These days, countless homeowners are investing in their basement’s functionality and comfort, finishing, renovating, and decorating their subterranean spaces. But it’s safe to say that today’s average finished basement has changed completely from basement styles of past decades. Now, there are virtually countless ways to customize your finished space and turn it into an area you look forward to spending time in. Here are just a few of the top basement design trends to look out for in 2019.

Natural Lighting

Natural lighting is growing in popularity for any room in the home, but it’s particularly beneficial for bringing out the best elements of a basement that may otherwise appear dark and drab, even with sufficient indoor lighting. One simple way to increase the amount of natural light in your basement is to install an egress window, which, in many cities, is required for an emergency exit escape route. If indoor lighting is a bigger priority for your stylistic taste, consider installing modernized recessed lighting, which is best for basements with low ceilings. Lighting up your basement is crucial to bringing the space to life.

Taller Ceilings

As mentioned, many basements have lower ceilings, which may limit certain options for windows and light fixtures. If you have the budget, one amazing way to bring life to your basement is to raise its ceilings, allowing for more renovation options both now and in the future. Raising the height of the ceiling creates a much more aesthetically pleasing and functional space that doesn’t feel as cramped or closed in. Essentially, it helps to make your basement feel more like the rest of the home. Of course, each basement is different, and this option may not be viable for all homes. That being said, it’s usually worth looking into if you’re considering a major renovation anyway.

Segmented Spaces

Finally, if your basement is large enough, it’s easy to design it in such a way that creates separate areas for certain functions. For example, you can set up a laundry nook on one side of your basement while using a separate area for entertainment or additional sleeping quarters. You don’t necessarily need to have a basement that has a naturally segmented look; you can separate the space artificially using curtains or a similar divider. Looking at your basement as a series of different spaces as opposed to one big space helps you to take full advantage of its functionality and comfort. If you have the budget, it’s more affordable than you think to even construct a separate bedroom in your basement, or perhaps a kitchenette for an in-law apartment. There are endless possibilities when it comes to maximizing the space you’re working with.

These trends can be customized and personalized based on your style and budget, but regardless of your renovation plans, you should always take some time to inspect your basement’s risk for flooding and water damage before getting started. This helps to avoid some potentially serious water issues down the road.

“Before beginning any basement construction, it is necessary to check for water issues or damage. Check the interior floor and walls, and step outside to make sure the exterior of the foundation is in good shape. Inspect downspouts and gutters for debris in order to keep moisture away from the basement,” writes Caroline Shannon-Karasik on HGTV.

But once you’ve ensured that your basement is in good shape for a reboot, you can begin renovating and truly start to bring your basement visions to life.

Author bio:

Austin Werner is the President of Real Seal LLC, a basement waterproofing company based in Schaumburg, IL. Real Seal is committed to personalized and expedited service and, of course, dry basements!

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