The basement is an entire floor of your house. Before starting a basement reno, be sure you have a strong, well-thought-out plan in hand before beginning the transformation.

Basements tend to give many people difficulties when designing and decorating since they tend to fall vicitim to excessive pattern syndrome, which we see repeatedly in basements. In order to avoid this "do not", here are some tips to make your basement renovation or makeover a little easier:

Lighting

Flush-mounted ceiling fixtures make already low basement ceilings seem lower. By installing low-voltage recessed lighting, your eye is directed to the area being highlighted and not upwards towards the ceiling.
When designing lighting plans for basements, place the lights along the perimeter, 12 to 18 inches away from the walls. If you have a small space, you'll be amazed to see how this seems to push your walls outward and make the space seem much larger.

Ugly fireplaces

Sometimes, previous the homeowner fancies themself as an amateur bricklayer and constructs a fireplace. Positioned at a quirky corner angle, it's an eyesore, rather than replacing the whole fireplace and costing alot of money, the fireplace can be painted, a simple mantle replace the ill-fitting surround and a new decorative fireplace screen obscures the view to the old, discolored gas insert.

Dated finishes

Basements tend to be the last room in the house to be renovate. To update, you don't necessarily need to rip everything out and start from scratch. Wood paneling can be primed and painted (white washed is always a great option), leaving a subtle striping effect, while new flooring can go right over old linoleum or tiles, provided they're sound and secure.

Flooring

Consider the function of your renovated basement when choosing flooring for the space: a playroom will benefit from a soft floor made from play mats or carpet while laminate or hardwood flooring will add warmth to a guest bedroom. Since basements are moisture-prone, be sure to prepare its sub-floor before installing whatever type of flooring you have chosen for the space.

Function

If you want a TV/entertainment area, old cabinetry can be removed and a new TV platform can be built (possibly at a 90-degree angle to the corner fireplace). Always keep your layout in mind.
Finally, a basement isn't supposed to be a dungeon, it is supposed to feel like another room in your home where your can go and relax! So, make sure to accessorize and give it the design flare it deserves!