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Having a finished basement in your home is an excellent way to increase the amount of living space you have. It can transform a rather small home into something that feels much more spacious and allows you to really spread out. When you first finished your basement there is no doubt that you put time and effort into creating a space that made sense for your needs and also looked great, but over time the basement décor and design ages and wear and tear start to show.
So, if you’ve reached the point where your basement is no longer that welcoming, trendy, and inviting space you once envisioned, then it’s likely time for some modern updates and some renovations. Here’s a look at some of the most effective steps you can take.
Ensure the Basement Is Properly Waterproofed
Before you even get started on any updates or renovation projects, you need to be sure that the basement has been properly waterproofed. You don’t want to go through the time, energy, and money of a makeover project only to discover you have water leaking in, which then forces you to rip up everything you’ve just done. This is also a great time to fix any existing damage that has been caused by water damage. Simply covering up the issue isn’t a fix, and you can bet you will continue to have issues until it is properly addressed.
For those with a wet basement, one that has mold problems, or a musty smell, contact a company like Superior Basement Water Control & Remodeling. Its basement waterproofing services ensure that whatever money you plan on investing in your basement renovation won’t go to waste. They can assess what needs doing and keep your home or business free from water. Dampness, high humidity, and leaking water are serious issues that can lead to a lot of problems down the road.
Install All New Lighting
For many homeowners, the basement doesn’t have the same amount of natural light as the above-ground floors do. Even if you have a partially raised basement, you still don’t get that full amount of sunlight. This is exactly why lighting has such an impact on the space.
In terms of what light fixtures to use, you obviously want something modern that adds to the overall décor but it should also offer enough light for the space. It can also be helpful to install lighting that can be directed at dark spots and corners such as track lighting where you can change the direction of the light.
Besides overhead lighting, you can also make use of table and floor lamps, and even wall sconces.
New Flooring Will Transform the Space
If you’re looking to create a big impact, you will want to consider installing all new flooring. This is your opportunity to use a different type of flooring, or you can use the same material just in a different color or finish. Flooring grounds the space, it ties the design together, it can make the area feel more open and bright, and really add a touch of elegance to your basement.
As for what flooring you should pick, that comes down to budget, your personal tastes, lifestyle, and how long you want it to last. The most common types of flooring for basements include carpet, laminate, tiles, and hardwood flooring. You may want to try looking at samples of a few different materials and get some comparison quotes to help you come to the best decision for your home.
Keep in mind when it comes to what color or finish to pick, generally, the lighter the color, the more open and modern the space will feel. Dark colors can make the space feel a bit closed in, which isn’t necessarily what you want in your basement.
It’s Time for a Fresh Coat of Paint
Of course, you can’t talk about updating a finished basement without also discussing a fresh new paint color. This is the easiest, fastest, and cheapest way to create maximum impact. The paint alone can age a basement and have it feeling like something out of the history books rather than a modern home décor and design magazine.
In terms of the trending basement colors for 2021, some of the standout colors include crisp clean white, pale grey, lavender, soft mossy green, light blue, and greige (a mix of grey and beige). The good news is that all of these color palettes act as neutrals, so you can pair a variety of different pops of color with them.
Hang Some Wall Art to Add Sophistication to the Space
Wall art is something that doesn’t need to be reserved for the upper floors in your home; it also looks beautiful in the basement. This can help you to create a design theme or color palette, add interest to the space, and give it that modern look. There’s no need to purchase “what’s trending” – pick art that makes sense with your existing furniture and color palette.
Trick the Eye with Expertly Placed Mirrors
If you find that your basement suffers from a lack of space and you want to make it look more open and bright, try using mirrors to trick the eye. This is a technique professional designers use all the time to create a sense of space in a smaller room. In order for this trick to work best, though, you want to use oversized mirrors to have more of a dramatic effect. That can include framed mirrors that you hang or even large framed standing mirrors that are expertly placed in the room.
Declutter – a Free and Impactful Update
The final tip will make the budget-minded homeowners really happy as this tip is free. One of the best ways you can make your basement feel modern, fresh, open, and bright is to do a massive declutter. Getting rid of all those unused items will instantly spruce up the space.
A Basement You Look Forward to Spending Time In
By using each of these tips, you’ll be able to update and modernize your finished basement, which will prompt you to spend a lot more time in it.