Design Tips For Upgrading A Previously Finished Basement

Eight Tips For Upgrading a Run-Of-The-Mill Finished Basement

Depending on where you live in the country, a finished basement might be a rarity or a must-have. Like all home trends, how you use your finished basement has changed throughout the years. For many, the finished basement serves as a playroom or a second family room that's perfect for watching the big game, a guest suite, or a gym. And like any other room in the house, the basement can become dated over time and need an update to bring it more into line with how we live today.

When it comes to keeping your finished basement fresh and functional, any updates you do often depend on how you're planning to use the newly refinished space. If you are considering additional storage space or building a wine cellar, your needs will be very different from converting the space from a playroom into an in-law apartment.

View Our Project - Updating and Renovating An Outdated Finished Basement

Moisture control is crucial for preventing mold and mildew. It's a smart idea to dehumidify your finished basement space. A portable dehumidifier works, but extending your home's existing HVAC into the space is better. Or you can include a ductless mini-split in the remodeling to handle the dehumidifying chores.

Here are some of the latest trends and a few ideas for bringing your dated, finished basement up to 21st-century living standards without breaking the bank!

1. Open Concept Design

a finished basement can often become the largest room in the entire house. it can be the perfect place for a large family gathering.

Older basements were often divided into multiple spaces like a home theatre, game room, and office. Today, homeowners are opting to bring the all-in-one open concept living space into the basement. This shift drives demand for airier entertainment space with room for game tables, movie watching, and the kid's toys. 

Gone are the days of the elaborate, restaurant-style built-in bar that are so 80s. Homeowners are opting for low-key beverage stations or pub tables that allow for a more open living experience. A popular trend is blending bar and lounge areas, for example, putting a high-top table and stools behind the couch. It feels less rigid than a formal bar and achieves the stacked style seating that is preferred in a media room.

2. Rustic Farmhouse-Inspired Details

Like the rest of the home, barn doors, distressed accents, and reclaimed wood are on-trend for basement updates. Homeowners are often choosing to carry design elements from upstairs into their basement. Today's trend for rustic farmhouse-inspired details has transitioned from the main living spaces down into the basement. 

3. Keeping Space Flexible

Along with the look of open space, homeowners enjoy the flexibility that a less compartmentalized basement can bring. Homeowners love that they can use the space as a playroom for the kids, and it can grow with the family. As kids get older, they'll need a space to hang out with their friends, and when the kids leave the nest, empty nesters can adopt the space for other use.

In a well-designed space, every element can perform double or triple duty. Toy cubbies can evolve into storage for luggage or sports gear. That spare bedroom can become a personal yoga studio. Get creative! To add flexibility, use deliberately adjustable anchor features like a Murphy bed or untethered dining tables to transform the space to meet your changing needs.

4. Moving Beyond Built-In Technology

this finished basement uses a large flatscreen tv rather than projection. the lighting is integrated within both the floating shelves as well as the ceiling lights. it uses a soft and soothing grey accent wall behind the tv.

The days of the rear projection TV and huge built-in speakers are over. Today, high-tech features are getting smaller, better, and wireless. Media rooms are getting smaller and sleeker. This is a popular upgrade and includes replacing big, bulky TVs with sleek, low-profile flat screens and soundbars and a few wireless rear speakers. Along with upgraded entertainment systems, decorators have begun incorporating more smart gadgets like smartphone-enabled lighting, security, and thermostat systems. 

5. Upgrade Lighting

Completely underground basements are dark. Proper light can make a big difference when creating a space where the family will want to spend time. Adding LED lighting under shelves and raking a fresh approach to track lighting (for example, curved tracks) can improve the comfort and usability of the space.

Accent lighting like wall sconces or pendants over the bar is sometimes used. Can lights remain popular and can point your eye away from how low the ceiling is. When it comes to the basement, design pros say brighter is better, especially if the basement has a lower ceiling and the dark winter days roll around. 

6. Going Gray

Another upstairs trend that has made it to the finished basement is the neutral color palette. However, traditional neutrals like beige and taupe are giving way to the gray color family. In comparison, white walls are still trending in the basement. This year, we're seeing a trend definitely featuring more grays on the walls, floors, couches, and other details. Try adding gray subtly. For example, a gray couch, backsplash, or floor tile can make your basement soothing and fresh.

7. Upgrade Flooring

luxury vinyl plank is the most popular finished basement floor in recent years. this basement was refinished to incluse a wet bar and wine cellar.

The days of shag carpet in the basement are long gone! Carpeting can be difficult to keep clean. If your basement doesn't have proper moisture control, it can be a breeding ground for mold. That being said, carpeting in the basement is still popular. However, today, more homeowners are opting for luxury vinyl plank flooring. It's waterproof, durable, and perfectly mimics wood flooring. While higher-end LVP isn't cheap, in general, LVT is an affordable and flexible option.

8. Fun Personalized Spaces

While TV areas and kid's playspaces are the most common finished basement projects, more homeowners opt for personalized spaces like wine cellars, gyms with saunas, party rooms, or spa-like bathroom retreats. Creating space where you can go and escape is becoming more popular with homeowners. Fun features include bookcase doorways to hidden rooms, small wine coolers, beverage centers, kegerators, and other fun features. These popular items don't have to break the bank and provide plenty of enjoyment for the whole family.

The Bottom Line on Updating an Older Finished Basement

For many homeowners, a finished basement is an extension of their main living space. Like the upstairs, your finished basement can benefit from an update. Whether it's a practical upgrade, like LVT or new lighting, or creating a personalized space bringing your basement into the 21st century is a great project that will pay off with years of enjoyment.

Working with a design-build-remodeling firm on a finished basement upgrade is a great choice. If you live in the greater Madison, Wisconsin area and are planning a remodeling project, give Abe at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel a call at (608) 846-5963. Their award-winning design team is ready to help you bring your basement into the 2020s and realize your creative vision. Contact us today and arrange a free consultation to discuss your upcoming project.

Additional Information On Finished Basement Remodeling

Finished Basement Flooring Ideas For Home Remodeling Projects

Undertaking a Finished Basement Remodeling Project

Designing a Bright, Inviting Home Office In A Finished Basement

What Is The Best Lighting Design For A Finished Basement?

This article was updated by Abe Degnan on 9/19/2022.