Posted on: February 11, 2009
Basement Basics
For the beginner DIY enthusiast, the basement is a great place to test your skills
By Carley Ribet
CTW Features
Image courtesy istockphoto
When taking on the exciting, yet challenging task of any do-it-yourself project, it's important to think about which rooms are best suited for your abilities.
Since the basement is not directly visible to visitors, it's a place that can be a work-in-progress for a longer period of time. In addition, depending on the size and functionality of your basement, there are several projects that you can jump into today - just make sure your tool belt is handy.
For the basic DIY-er, a fresh paint job is a place to start. "Basements tend to be kind of dark, so use a lighter color palette to try and liven up the room," says Lori Stueckrath a designer at Absolute Design Interiors in Omaha, Neb. Since basements are typically underground, a lack of natural lighting can be a problem. Decorating with lighting is another way for you to spruce up the living space in the basement.
"Lighting is always a huge issue in the basement, so instead of trying to wire some lighting, think about some nice floor lamps for the space," Stueckrath says.
Flooring is another area that is unique for the basement. Because it tends to get colder in the basement, and there is an increased chance of flooding, you should avoid hardwood flooring. According to Cathleen Stewart, owner of Stewart Designs in Acton, Mass., the best flooring for the basement is laminate flooring.
In many cases, the basement is also a great place for creative projects and crafts. "Turn it into a craft room," Stewart says.
"Leave concrete floor, and you could do an acid stain on the concrete. Use it as a play space or art space, and you don't have to be concerned about getting paint on the carpet." In other instances, you might want to use the basement for storage, even if it is finished.
"The basement is pretty much limitless," Stueckrath says. "In addition to storage space, you can have a home theater, bar area, play room or exercise area. It just depends on what your specific lifestyle is."