Just like that we are heading into fall.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t sound like we will be attending football games and tailgates anytime soon. I have had the opportunity to work with many families to create spaces for watching sports and entertaining by finishing their basement. Here are some ideas if you are looking for more useable space for fun in your home.
TV Area
This is perfect for creating a viewing area for adults and kids to get away from the main living space of the home. Our clients typically select an oversized television, multiple televisions, or sometimes a projection screen, along with a surround sound system and comfortable furniture to create a relaxing space.
Bar
I always recommend if there is going to be a bar that it can seat at least four people. It is also a nice feature to have an extra television. This becomes a great space for conversation and allows elevated seating for a better view of the activities happening in the space.
Game Area
Whether it is area for a billiards table, ping-pong table, foosball table, poker table or arcade games; having activities for family and friends keeps them engaged and wanting to spend more time in the space. Which is also perfect if you want your kid’s hangout to be at home.
Kid Zone
Creating a smaller room for kids is the perfect attempt to keep their toys in a separate area, or at least it creates space to put their things away. This also becomes a place for them to do arts and crafts, play video games and watch their own shows. Keep in mind, kids love little nooks with lower ceilings. Do you remember making a fort out of cardboard boxes when you were a child? When you are thinking about this space also think about the scale of the room. Children are half the size of an adult or smaller, which can make them feel like the space is a great room with a 16’ ceiling rather than a comfortable area; it will be overwhelming to them and the space won’t get much use.
Workout Room
Many of my clients enjoy having their own workout room with just enough space for some weights, a bench, and a cardio machine. Just two or three activities allow for variety and the ability to get in a great work out at home.
Bathroom
Needing an additional bathroom in the basement really depends upon how close an existing bathroom is located, and if the basement will accommodate a sleeping space. If the floor plan allows, it is always nice to have a bathroom on every level of the home that has living space. Adding a small shower also provides flexibility for how the basement may be used in the future.
Storage
Don’t forget that while it’s amazing to have additional finished square footage in your home, you still need to maintain some space for storage, along with the furnace, water heater, utilities and sump pump. This is the perfect opportunity to think about how much stuff you have and how much you really need to keep.
While 2020 has up ended all of our lives on some level, it has also given us the opportunity to reflect on how our homes can function better for our lifestyles. I hope these tips help you create the perfect oasis to allow more space for family, friends, relaxation and fun!
