Tag Archives | Designs

Basement Ceiling Ideas From Cove to Fiber Optic Embedded

The Drop Ceiling: The best way to make the basement feel like any other space in the house would be to use a drop ceiling. This will create a cozy setting, and also allows for recessed lights to be fitted (Design Guide: Basement Lighting Ideas and Options). A more stylized version of a drop ceiling would be a cove ceiling, which has light fixtures hidden away but bounces light onto the ceiling and into the room creating a grand setting – and making the room feel larger just like in picture (1). Or how about breaking up a basement layout by having a multi layered drop ceiling like in picture (2).

Unfinished: For unfinished basement ceilings, painting the beams, piping, wiring, and anything else up there one color will create a uniform look as seen in picture (3). For more ideas on what to do with an unfinished basement: Unfinished Basement Ideas For Making the Space Look and Feel Good.

Finished: Simply painting the ceiling is one idea (have a look at our post here for color combinations: A Palette Guide To Basement Paint Colors). To get a bit more advanced you can go for a textured painted effect as seen in picture (4). For example you can create a marble look by sponging the paint, or create a linen texture with a special brush.

Large beams in a finished basement can also be painted. To add more style, crown molding can be fitted around them just like in picture (5).

Other Basement Ceiling Ideas: Other ceiling design options include having exposed wooden beams for a more rustic feel (Rustic Décor Ideas For a Basement) or use wooden panels. If you are planning on having a home theater in the basement, soundproofing the ceiling would be a good idea as well as having a fiber optic constellation ceiling – seen in picture (6) and in our Designs and Ideas For a Basement Home Theater post. 1/2/3/4/5/6

February 7, 2013 in Basement

Design Guide: Basement Bathroom Ideas

(1) The biggest decision when it comes to designing a basement bathroom will be whether to go for a half bathroom which is made up of a toilet and a sink, or to go with a full bathroom which includes a shower/bath. Unless space is a major issue, adding a shower doesn’t add too much to the cost of the remodeling – as one of the major expenses is the plumbing work (which is needed anyway for the sink and toilet).

(2) Going with a vanity sink (pictured) vs. a pedestal sink saves space and adds storage below the sink area.

(3) Built in shelving is another space saving design idea.

(4) Other basement bathroom ideas include incorporating a laundry space. Since the plumbing is already being planned when doing a basement bathroom, a laundry area in the bathroom (or as a room itself in the basement (Design Ideas For That Perfect Basement Laundry Room)) would be a great add on.

(5) Large mirrors will make the small space feel larger (as well as using bright paint colors on the walls (A Palette Guide To Basement Paint Colors)).

(6) Lighting is another design element that can make the bathroom feel larger. A go to choice is recessed ceiling lights. The most important area in a bathroom to light is the space around a mirror. The best way of lighting this is to have one light on each side of the mirror (pictured) and even one above the mirror shining down. In the daytime nothing will beat daylight shining through the windows. You’ll want to go with frosted or block windows for privacy.

(7) When it comes to the floors, options include tile, concrete or vinyl (Flooring Ideas For a Basement). 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8

14 Different Room Ideas For a Basement

February 6, 2013 in Basement, Bathroom

Looking at Basement Kitchen Ideas and Designs

One of the main things to consider when looking at basement kitchen ideas and photos, like the ones above, is the general layout and style you want. Since most basement kitchens are accompanied by a family room, the best designs tends to be open planned. Some ways to divide the space include using a countertop which can also double as a bar (8 Different Basement Bar Ideas and Designs) or having a small kitchen island.

Other design elements that will determine the style of the kitchen are the cabinets and the walls. When it comes to the walls you can simply have it painted or have a textured finish using stone or tiles (A Palette Guide To Basement Paint Colors), (Decorating Basement Walls: Ideas from Stamped Concrete to Chalkboard Paint).

When it comes to lighting, the same applies to any kitchen lighting design. You want to have lighting focused around any work areas. So under cabinet lights that shine down onto countertops are great, as well as pendant lights hanging over a kitchen island or bar countertop. An alternative idea would be to use track lights which can have each individual light angled to a specific area.

Side Note: If you are planning a remodeling of a basement and looking to have a kitchen installed, which will require plumbing work, why not add in laundry room (if you have space) and have all the plumbing done at once (Design Ideas For That Perfect Basement Laundry Room). 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9

14 Different Room Ideas For a Basement

February 6, 2013 in Basement, Kitchen

Deck Design Ideas and Styles Mood Board

(1) For outdoor decor ideas such as using rugs, planters or ponds have a look here (Deck Decor Ideas Mood Board). (2) The pictures above show a range of deck design ideas – when it comes to planning to build a deck there is the choice of a multilevel, round, floating (on a pool or lake), platform, or patio deck design.

(3) For lighting design ideas see our post here (Home Deck Lighting Ideas Mood Board). (4) From pergolas to table umbrellas and trees, check out our post here for different ideas for covering your deck. (5) The type of railing you choose (Deck Railing Ideas and Styles) will set the styling of your deck. The staining color of your flooring will also play a major role in the style and look of your deck as seen in picture (6). 1/2/3/4/5/6