Many new homes are built without finishing the basement to save on time and expenses. This space is often relegated to storage and laundry, but many homeowners will seek to get more out of their basement at some point. Most basements are a blank slate, which means the sky is the limit when it comes to design options. Basement remodeling can increase a home’s value and create additional living space, and it is the perfect place to explore concepts that might not fit well in the main living space of the home. A finished basement can also help a home to stand out among others in a competitive buyer’s market.
Top Northern VA Basement Remodeling Trends
Northern Virginia has seen some exciting trends when it comes to basement remodeling lately that extends far beyond the typical storage room or office. Many of the area’s basements are being transformed into fun spaces where families and guests can spend time together. These projects can be surprisingly affordable, while those with bigger budgets can implement more complex ideas. Here is a look at some of the top trends in Northern Virginia basement remodeling:
Basement With An Open Concept
Open-concept layouts are very popular in homes these days, and the basement is no exception. In contrast with traditional layouts where each room is closed off from the others by walls, this design creates large spaces where people can pass freely between areas. Modern buyers tend to favor the look and feel of open floor plans. Because basements tend to be expansive, they are well-suited to an open concept.
This is a particularly popular option in basements that will be used for entertaining as it can provide a nice flow between a game room, sitting area, and bar. This approach can also help smaller basements appear larger, and it gives them more room because they will not have to lose any square footage to walls. Opting for an open-concept layout also makes it easier to change the purpose of the room in the future.
Enclosed Theatre Rooms
Basements are also well-suited to creating media rooms. Some homeowners opt to create an enclosed theater room to take advantage of the fact that basements do not generally have windows. A large basement wall is an ideal place to set up a projector for big-screen viewing. These theaters often feature enhancements such as plush reclining seats, enclosed walls, LED floor lighting, and surround sound systems.
Many home theaters use a dark color scheme to lend a more authentic theater experience and create better lighting conditions for viewing the TV screen, while a drop ceiling may be added to enhance the acoustics of the room. Some home theaters incorporate a small stage area with a curtain in front of the screen where children can perform for the family.
Finished Guest Bedrooms
Homeowners who have frequent guests are increasingly choosing to create a finished guest bedroom or full guest suite in their basement. These spaces give out-of-town visitors a private space to stay where they can be comfortable for an extended period of time without interrupting the family space. In full guest suites, many Virginia homeowners are adding bathrooms, lounge areas, and even kitchenettes to provide their guests with all the comforts of home.
Personal Home Gyms
The vast open space of a basement makes it a great location to set up a personal home gym, and many homeowners appreciate the fact that unsightly gym equipment can be kept away from the decorated areas of the main house. Putting the gym in the basement allows people to work out without the distractions they might find in other parts of the home.
Home gyms can be set up in basements of all sizes, with larger basements being able to accommodate a series of workout machines. Some people are even incorporating a home spa in the area with a sauna, steam shower, and massage area.
Dedicated Sports Rooms
Families that enjoy playing sports are turning the basement into a sports room. The options here are limited only by the size of the space. Some homeowners are placing a small putting green, free-throwing basketball hoop, pool table, dartboard, ping pong table, or foosball table in the basement, where people can get as enthusiastic as they want without disturbing others in the home. This might be combined with a home gym or a media wall to continue the theme and watch sports on TV. A bar is a nice touch in a sports room if space allows.
Home Mini Bars
A basement is a great place to build a bar with a lounge area for entertaining guests. A bar is a feasible option even when the budget or space is small. A full bar or a wet bar can be combined with a kitchenette for preparing snacks.
Some homeowners are taking advantage of the lack of natural light in basements to create a pub atmosphere for their bar, complete with lighting and music. Craft beer hobbyists are turning roomier basements into their own home brewery, while many wine aficionados are incorporating wine cellars into the space.
Play Nooks For Kids
Families with children can take advantage of a basement to create a fun place where kids can hang out and be as energetic as they wish, even while others in the house or sleeping or working. Some might devote just part of the basement, such as the area under the stairway, to a private nook for kids to enjoy. Others are transforming the entire space into an area just for kids appointed with bean bag chairs, craft areas, games, and even small ride-on toys. Soft flooring can be used to enhance safety and absorb sound. Built-in storage provides plenty of places for kids to stow their many belongings and reduce clutter throughout the rest of the home.
Reach Out To A Professional Basement Remodeling Contractor
Across Northern Virginia, homeowners are finding increasingly creative ways to decorate their basement, providing extra living space and adding value to their homes. If you are interested in turning your basement into a useful space, reach out to the professional basement remodeling contractors at Dirt Connections to learn more about the process. Call us at (703) 940-9949 or contact us online today.
Summary
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