Make your basement a comfortable place to be.

Marilena Tricarico, host, speaker, and content produce at EspaceProprio, shares her advice for undertaking a small or large basement makeover.

Starting on the right foot

You can build the most beautiful basement, but if it smells damp, is poorly insulated, and poorly soundproofed, no one will want to spend time there. That's why, even before getting out the rollers and paint, you should call in experts for a fix. Take this time to think about the function of your space so you can start imagining materials, colours and textures.

1. Choose the right flooring

There are two things to consider when choosing a floor type for a basement: moisture resistance and the risk of damage from water leaks. Vinyl flooring is economical and attractive, and, once properly installed, it doesn't move. There are several finishes that imitate wood, and since vinyl flooring is slightly padded, it contributes to comfort.

If you absolutely have to have wood (and the humidity level in the basement allows it), turn to engineered wood, taking care to let it acclimate in the room before attaching it to the floor. On the other hand, you might want to avoid hardwood because it could warp due to the considerable temperature variations that we experience in Canada.

Ceramic can also be a good choice given its durability, but opt ​​for a heated floor to maximize comfort, especially in winter. Laminate is less expensive but also less robust.

2. Think before you "close" the ceiling

Before thinking about the type of finish you want for the basement ceiling, make sure you take into account any upcoming renovations in your house. Are you planning to redo the bathroom on the ground floor in a few years? It would be wise to install a suspended ceiling in the basement to maintain easy access to the plumbing.

You can also leave the ceiling uncovered. Simply paint it white, with a paint sprayer for example, for a neat result.

Note, however, that the soundproofing will not be optimal until the ceiling has been completely closed. If no renovations are planned on the upper floors, install soundproofing panels or opt for gypsum. Go for some decorative beams if the ceiling height provides sufficient clearance.

3. Make sure you have adequate lighting

Lighting in the basement is essential if you want to make the space welcoming. Are you undertaking major renovations with a substantial budget? Prioritize widening the windows to benefit from maximum natural light. Complete with recessed lights, all on dimmers.

if you're doing a smaller reno, you can opt for track lights, which imitate the effect of recessed lights.

In both scenarios, add additional lighting such as table or floor lamps. Also think about small lighting details—under the shelves or in the staircase—to add warmth to the space. Make sure to even out the tone with bulbs of at least 3000k that diffuse a warmer shade. A fireplace, whether wood or artificial, also offers a beautiful source of light.

4. Choose warm shades

Since brightness is particularly important in the basement, stick to light shades for walls and floors as much as possible. Be careful with grays, however, as some can darken the decor. You can choose to reserve colour for furniture, rugs, and accessories. Earth tones, such as terracotta, combined with creamy white, will warm up the space.

5. Add plants

The secret to making your basement pleasant to be in lies in adding plants. Choose species that do not need a lot of direct light (calathea, zamioculcas, mountain palm, sansevieria or mother-in-law's tongue, peace lily or moonflower) or opt for small artificial trees with a very realistic appearance.

6. It's all about textures

To bring a sense of warmth into your basement, choose luxurious textures. Although leather (natural or synthetic) remains fashionable, why not play the bold card by opting for a velvet sofa? A few cozy cushions and soft rugs will help create more coziness. As for the windows, don't feel like you have to hang curtains, depending on the amount of privacy needed.

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