Designing interiors of basement is a challenging job since the basement lacks natural light and air. The interior design of basement needs highly specialized skills as there is low ceiling, ducts, beams and columns. The basement interior design requires more attention in comparison to the ordinary designs of building to the requirement of house owner.
Uses of Basement
Before starting basement design, the house owner should consider various uses of basement i.e. Home Office, Gym, Storeroom, Guest Room, Playground for Kids etc. Some house owners want to convert the space in an apartment having bedroom, living room, bathroom and kitchen etc. To have spacious feel in the basement with low level, use light color on walls and ceilings. The interior design of basement is costlier than the space to be designed above the ground.
Problems of Basement Interior Design
The basement interior design should be obtained from professional interior designer since the basement is located at the bottom of the building or either built under the ground or slightly above the ground. The following problems are noticed while doing basement interior design.
- Ventilation
- Duct adjustment
- Leakage and de-watering
- Low level hanging pipes
- The ceiling has low height
- Dampness, moist and wet basement
- Provision for water supply line and sever line
Basement Interior Design Ideas
Basement Ventilation
To get natural ventilation, install windows towards road/street above ground level of the area. Exhaust fan should be fixed in the space between ground and roof of basement towards road/street. Utilize duct pipe to exhaust air above the top of the roof if the basement is fully underground. Install faux windows with duct to counteract the effect of enclosed space. The vent should be fixed to provide natural ventilation.
Basement Lighting
A bright and clear lighting sets the mood for entire basement and make most effective use of basement space. Fix artificial lighting to compensate the absence of natural light. Task lighting/workspace lighting should be installed with separate control where necessary. The following are a few superior choices of basement superior lighting.
Install florescent lighting that is energy efficient and is preferred to incandescent lighting worldwide. It consumes one third of energy of incandescent lighting and lasts ten times longer. Fluorescent lighting reduces carbon emissions and air pollution.
You can opt for halogen lights that offer crunchy and very clear light. These lights best work as can lights, track lighting, and task lighting. Use halogen lighting in combination with other basement lighting options.
You can go for another option of LED lights which like fluorescent lighting produces less than 1/20th of the heat produced by incandescent lights. This lighting reflects focused beams of light and is best used as task lighting such as desk lamps, nightlights, and spotlights, in cabinets and in closets.
Basement Flooring
Ceramic tile floor is one of the best choices for basement flooring. It is damp-proof and remains cold under bare feet. Before installation of basement floor, make sure the floor of basement is leveled with grout or mortar. Ceramic floor tiles are practical and add to the beauty of your basement. Also you can lay carpets or mats to add comfort to the entire basement.
Waterproofing Treatment
Do waterproofing treatment during the construction of basement. To know details of waterproofing of basement click at the link given below.
Water Proofing Treatment for Basement
Provisions for Flood Water
Make arrangements with outer wall of the basement for pumping water out in case of leakage or flood etc.
Division of Basement Area as Per Requirement
The space should be divided according to the requirement with independent locking arrangement. To make basement spacious, paint wall and ceiling in light color.
Minimum Circulation Space and Internal Walls
Make use of glass panels in basement design to add beauty and to get natural light.
You should minimize circulation space to provide approach to maximum rooms. Do not design circulation space diagonally. Also you should minimize internal walls and make them as thin as possible to save the space.
Basement Wall Colors
Several basement color options like different shades of green, orange, blue, and yellows will certainly boost up newly finished basement. Such shades of colors definitely add brilliance to previous dark and gloomy basement.
Basement Doors
Fix sliding pocket door to obtain maximum space and provide minimum doors as for as possible keeping in view the purpose of privacy.
Facilities in Recessed Portions
Construct book shelves in recess of walls to save space and install electricity points in the recessed portion of the ceiling of basement to overcome the difficulty of low level.
Provision of Toilet Facility towards Roadside
Toilet facility should be provided with walls towards road or street to make independent use of basement.