Basement Ideas On A Budget

Repurpose old furniture rather than buying new.

Gardener and designer Barbara Purdy converted a wood-burning fireplace to gas to create a cosy focus within this room. I couldn't see myself hauling logs down the stairs, she says. Radiant heating installed beneath the wood-look porcelain-tile flooring adds much more heat. The couch, a hand-me-down from her parents, was recovered and layered with cushions. Tour this cellar on Online TV, plus find more inspiration in our photograph galleries of Barbara Purdy Designs, Budget Basement Decorating Tips and Suzanne Dimma's Favourite Dreamy Retreats.

Sleek Basement-Paint walls a dark and striking colour to get a cozy effect.

Stylist Arren Williams' cellar was designed to be both practical and beautiful. A contemporary sectional sofa in a charcoal fabric can sit many people while two cane ottomans may be used as side tables or extra chairs. To create the perfect setting for movie night, Williams picked a heavy, full-height velvet curtain to block any unwanted light.

Sewing Room-Make lower ceilings appear higher with customized built-ins that optimize vertical distance.

This sewing, craft and gift-wrap station was designed into a nook of a basement laundry room. The plans included built-in cabinets that provide lots of storage to organize supplies and seasonal items. Straightforward Ikea boxes flip the spacious shelves into a tidy screen and white paint keeps it clean and bright. The durable slate floor is sensible and elevates the decor.

Work with existing plumbing.

Putting this shower beside the plumbing shaft left room for a freestanding sink at the little bathroom. New pipes was added in the laundry area, and the HVAC ducts were increased into the ceiling joists to allow for as much headroom as possible.

Hidden Guest Bed

Incorporate a guest mattress into your existing layout instead of putting up new walls for a separate bedroom. This Murphy bed employs a suspension system which makes it feasible to lift with one finger. On both sides of the queen-size bed, a market in the wall functions as a side table and can be wired with a reading light. When the bed is folded upward, homeowners Barbara and Michael Purdy use the freed-up area for a workout area.