Any ideas on how to design our basement layout?

3 years ago

We are going to finish our basement this winter and would like some ideas on best layout. We don't have any plans on splitting the space up into multiple rooms, but instead would like to keep it as much of an open space as we can. With this decision, however, comes the dilemma on how to set up the open space in an efficient and practical way. We also don't know if we should do carpet is a portion to sort of break up the open area so it feels like separat designated areas.Our only "needs/wants" are a family room (with movie screen if we can figure out a layout), and a home school area. Other than that we don't really have anything we necessarily want, which is why we plan on just framing around the perimeter for the most part.

I've attached some pictures of the space now (sorry for the mess, it's currently just a giant kids playroom/storage area). I've also attached the prints to show the entire basement floor plan. Lastly, I've attached 1 possible layout idea we had that I made using a free online program. The sectioned off portion shown in the rendering is for a bathroom, the mechanical room, and a small gym or storage area. Thank you for taking the time to give any input!

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Comments (9)

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Debbi Washburn
3 years ago
Is your hot water heater gas fired? I would not want a work out room in the same space due to fumes unless you install some sort of exhaust.

For the floors, I would do a luxury vinyl in the whole living space, then just do area rugs where you want definition. Since you aren't creating rooms, I would just play with furniture sizing and placement so you can figure out where to run electrical and things for the tv. Make sure to decide the size of the tv and then figure the placement of the sofa so you don't wind up not being able to sit far enough away.

If there ever may be a time where you want to close of the movie area, you may want to consider a large opening between 2 spaces with barn doors so you could separate the spaces if need be.

Good luck!
functionthenlook
3 years ago
My son did both hard and carpet. The kitchenette area with table is vinyl for crafts and messy play. The play and TV watching area are carpeted. Basment floors are cold 🥶 in the winter unless they are carpeted.
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fnmroberts
3 years ago
You have a good conceptual beginning. Are you DIY ’ing the space or hiring? In either case you need to envision need for utilitiy (electricity/heat/humidity/water & plumbing/gas). We finished ours many years ago. There are useful computer design tools to assist now but some basic concepts still apply.

Develop an usage plan - storage, bathroom, office, kitchenette, entertaining/AV area. We placed masking tape on the floor to represent walls, permanent fixtures, lighting/switch/plug placement. Then we ”lived” the space, adjusting as necessary. Color helps define various areas within a greatroom concept.

Here’s a visual that may offer some ideas.

https://youtu.be/3FqMEqaf0-I
kl23
3 years ago
You can use area rugs to identify spaces, no need for carpet. Will you use radiant heating under the flooring to keep it from chilling you in winter?
thinkdesignlive
3 years ago
I’d encourage you to put the homeschool area near the big window. Keep the TV area in the darkest area.
kl23
3 years ago
I would enlarge the bathroom to provide room for a shower after the workout and a little hanging space for a change of clothes.
kl23
3 years ago
I would want more storage space, built in shelves and floor space for bulky items. Are your built-in cabinets sufficient for you though?
kl23
3 years ago
I also think it is important to connect the style of this space to the rest of the house. Connect with style (traditional, contemporary), theme (nature, beach, southwestern) and colors.
Silvia Punta
3 years ago
KL said it best