10 Best Basement Remodeling Ideas for Gaining Space & Storage

Farmhouse Style Basement Remodel

Who would have ever thought that when my friends Amy and Guy asked me to design their upcoming basement remodel that it would become my most popular project to date!  I am so excited to be partnering with Extra Space Storage today and share creative ways to maximize your space. Here are my 10 tips for gaining space and solving a whole lot of storage problems. Let’s dive into how you can turn untapped square footage into a stylish functional living space with 10 of the best basement ideas!

1. Maximize Square Footage in Basement

Once we found out that the small closet and post that closed off under the stairs was not load bearing we opened it all up and built a cozy little reading nook.  Not only is is a quiet place to hang out but the twin bed platform is perfect for sleepovers. The before was dark, small and blocked light to the nearby bathroom. 

2. Ideas for Creating a Drop Zone

Collect and keep organized anything important you need before you head out the door. Hooks, wall pockets and a mail organizer hold important papers, mail, and keys. We tucked in  a small open bench seat for putting on/taking off shoes and boots. In addition, the seat is a drop zone for groceries, sports bags and purses. A wire basket holds house shoes and slippers. 

 We opened the separating wall as far as we could without interfering with plumbing to allow as much natural light as possible to flood in. Just beyond the entry an awkward small space with low clearance becomes a closet with doors. Rather than having several small area carpets we had a custom commercial grade carpet cut and bound to stop all dirt and snow before entering the main room.

3. Designated Personal Spaces

Amy and Guy’s three boys all participate in multiple sports so there is a fair share of sporting equipment, backpacks, and shoes. It was important to keep everyone’s belongings separate. In their basement remodel each family member got their own cubby.  All cubbies have multiple hooks for backpacks and jackets, a space below for boots and shoes, and a top shelf with a personalized basket for hats, mittens, and electronics. A large wire basket contains extra sporting equipment. 

4. Small but Stylish Entertaining

It doesn’t take much to carve out space for entertaining.  It was a long way upstairs to get something to drink so removing this closet and replacing it with a small dry bar kitchenette with a beverage refrigerator was the way to go. This 6 foot span may be small on space but far from small on style. Custom made cabinetry with metal mesh doors and interior lights give a glow and cast graphic shadows to the interior.  A trip to the granite supplier paid off with a remnant soapstone counter and multi faceted hexagon tiles bounce light and highlight the countertop and barware. 

5. Compact Dining and Workspace

Amy, Guy, and the boys needed a space to eat, watch TV and do homework. We eliminated the space that a large table and chairs take up and created this counter bar height pub table that snugs up to the back of the sectional. Four rustic farmhouse inspired stools tuck neatly under the table for when not in use.   This basement remodel spot gets used a lot on football game days! These basement ideas can also be used in the main living area.

6. Repurpose Useful Furniture 

Sometimes you have just the right piece of furniture but it might need some TLC. We updated this hand-me-down sofa table of Amy’s and gave it a fresh coat of white paint. It’s conveniently tucked it in between the kitchenette and dining bar. Most importantly, it is an ideal spot to serve snacks, organize entertaining essentials and and keep any miscellaneous items at neat and contained.

7. Sneak in Drawers

I’ve never heard anyone say that they have too much storage in a basement remodel . Get creative when looking for basement ideas for extra spaces to stash away items. Instead of opting for a box spring for this daybed area I designed a platform bed with drawers. These extra deep drawers hold all the boys video games, books, extra blankets and linens for sleepover parties.  TIP:  In a nearby closet stash a rolling cart containing small game pieces and art supplies. Pull out and you’ll have everything at hand. 

8. Message Center Gallery Wall

The days of the ordinary chalkboard for messaging is long gone. Now getting your message across has never been more fun. There was a thermostat smack dab in the middle of a small wall as soon as you came down the stairs. I camouflaged it by creating a gallery wall using a light up white board bubble quote, a magnetic pencil holder, whimsical art, plaques and a message board. 

9. Eliminate Door Swings with Sliding Barn Doors

The space that a door takes up to swing can pose challenges with a rooms flow and furniture placement. Spaces get congested and some doors just stay open most of the time. We not only added style but saved space by adding this sliding barn door to the weight room at the bottom of the stairs. Barn door hardware is affordable and add a unique look while breaking up a wall or room filled with identical looking doors. 

10. Contain Clutter with Baskets, Boxes, and Trays

Today containing clutter has never been more stylish. I layered on texture with embossed copper and wooden trays, fabric covered boxes, and wicker and wire baskets. I always include a tray in my designs. They are a way to add color AND functionality. We used this global inspired tray and keep it on a gray linen tufted ottoman.  When we need more seating the tray gets moved to the bar. It also is a perfect place to store all the gaming pieces, magazines, coasters and remotes. 

When its time to host a gathering all the placements, linens, serving pieces and flatware are all in one convenient spot. 

Prior to this renovation it was tough to get the boys and their friends to spend time downstairs. Now there’s more than enough room for everyone in the family to have their own space to sprawl out and enjoy. Like a challenging puzzle, designing a useful basement takes time and thoughtful preparation. Tapping into your existing square footage and transforming it into a family friendly space takes creativity but can be achievable with smart planing and a creative team of contractors. In need of more storage solutions or beautiful spaces? For more basement remodeling ideas visit the Extra Space Storage blog or head on over to their Instagram feed for loads of inspirations and feel free to leave a comment with any questions or useful basement ideas that you have incorporated into your basement! 

xox Amie

Super awesome photography by Kristin Lynn Photo + Design.