Add Architectural Layers: Besides the lack of natural light, one of the reasons why basements are so unappealing is because they lack the architectural interest that the rest of our home has. Bringing in elements such as wooden beams, shiplap, or textured wallpaper is a great way to warm up the space and bring in visual interest.

Space by Noor Property Group  / Photo by Ryan Lahiff

Moments of Luxury: To make your basement feel more inviting, it’s important to incorporate elegant elements. In this example, the basement serves as a home for a family within the in-laws’ main home. They invested in steel framed glass doors and a gas fireplace to create a cozy and stylish living environment.

Space by Angela Robinson / Photo by Janis Nicolay

Natural Materials Are Key: Just like our upper levels, incorporating finishes and furniture made with natural materials will bring essential warmth to your basement. Even more so that we are dealing with areas with less natural light, connecting this space with nature through woods, stone, linens, and woven fibers is key.

Space by Axel Vervoordt / Photo by Cerruti Draime

Lighting, Especially Warm Lights Make The Difference: Think about your favorite bar or restaurant. It’s probably that at least one of them is dark and sultry. In fact, that space has likely been painted a moody color and filled with jewel toned velvets. Yet, it feels warm and enveloping, not cavernous and dreary. If you’ve been paying attention, you’ll realize that this difference is achieved through well-designed lighting. We don’t mean attractive fixtures, which is definitely a plus, but strategically placed, warm lighting. In basements, it’s key to ditch overhead lighting as the main source of light. Instead, invest in sconces, floor, and table lamps. Make sure that you are using bulbs with a high CRI (90 and above) that give off a warm not cold glow (less than 3000 Kelvins).

Space by Suzy Hoodless.

Invest In High Quality Millwork or Furniture: Perhaps you could use an extra work space where built in closets could be used to store your files. Or maybe you often host your family’s Thanksgiving weekends and having a bunk room for guests could be a godsend. So often we invest very little into the furniture and carpentry of our basements leading to un-desirable spaces that neither we nor our guests want to spend time in. Think about putting the work into your home’s lower level instead of considering an addition. In the end, you’ll invest less and can be pleasantly surprised by how making the effort can go a long way. You just doubled your guest capacity.

Space by Becki Owens