Decorating A Basement On A Budget

Paint the walls and ceiling white to make a little basement look bigger.

A finished basement feels more like an upstairs oasis as it's packed with numerous amazing design ideas. Floating walnut shelves, a gas fireplace with a rolled-steel surround, and a textural shag rug are just a couple of the components that elevate the space.

Dark TV Area-Accessorize with affordable vintage finds.

It seems counter-intuitive to paint your cellar walls and ceiling in such a darkened hue, but stylist Arren Williams maintained the space bright with mood lighting. The undermount lighting in the high-gloss storage components highlights our collections, says Williams. This modern design has a manly sense without yelling out bachelor pad.

Refreshed Laundry Room

If you can't manage to move pipes, keep the sink and dress it up with a fabric skirt attached with double-sided Velcro. H&H design editor Sarah Hartill gave her basement laundry room a quick and effortless makeover by covering an old sink stand with a fairly floral skirt and adding a picture print rug to heat up the cold floor tile. A countertop constructed to fit over the laundry machines provides a folding surface, while easy stainless steel shelves shop various supplies.

High-Low Laundry Room-Dress up basic basement closets with vintage drawer pulls.

Designer Theresa Casey renovated her 600-square-foot basement to add an office, guest bedroom and luxe laundry space. She stored on affordable white lacquered cabinetry but additional classic grips, a marble counter tops, a pub wall along with a vintage ladder to make the utilitarian space seem unique.

Existing Storage-Use storage area beneath the stairs rather than building brand new cabinets.

In Tanya Linton's house, every spare corner is utilized for additional storage. With two little boys running around, baskets are ideal for hiding toys and knickknacks. In a little corner, a stack of books and magazines doubles as a side table into a painted chair.

Craft Area-Plan for multiuse corners to maximize functionality in a little basement.

This laundry room doubles as a storage room, craft area and wrapping centre. Cabinetry built along the walls opposite the appliances retains lightbulbs, batteries, extra garbage bags and other household supplies. A pegboard equipped with hanging containers and tiny sticks keeps craft and wrapping materials arranged while an adjoining corkboard exhibits inspirational photos for craft and reno jobs. Open shelves were put high on the walls to add storage space without creating the little room feel closed ; bins and baskets are used here to keep small items corralled.