Basements are often underutilized and can sit dormant for far too long because they don’t get the same design consideration that other parts of the home receive. I’m here to say now is the time to make your basement something magical! What’s wonderful about curating an interior design and color scheme for basements is the tremendous freedom and flexibility! As most basements sit disconnected from the surrounding rooms of the home, interior designers can implement completely unique choices that create a different aura from the rest of the home.
Whether you have a gorgeous, fully functional, furnished basement or something that could use some decluttering and color inspiration, as a color consultant, I’ve got basement color ideas to help you create a space that guests won’t want to leave!
Some people consider basements as a space to house clutter and maybe an old TV or refrigerator; this is far from the case. There’s tons of untapped design and functionality potential for basements, and even if you live in an older home that wasn’t designed for heavy basement use, there are still ways to bring a basement to life! Don’t think of your basement as a throwaway space – it is a significant amount of square footage just waiting for you to have fun with it!
While basements are great spaces for giant televisions, billiards, and a fridge with assorted ales, “man caves” are not the only good use of basement spaces. I’ve seen clients’ homes with gorgeous basements made into elegant wine cellars, art studios, children’s playrooms, even creative workspaces; the list goes on and on. I personally love basements that bring all types of activities and leisure space together into one incredibly beautiful space! The color choices are endless when you don’t pigeonhole your basement into a one-use space.
It’s quite interesting, and I’m not entirely sure where the idea came from, but I get asked a lot if basements need to have a theme. Now, when it comes to colors, I always remind people to focus on the emotional intention of the space and reflect deeply on what color arrangements have meaning to them. But, when it comes to themes, as in “should my basement be a 1930’s noir bar?” or “should my basement be a Tahitian island retreat paint studio?”, I highly suggest staying away from cultural, thematic, or location-based themes for interior design unless you’re ABSOLUTELY positive it’s something you’d want for the long term. I have some great ideas for what you can bring into your space. Read on.
Here are some of my recommendations for basement colors that will bring inspiration to the area of your home that is too often overlooked.
Deep Cool Tones and Hearty Wood Textures
I adore the look of rich wooded surfaces such as hardwood floors, bartops, bookcases, and even load-bearing foundations set juxtaposed to moody, rich blues, espresso browns, or even velvety charcoal grays. This design scheme is clean, modern, and yet somehow an “old-fashioned” look for a basement; it doesn’t define the space as too cheerful or too serious and work-oriented. I find this type of basement color arrangement great for people who are somewhat torn on how they see the space being utilized and want to leave it open for anyone to come in and enjoy at any time.
Create the space you’ve always longed for!
Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of a completely different style than the period of the first and second floors of your home. Upstairs you might be traditional, but downstairs in your lower level, you can be creative to your heart’s content! Do you secretly enjoy retro designs? A rough-textured stone wall that feels like you’re in a lodge up in the mountains? Is Mid-Century Modern furniture your vibe? How about sleek and contemporary? The square footage below your first floor is your place to make your statement, and now is the time to make it happen!
Earth Tones and Warm Neutrals
For something a little less lively and a bit warmer and somewhat traditional, I love the presence of earth tones in a basement. Picture walking into the basement and seeing dark oak bar tops and countertops, dark spirits illuminated with warm backlighting, deep forest green on the walls, and creamy white dressing the trim and accent pieces. It’s undoubtedly a slower pace and less energetic than alternative options but works wonderfully for relaxation, reflection, and decompression, an homage to nature.
Don’t be afraid to bring in color!
While decorating your basement, let’s go back to the idea that what is below your first floor doesn’t have to match the rest of your home. Have you ever wanted to add a velvet teal sofa? Here is where you can do that. Love rustic dark woods, or, to the other extreme, a whispery soft neutral color palette? Now is the time you can create that magical space you’ve always wanted. Think of it as a large apartment that you have access to every day, and you have free rein regarding color and design. Let yourself bring in colors or textures you’ve always wanted, and you will love the result, I promise you!
So, how do you feel about basements? Are they untapped spaces just begging for color and design inspiration? Or, do you prefer leaving them for more practical storage purposes? Please, tell me about your dream basement scenario! I’d love to hear about it.
