Duncan Avenue Basement RenovationIndustrial Basement, Cincinnati
Basement Media Room
What Houzz contributors are saying:
Create an Industrial-Style Living Room1. Keep the ceiling exposed. This smart basement renovation reveals a key secret to enjoying a partially finished basement: Keep the ceiling open. We don’t all have the advantage of deep basements with high ceilings, and we need all the help we can get, height-wise. While there are some stylish drop-ceiling panels now available, keeping the ceiling joists open and painting them a bold color like black creates the illusion of depth, helping the ceiling to recede and become less noticeable. The added advantage is that your wiring is available to you without having to cut into drywall.Find a designer to help you partially finish your basement
How to test for radon. The least-expensive option is to buy a test kit that you use yourself at home. These simple kits, which come in either a short-term (fewer than 90 days) or long-term (more than 90 days) version, are easy to use and are widely available at home improvement stores. Following the instructions on your kit, place the tester in the lowest living area in your home (the basement if you use it; otherwise the first floor) and leave it in place for the time indicated. Keep the tester away from drafts and heat sources, and keep windows closed and fans off in the area during the test period. Once the time is up, reseal the test kit and send it in — you should get the results within a few weeks.
7. To conceal a mess. It can be tough to hide all the ductwork in a basement ceiling. Covering it with drywall can rob you of precious headroom (not to mention money). An inexpensive solution is to paint the whole thing black. It won’t eliminate the problem entirely, but it’ll make the mechanics far less prominent without lowering the ceiling’s height.
The exposure method works even in spaces with low ceilings. In this basement lounge area, a jet-black duct system adds depth to an otherwise closed-in space.
Duebber painted the exposed rafters black; they work well with the couple's contemporary tastes.
"My clients wanted something cool and not typical of suburban basement renovations," Duebber says. This worked to their advantage, as drywall ceilings and walls would have closed in the space and made it feel smaller. Plus, drywalling in front of foundation walls would have trapped moisture. Black painted rafters, ductwork and beams create the illusion of higher ceilings. "Painting the ceiling dark makes a huge difference psychologically," he says. "A coat of paint goes a long way."
What Houzzers are commenting on:
Black painted ceiling w/more modern industrial look
Ryan Duebber Architect, LLC
Donita Rhodes