The Perfect Basement Remodel

Basements are rooms that often get passed over in renovation projects as people often opt to update more visible spaces. In reality, unfinished basements are like a blank canvas. They can be made into anything you dream from a cozy living room to a game room or bar. But before you decide which direction to go, spend some time really purging everything that is just taking up space so you can visualize what it would look like decluttered and what you'd like the space to be. Here are some ideas to turn a drab, unused storage basement into a spot everyone will want to hangout in.

Create a Modern Retreat

Stick with neutral colors and natural finishes like stone and wood to create a zen-like spa atmosphere. Decorate with candles, oversized chairs and cozy couches encourage lounging. The centerpiece should be an impressive mantel with minimalist decor like plants, greenery, and a photo or two.

The Man Cave

If you're living child-free, what better place than to stick the sleek media room? Add a pool table, fooseball, retro signs, black leather, and flatscreen tv and voila, a space the boys won't want to leave. New media consoles can come outfitted with electric fireplaces, beverage coolers and even wifi docking stations to simultaneously watch the game, pump out the tunes, charge your electronics, and hide all the wires and cords.

Playroom

Toys taking over your house? Give them a space of their own. Create Barbie's Dream House in pinks and pastels or a tough boy's room with trucks, trains and fire engines painted in primary colors. Is your child a daredevil? Go for a superhero theme complete with the Bat signal on the wall (big boys may think this is pretty cool, too). The key is to have many areas for hidden storage like closets, bins and shelving so everything has a place that isn't on the floor. Go for bold colors and fun patterns that can grow with the child as they age. After all, there's no fun in remodeling every year they pickup a new interest.