Especially with a guest room down there, I think a bar is a good idea, think of it as a kitchenette, with a sink, small fridge and even a toaster oven. You could add a portable induction cook plate if necessary. What would make all this necessary? Guests, who can make their morning coffee without coming upstairs. Longterm guests or bounce-back kids. Having a party? Handy-dandy! Even if you're not using the basement for a party, the bar is great for storing partyware and chilling extra drinks, snacks, and the surprise cake. (And, of course, if you ever want to remodel your kitchen, you have a temp one already lol)

I can't decide if there should be a guest bedroom door by the stairs. Hmm, I go both ways in that.

thanks bpa, good points. The other place for a guest bedroom would be in the media room. I need to see if that works better.

A guest might not like sleeping next to the furnace...wait, that could work out well for you ;)

With the kids already in their teens....do you really want a gym? I've seen too many treadmills used as laundry support (LOL) but it's up to you :)

Here's an idea with the bar/kitchenette (including bar sink and undercounter fridge) and a little more storage.....that's not in the mechanical room.

Also...have you considered a fireplace? Maybe gas or even electric, with a big, flat screen TV over it and lots of media/book storage on either side? Just a few ideas....

hey wait a minute LL - I use my exercise room A LOT (dvd junkie here) and can't get my boys to use it at all. ;O It's not always just for the kiddos even though sometimes it feels like everything is!

I would want some storage down there. Workout room - storage for the various things used there. Game closet? Extra bedding? Rarely used large kitchen items you don't want IN the kitchen or pantry? Christmas decorations? Camping stuff? Left over paint, stain, tile, other building 'things'. Just a list of a few things we keep in ours in case that applies.

LL, thanks so much for the redraw... very nice place. The fireplace is an interesting idea. I just need to find one with a pass code to keep the girls from burning down the house.

Autumn , thanks for the input. Seem storage is a consensus item... the gym not so much but I don't need anymore excuses not to workout.

abick, lol;) there is definitely comfort in knowing I'm not alone. Interesting approach to have the entrance to mechanical and storage from the garage.

Mary-we have a stairwell in the garage that goes to the basement. It opens to the mechanical area. I do like it. Our exercise room was a must for me.", I hear ya.

I know Candace Olson (HGTV) uses all sorts of fireplaces, even some that burn 'sugar' I think. They're usually no-vent, decorative fireplaces....but there are also the electric fireplaces that give out heat.

While I love a wood-burning fireplace, in a kids' room...I think a more decorative one might be the answer. But it will still look cozy and give you a focal point on that wall, besides the TV....which is nice, especially if the windows aren't that large and don't bring in much view or natural light :)

LL, sounds wonderful... will need to investigate further:)