- Basement
Basement Ideas and Designs
What type of home is suitable for a basement conversion?
A basement conversion is particularly suitable for urban homes on small plots and can offer the perfect solution for extending a terraced or semi-detached urban home. Whilst it is typically more costly to convert a basement than to complete a loft conversion or extension, for those that have already completed these renovations or where even more space is required, extending below ground can be the best option. The best candidates are homes with an existing cellar and it is just a case of deepening or expanding the existing space. If you don't have a cellar, a retro-fit basement can be created but a project of this magnitude will require additional time and money.
What room should I turn my basement or cellar into?
The proximity of the basement conversion to the living areas and internal infrastructure of the house make it ideal for additional living, recreational and utility rooms. It can also lend itself well to creating an entirely separate, self-contained annexe or apartment. If you’re just extending your house for some extra space to play with, the basement ideas you could have are the stuff of dreams: home gyms, snooker rooms, wine cellars, home bars and indoor swimming pools are among the most exciting uses.
How should I tackle a cellar or basement conversion?
The best thing to do is contact a professional to assess how feasible it will be to have a basement conversion or excavation in your home. There’s no point looking at lots of basement ideas if it would actually be structurally impossible to install a basement room. You should also check what permissions and consents you will need before beginning a project like this – a basement conversion can be very disruptive for you and neighbours so you need to make sure you are legally allowed to go ahead with the conversion first. Your chosen contractors will then need to underpin foundations for support, completely waterproof the basement and build in the internal walls. Then, all the finishing touches, staircases, flooring and electrics will need to be completed. Remember to consider internal balconies or mezzanines, as well as light wells and perhaps sunken terraces outside of the basement to introduce as much light as possible.
Start browsing through the photos on Houzz to get some basement ideas and inspiration. You can start saving your favourite photos to ideabooks and then contact professionals that have worked on projects you like.
Whether you want inspiration for planning a basement renovation or are building a designer basement from scratch, Houzz has 97,630 images from the best designers, decorators, and architects in the country, including + Gullaksen Architects and Wilson Lighting. Look through basement photos in different colours and styles and when you find a basement design that inspires you, save it to an Ideabook or contact the Pro who made it happen to see what kind of design ideas they have for your home. Explore the beautiful basement ideas photo gallery and find out exactly why Houzz is the best experience for home renovation and design.
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Gavin Cantley
Design ideas for a medium sized modern fully buried basement in London.
Lit ceiling. Doesn't look as good as I had hoped - giles_talbott
Petr Krejci
Design ideas for a contemporary basement in London with white walls and multi-coloured floors.
Shelves and frames on wall maybe Day room - webuser_876894569
New basement extension with living room, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, Utility & storage room. Full length Dinesen flooring (Douglas fir) throughout. The basement can be used as a self contained flat.
Wooden stairs & glass banister - catherinetony_oneill
This is an example of a contemporary basement in London.
- cupboard around tv
- lighting design around it - sk_255
IQ Glass UK | large basement below new build house in London
Large contemporary basement in London with white walls and light hardwood flooring.
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Small contemporary fully buried basement in London with grey walls and no fireplace.
How to maybe skrink the stair foot print? - alib668
Design ideas for a large classic basement in Salt Lake City with light hardwood flooring, no fireplace and brown floors.
basement - noel_kasembe
Nichole Kennelly Photography
Design ideas for a large rural fully buried basement in Kansas City with grey walls, light hardwood flooring and grey floors.
Simple. Potential for a wine cellar - emiily_lou
Daniel Wexler
Design ideas for a contemporary basement in Other.
very simple yet elegant! - adora_corpuz
Design ideas for a medium sized classic walk-out basement in Minneapolis with grey walls and carpet.
starwars - benjamin_welsh
Photo of a large farmhouse look-out basement in Detroit with grey walls, vinyl flooring and grey floors.
Partial for morning room - hayley_entwistle
Inspiration for a large contemporary fully buried basement in New York with dark hardwood flooring, grey walls and brown floors.
Hand rail and colour of the walls - paulgibbons
Photo of a traditional fully buried basement in Calgary with grey walls, carpet, a ribbon fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.
Not with full height cabinets but shows a contrast between the fireplace surround and the tv surround - maureenhare
Inspiration for a traditional basement in Chicago.
Creating a bar in the middle between columns - candytrigg
Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Construction Administration, Custom Millwork & Furniture Design by Chango & Co.
Photography by Jacob Snavely
Inspiration for an expansive traditional fully buried basement in New York with grey walls, dark hardwood flooring and a ribbon fireplace.
Darker colours for media unit/wall - catherinetony_oneill
Entertaining is easy with a large space like this basement. What's your favorite feature?
Photo of a classic basement in Atlanta with grey walls and dark hardwood flooring.
When you don't want to look at a door.....or want anyone to know there's a room behind. Just add a hidden door.....
Rustic basement in Ottawa with dark hardwood flooring and multi-coloured walls.
a wood wall!! haha simply brilliant use of materials to create something witty, but I feel wrong for your classic interior :) - webuser_456402698