How to elevate a lower-level space
The downstairs family room in our raised ranch was a primary reason we bought the house in 1985. We envisioned it to be a gathering place for family and friends.
However, it never happened because it was never big enough to be a game room, we couldn't seem to seat more than four with a TV, and the room was too cool for comfort in the winter. It's also where all the cables for TV and internet come into the house.
We tried to freshen it up in 1987 by painting the paneling, but the popcorn ceiling and stucco walls, along with the original carpeting, still shout 1970s. Our son used it for his place of refuge but he recently moved out, making it available for us to envision once again … but we desperately need help. We have lived here so long we can't seem to see the potential that this space has anymore, but dearly want to use it again and make it a place to watch a movie/sports or just read a good book and listen to music.
Design by Yonan Carpets
Budget: $3,000
Basements can be a tough room to decorate. Often they turn into kids' toy rooms and random storage areas with boxes or holiday items. We like to the call the basement "the second family room" and it deserves a stylish flooring.
Suggestions:
• Luxury vinyl tile or plank is one of the fastest growing floors in the floor covering industry. This is not your grandmother's vinyl. LVT has stylish patterns that resemble the look of hardwood or tile. The options are endless with hand scraped looks and wide plank boards. This is a floor for life that can be glued or floated over your existing concrete floor. Many options are completely water proof and can be salvaged if there is ever water damage.
• Add an area rug to warm the space and define the sitting area.
• Carpet is also a great options for basements. Naturally insulating over concrete floor, carpet and cushion will warm the space.
• Consider a large-scale pattern that will make the room appear larger. The basement does not normally get the soil and high traffic as the first floor, so going with a lighter color can help open up a space with less natural light.