance - You may not think much of your basement, but the combination of isolation and detachment makes this a space which you can control however you like. Its almost like a fantasy world where the rules are determined entirely by you. Even the structure of the space lends itself to this, as the windows are set high in the walls restricting the sunlight which is able to get into the room.

Basement Remodeling

The most important thing to consider when remodeling a basement is the water table in the area where you live. If you have a high water table, chances are your basement will experience a flood sometime in the future.

Even if you have a moderate water table, there is still the chance that inclement weather could cause a basement flood. All it takes is one flood to cause innumerable damage to walls, floors, electronics, and any remodeling efforts you may have made.

In order to find out how high your water table is, consult a local professional that has experience with basement remodeling jobs. To be extra sure, you can call your county government for in depth information about flooding in your area.

If you do live in an area with a high water table you don’t necessarily have to give up on remodeling your basement. All you have to do is take the proper precautions.

The use water resistant materials, such as brick and certain types of natural stone, is one way to mitigate the risk of a flood event. Many people build NYC loft style walls using cinder block or brick, and then decorate them with trendy photos and art pieces as a way of balancing rough and gentle elements.

Slate flooring is relatively inexpensive and can be highly resistant to water damage. The application of a single coat of chemical sealant during the installation can make your basement flooring relatively impervious to even the worst water damage.

Treated wood can also be used, as paneling, or for certain architectural features, however it is important to note that the appearance of this material will not hold up to the direct effects of a flood as well as stone will. However if you use these materials higher up on the walls as shelves, counters, and mantels, they will be able to effectively resist dampness in the air, which is another cause of destruction during a basement flood.

Basement Decorating

Basement Lighting

One of the most difficult features to overcome in a basement is the lack of illumination. In this space, recessed in the ground, windows have to be set up high on the walls. This makes it difficult for natural sunlight to find an angle to enter the room.

On top of that, basements usually have a minimum of electrical outlets and features, since these could prove a hazard if the room ever flooded. For the most part, outlets found in this space will also be set high in the walls, and fixtures will hang from the ceiling.

Below we have outlined a couple of ideas that may help you to spruce up your basements lighting scheme, despite any architectural, electrical, or flood based restrictions you may face.

Desk Lamps - Desk lamps generally provide an ambient glow to a limited space. This can be used to create tiny havens of illumination in the basement, or to just provide a soft glow that disperses throughout.

Globe Lights -These can be strung along walls and ceilings, with their cords hung up in the rafters to keep them away from any potential flood zones. They can be used to create lanes of light throughout the space, or to discern a single area, by defining the outline of the room.

String Lights and Christmas Lights - These fixtures will have an effect which is similar to globe lights, except that they are brighter and more colorful, adding tonal, and sometimes even pulsing effects to a space.

Onyx Lights - Onyx is a natural translucent stone which can be illuminated from within to create glowing ambient lamp fixtures. Available in a variety of colors, onyx lights are great for creating nooks throughout the space. Let darkness surround the nooks to create a cozy paradise for two.

Black Lights - These novelty bulbs can give your basement an other worldly feel. Great for a mini dance club in your basement.

Basement Themes

A theme is a quick easy way to give your basement a purpose. It also eliminates some of the decorating burden, as the theme itself will tend to determine the appearance of the space. While the decorative decisions are still yours, there are just certain styles which lend themselves to certain theme rooms.

Basement Bar - The basement bar is a timeless theme, and for obvious reasons. Sometimes you just need to go somewhere where you can be alone, away from the kids and the stress and the worry. Building a bar in your basement gives you a spot which is naturally isolated, where grown ups can go and be grown up with one another after the kids have gone to bed.

Basement Game Room - A game room can be a great addition to your home. It provides a seperate space where you can go, and have a wonderful social experience. That experience can be virtually anything from a weakly poker game with friends, to a regular game night with your kids and family. The advantage is that it is out of the way, and separate from the rest of the house, so it feels like you are somewhere completely different. Isolated from things like phones and doorbells you can just concentrate on the experience, and enjoy yourself. It is also a lot easier to clean up and keep things organized when everything is all in one space.

Romantic Basement Escape - You may not ahve ever thought of your basement as a romantic loaction, but it can be. Dark and isolated, all it takes are a few simple steps to create a cozy haven in this space. Basically, you have to create a tiny mini room, in a predetermined space. Walls aren’t necessary, you can simply use lights to create a glowing center in the dark. Then make sure to sanitize, add a few ambient touches such as delightful smells and beautiful objects, and you have yourself a cozy nook right in the middle of your basement.

Models and Trains - The basement is basically extra space, which most people never get around to using. Thats why you should use it to pursue your passions. Whether your a writer, a model builder, or you just love to paint, set yourself up in the basement and give yourself the room to free your passionate pursuits.

Rustic Basement Decorating

Since an unfinished basement is going to be naturally rustic, one option is to use this to your advantage, in the creation of a lodge or cabin style rustic decor.

The style of unfinished brick or concrete walls can be matched to earthy artwork and souvenirs. Bear skin rugs can cover unfinished flooring, and simple natural furnishings will integrate the uncouth nature of the space into a primitive powerful setting.

Basement Storage

If you don’t want to go to the trouble of integrating your basement into the livable space in your home, at least you may be able to get some use out of it storing your old and unwanted possessions down there. However, before you start pack ratting, you should consider a couple of potential problems that may arise.

Flooding

As was mentioned earlier, flooding is one of the biggest problems you can encounter when trying to get some use out of your basement. Floods can happen very suddenly, and you wont always be around to recover valuable posessions when they occur.

Using a flood monitor will at least give some warning if a flood occurs when you are at home.

Elevating items on shelves, or using pallets and cinder blocks, may protect them from the main effect of any flood damages.

Storing items in waterproof bins will help to keep out both the water, and the moisture that will be left behind.

After a flood, a dehumidifier can be used to suck some of the damp air out of the room.
Mold

Whether a flood occurs or not, mold can become a problem in basements that suffer from damp air. To some extent you can stop the spread of mold by placing all cloth items into waterproof, airtight storage bins, however this may not be 100% effective.

If you do notice a mold problem in your basement it is important that you contact a trained professional. The presence of mold in the basement can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems even for people in rooms above the space.