So, it's time to finish or remodel your basement. While there are many uses for a finished basement, one of the most convenient is as a lounge. A basement lounge can be a place to entertain informally, hang out with the family or just get away from it all. Make your basement lounge a place everyone enjoys escaping to.

Determine the Purpose

Every room needs to have an overriding purpose. Is your basement lounge going to be for playing pool and drinking beer? Is it the type of place where you corral the kids with games and activities? Do you dream about workstations for all your hobbies? The first step in planning your finished basement is dreaming about what needs you want it to meet.

Evaluate the Space

Dream big, but obviously your ideas need to be grounded in reality. Basements often have difficult geography that includes furnaces, hot water heaters and ductwork. Your basement plan needs to take these elements into consideration, though they're certainly not deal-breakers. For instance, furnaces and hot water heaters can be enclosed in their own rooms, as they would if they were on the main floor. With ductwork, Home Garden TV suggests framing around it. For instance, have a tray ceiling installed to conceal the ducts.

Enhance Light Elements

A common complaint with basements is that they're dark, and no one wants to linger in dark areas. Your basement lounge should make good use of whatever windows are available. Consider transforming them into alcoves for lounging. Likewise, hang mirrors so they catch the light and reflect it back into the space. You can even replace solid interior doors with ones featuring glass, which further refracts light. A brighter palette for the walls also increases the feeling of light. Contact a local company, like Property Service Agency LLC, for more ideas.

Decide Where to Splurge

At a certain point in the construction, you'll have to decide if you want to splurge on materials or design. This is where you refer back to your basement's lounge purpose. If you plan on hosting a lot of casual parties, giving the bar a pub feel might be the right upgrade. If the space is mostly for family time, you'll probably want to invest in a home theater. Since the space is primarily for lounging, you can definitely save by selecting standard materials over upgrades.

Furnish the Basement

The last step is the fun one – furnish the basement. Furniture will be comfortable, of course. Have fun with the décor since the space is more personal. Use the basement lounge as a showcase for your college music collection. Hang up your hunting trophies, showcase your flea market finds or pay homage to your favorite sports teams. A basement lounge is just the space to let your personality shine through.

Once you've completed your basement lounge, it'll become your home's retreat.

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