Making the Most of Your Lower Level

When it comes to making the most of your lower level, the options are endless. Although some people prefer to keep things cohesive with the rest of the home, you have a lot more freedom to get creative with the design elements. Here are some room ideas to give your lower level a little personality and ensure it fits your lifestyle just right.

By Katie Jenison

Screening Rooms

Want to add a home theater to your lower level but don’t have quite enough space? A screening room is a great alternative! Think of it as a slightly more functional, sophisticated version of your typical media room. It still has all the elements you love—such as an oversized sectional, flat-screen TV, and surround sound—while being a more practical entertainment space.

M/I HOMES

Wet Bar

Basement bars aren’t a new concept, but they’ve certainly come a long way. The dark, paneled bar of the '70s has been replace with its sleeker, smoother counterpart: the wet bar. This fun, informal space invites family and friends to gather, mingle, and unwind together. There’s a lot of room to play when it comes to designing a lower-level wet bar. Whether you want it to reflect your upstairs finishes or prefer to create an entirely different vibe, the choice is yours.

CREATIVE HOMES, INC. | ANDREA DOBBS

Home Gym

With gyms across the country closed for a good portion of the last year, home gyms have made it to the top of many homeowners’ lists of wants. The lower level is the perfect spot to create a luxe workout space. Incorporate traditional gym elements like a floor-to-ceiling mirror, rubber flooring, and your favorite workout machines. You can even add a steam shower or sauna to take your post-workout routine to the next level.

WOODDALE BUILDERS, INC. | LANDMARK PHOTOGRAPHY

Game Room

Game room, den, rec. room: it goes by many names. Whatever you call it, there’s just something special about having a space dedicated solely to fun! A lowerlevel game room stocked with games and activities can create hours of entertainment for both kids and adults. It’s the perfect spot to host a family game night and can help keep the kids busy while spending time at home. Don’t have enough space for an entire game room? Create a game nook in an unused corner or alcove! Just add cozy seating, a small table, and storage to hold your favorite games.

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Guest Room Suite

Does trying to coordinate where everyone will sleep when guests come to visit stress you out? Eliminate the overwhelm with a cozy guest room suite! With a lower-level guest room suite, there’s no need for kids to give up their room or to relegate someone to the pull-out sofa for the weekend. Your guests will appreciate the privacy and convenience that comes with having a space that’s all their own.

RT URBAN HOMES, INC. | SPACECRAFTING

Walkout Patio

There are many benefits to a walkout patio on the lower level. For one thing, the glass doors let in more natural light, giving the entire space a brighter, airier feel that many lower levels lack. For another, who doesn’t love a good blend of indoor and outdoor living? A walkout patio provides direct access to the backyard, making it easy to stretch your entertainment spaces further. Combine it with that wet bar mentioned earlier, and hosting a backyard BBQ has never looked so good!

When it comes down to it, the spaces you incorporate in your home are entirely up to you. Building new gives you the opportunity to really make the most of your lower level. Happy designing!