Our Basement Remodel Design Plan

We’re quite a few steps (read: all of the steps) away from being able to do finish work on our basement, but it hasn’t stopped me from dreaming about the design plan!

In case you’re new around here: we’re doing a full gut and remodel of our basement, including adding two bedrooms, a bathroom, a laundry room, living room, and more! We’re done with demo and now we’re planning the next steps which will include structural repairs, egress window installation, and waterproofing.

My goal is to keep it as bright as possible with a hint of “moodiness.” I’d love to have minimal decor and focus on the overall design of the space, from built-ins to lighting to wainscoting on the walls. Whether it’s board and batten or a picture frame moulding, wainscoting adds depth and interest to the walls without feeling too cluttered with decor. I am imagining warm white walls with olive/army green accents somehow- TBD!

Board and batten wainscoting by Studio McGee

Picture frame moulding via Ilaria Fatone

We’re going to install a gas fireplace, and I’m envisioning a tile surround with built-in bookshelves on either side. I’d love to incorporate white oak, whether it’s the entire built-in or just the shelving. We will have a small dry bar area that will match the fireplace built-ins and include a small beverage fridge, more shelving and built-in storage, and some wall sconces.

I’m planning on keeping things fairly neutral with a few pops of color- greens and blues mixed with white, black, brass, and gray. The design below is a jumping off point for where I’d like to take this space- I’m sure these won’t be our final sources, but this is what’s inspiring me for now! I cannot wait to bring this part of our home to life for the first time in years (or maybe, ever)!