Fixing The Concrete

If the concrete has any cracks or imperfections in it, is rough in places, or if water comes into your basement during wet weather, then these areas need to be repaired first, before adding the sub-flooring.

Basement Sub Flooring

A cold floor may be okay in some instances, such as for a workshop or home gym, but if you are remodeling your basement to be a home theater, kid’s playroom, game room, or family room, you will want a subfloor over the concrete to make an insulated substrate for your flooring option that you choose. Subfloor tiles can include a drainage space for moisture, rigid foam insulation, and a composite surface that is prepared for your finished flooring materials.

Here Are The 7 Best Basement Flooring Options

Your best basement flooring options will depend on what you are using the newly finished space for and the cost.

1. Paint

Simply painting the concrete will work for a home gym or a workshop. It has no insulating properties, and you can expect the floor to stay cold. It’s extremely cost-effective, and the paint must be formulated for concrete floors. First, the surface will need to be prepped, then the paint applied, and the drying time must also be observed.

2. Epoxy

Epoxy is a two-part coating that is applied much like paint, but it’s thicker, smoother, more durable, and easier to keep clean. Fine sand or plastic flakes are often broadcasted over the surface to add texture and color, but it doesn’t insulate the floor.

3. Tile

Installing a tile floor gives you an almost unlimited amount of choices in color, designs, and shapes. Before installing the tile, the concrete will need to be prepped and fixed, and you will also need a subfloor to insulate your tile.

4. Rubber Sheets/Rubber Tile

This resilient flooring is often seen in health clubs and gyms. It is loved because it’s waterproof, stain resistant, durable, and easy to keep clean. You can use either interlocking rubber tiles or rubber sheets for your basement flooring. They do give you a level of insulation over a concrete floor, and you also get good traction. There are different textures and a limited color range.

5. Vinyl Planks/Tiles

You get great value with vinyl planks and tiles for the money it costs. These types of flooring are easy to install because of the interlocking joints, and you also have a huge variety of styles. It can look like wood, or it can look like ceramic tile in several different colors. It can be installed over concrete or a subfloor, and it’s quicker to install than sheet vinyl. If you incur any damage in a vinyl plank or tile floor, you only need to replace the tiles or planks that are damaged.

6. Sheet Vinyl

Sheet vinyl is quite popular in basement flooring options. It’s affordable, durable, easy to clean, and available in a huge variety of patterns and styles to give you many choices. If there are any rough spots or cracks in the concrete floor, they will show through the vinyl. So, for the best appearance, you should correct imperfections in the concrete and install a subfloor before adding sheet vinyl as your finished flooring.

7. Engineered Wood

Engineered wood looks and feels just like real wood flooring. It’s similar to plywood with a thin layer of wood that is bonded to other woods or composites. Engineered wood comes in long planks that interlock on the long sides, and they are very suitable for basements with a factory-applied water-resistant finish. Some brands can be installed directly over concrete floors, while others require a subfloor first.

Work with Professionals

The different flooring options for finished basements are available at several different price points. After you decide what your new area will be, then you can choose which of the flooring types best suit your purposes while being cost-effective. Schedule an appointment now!

At Marvelous Basements and Remodeling, we can help you find the best flooring possible and stay within your budget, as well. We are a certified St. Louis basement finishing contractor with over 30 years of experience creating finished basements for any purpose you may desire.

Let the pros show what expert basement flooring design is all about. Contact Marvelous Basements and Remodeling today to learn what we can do for you in your next project on basement finishing in St. Louis!

Best 8 Hacks for Low Ceilings Basement Remodeling

1. The Paint Color

If your basement has low ceilings, you can use an interior designer trick to make the entire space look larger and taller. It’s very simple. Use white paint for the walls and the ceiling. Light plays off white paint and reflects it, so it appears that your spaces are much larger than they really are.

2. Light Fixtures

If you have a low ceiling, you definitely don’t want light fixtures that hang down from the ceiling, so that people bump their heads into them. Hanging light fixtures also make your ceiling look even lower. Changing the light fixtures in your basement to recessed lighting, updates your spaces in a modern manner and makes your ceilings appear to be higher. It’s best not to use upward lighting such as wall sconces. These will cast shadows below them and only light up the ceiling areas, which makes spaces seem much shorter and smaller.

3. Wall Decor

Add wall decor to your new space that is vertical or plants mounted high on the wall with trailing vines that hang down near the floor. The visual of vertical items will make your ceiling seem to be higher as well. Any type of vertical decor works well for this application with the longer and taller items giving you more of an impact

4. Furniture Choices

Another thing to think about is the furniture in a room with low ceilings. Standard-sized furniture will make your entire room look smaller, and the ceiling look lower than it actually is because the sheer size of the items will overpower the space. Instead, choose furniture that is smaller for your chairs, couches, and your cabinets or tables of any type. The more vertical space there is between your furniture and the ceiling, the better to make your ceilings look taller. Furniture with lower backs and longer in length, such as couches and chairs, make your space look larger.

5. Minimize the Sub Floor

Sub floors will take up an extra inch or two of vertical space in your basement. You may be able to minimize or even eliminate the sub floor to get a few more inches of height. This idea works in some cases, such as simply painting the concrete floor and adding some rugs on top for areas that aren’t as cold.

6. Dressing Windows

If you have windows in your basement, it helps your entire space look larger to keep the window treatments to a minimum and to let the sunshine in. Natural light plays off your furnishings to brighten areas and make them seem larger. You may instead adjust your recessed windows or add another panel, so the windows are flush with your interior walls and get more sunlight in your space. The smoked glass will give you privacy without sacrificing your natural sunlight.

7. Choose a Low Profile Ceiling

In an unfinished basement, you will like to have exposed duct work and floor joists from the first floor of your home. Taking up the least amount of space to finish the ceiling out will save you a few inches in height. Consider wood paneling on the ceiling, or a drywall ceiling to give you the maximum height possible in a basement with a low ceiling.

8. Enlist Painting Techniques

Some painting techniques can make your ceilings look higher. It always helps to paint the ceiling white to lift and lighten the area. High gloss paint on the ceiling makes it even more bright to appear taller. You can also paint vertical stripes on the walls to make your ceiling appear taller. Stripes of white can be accented with any other color that blends in with your decor palette and style. The more contrast you have between your two paint-colored stripes, gives you a more dramatic effect. 

Get Help with Experienced Basement Remodelers

If your basement has a low ceiling, it definitely doesn’t mean that it can’t be transformed into a comfortable living space of any sort. As professional basement remodelers of 30 years, our premier basement remodeling contractor in St. Louis can create the room of your dreams. We know all the tricks of the trade to make basements appear differently than they actually are. Contact Marvelous Basements and Remodeling today to find out about modern and exciting basement finishing ideas!

Discover the 7 Ways to Lighten Up a Basement Apartment

1. Bring on the Lights

Even if your basement has some windows, it may still remain dark. There could also be obstacles that block light from the windows, such as thick drapery or window blinds. Adding lights helps your space to be more comfortable for studying, remote working, and reading. You should decide in what areas you want extra lighting, such as the living room, dining area, and bedroom in your basement apartment.

Cool white light bulbs will give you the best option as they are not harshly bright, and they aren’t a cool temperature that just gives off a soft glow either.

Recessed lighting works well because some basements have low ceilings, and this type of lighting doesn’t require any space while it blends in well with your ceiling, and gives you more light.

Accent lights are generally more for the aesthetics of decoration. These are commonly found on a dining room table or your workspace.

Track lights allow you to focus the light beams from them on areas to highlight them. They work well for lighting your staircase or hallways, and they are useful for shelves to backlight your decor.

Plinth lights work well to light up an area under your kitchen cabinets on the kickboards. They have a soft glow that can illuminate the floor, or your kitchen countertops if you install them under the cabinets to add extra illumination to your basement apartment.

Marvelous Basements is your St. Louis basement finishing contractor and also in St. Charles County, Warren County, and its surrounding counties are in constant need of quality basement design.

2. Adding Mirrors

Placing mirrors on your walls or shelves will reflect the other light sources to brighten your space up. The best idea is to place mirrors halfway between the windows and a wall, so it reflects the lighting from the window into the rest of the room. Mirrors are both functional and quite stylish.

3. Reflective Surfaces

Besides mirrors, you can add other surfaces to reflect light and brighten up your apartment. The floor of your basement reflects light from your ceiling. Choosing polished hardwood, sealed concrete, or shiny tiles will brighten it up. Other reflective surfaces to consider are light reflecting carpets or rugs, glass tabletops, glossy tiles on the countertops, large mirrors on the walls, and shiny decor, such as picture frames, vases, and candle holders.

4. Remove Unnecessary Items

When you remove clutter from your basement apartment, it adds brightness, especially if there are items stored there that block the light from the windows. This will also make your space look much bigger without extra items in it.

5. Brightening Paint

Painting your walls with cream colors, or light gray colors is stylish, and they will lighten up your basement apartment. Neutral colors or light pastels are the best choices for basement walls. The paint color you choose will evoke a certain feeling in your basement apartment.

Bright white is a clean and bright feeling, while cream is a great alternative if you prefer it. Light sky blue has a calming effect, and it makes your space inviting. If you want to show your creativity, consider purple paint that can be playful and elegant at the same time. Gray is a sophisticated color, and all hues of green give you a cozy and tranquil vibe. Yellow gives you energy and life in your basement.

6. The Best Artificial Lighting

The best artificial l lighting that mimics natural sunlight are high-quality full-spectrum bulbs that match the same sunlight you see in the middle of the day.

There are several benefits to this type of lighting, such as improving productivity, creating a sense of energy, reducing stress, headaches, and eyestrain, combating seasonal affective disorder, and promoting better sleep.

7. Glass Interior Doors

You can replace your interior doors with glass versions to add extra lighting to your basement apartment. It allows the natural light and your artificial lighting to flood the dim spaces with a boost of indirect sunlight to brighten up your area. To take this type of door into really adding light, you can add Roman shades made of bright and beautiful fabric on the doors.

You can raise them entirely to let all the natural light possible inside. This also works well if you happen to have an entryway door from the outside of your home to the basement.

Marvelous Basements and Remodeling Is Here to Help You

If you are searching for ideas on how to lighten up your basement apartment, our expert team at Marvelous Basements and Remodeling, LLC is here to help.

We have over 30 years of experience transforming basements into fabulous living areas, and we would love to talk to you about your St. Louis basement remodeling job. Give us a call today to learn about the best ways to make your basement into a cozy apartment.

More people are working out at home because it’s more convenient, you don’t have to wait to use the equipment, and you don’t need to have as much spare time as you would when driving to a gym.

Your home gym can be whatever you want it to be. Read on to find out about some great basement home gym ideas.

Best 11 Basement Home Gym Ideas

1. Questions to Ask Yourself Before the Design

There are a few questions you need to answer in order to know if your basement home gym idea will work out.

Is it large enough? You actually only need between 50 and 200 feet for it to be effective for multi-purpose exercising.

Are the ceilings tall enough? Most building codes only require 7 feet of ceiling height, but make sure if you are using a barbell, that there will be room in front and behind you, so when you drop your weights, they won’t harm anything.

Do you have proper ventilation? If you have a window, you are in good shape, otherwise, you can install a ceiling fan if there’s enough space, or an exhaust fan.

Do you have electrical outlets? Many pieces of cardio equipment and machines need electricity, so add enough outlets plus a few more just to make certain you have plugs for other items as well.

What is your budget? You can easily find used workout equipment to lessen the cost of the machinery in your basement home gym idea while still having enough funds to make it functional and inviting at the same time.

2. Select Your Color Scheme

You can introduce some color into your basement for a home gym for motivation. The color you choose for your walls in a home gym will evoke emotions attached to it. White and off-white are just boring and are used to represent a clean area and health which may not help you to be motivated.

Shades of green are the most common for a gym because they represent natural items, stability, and prosperity. Shades of blue are also a great choice because they evoke feelings of serenity, trustworthiness, and inviting. Shades of yellow are happy, friendly, and also a warning in some instances.

3. Set The Mood

Nature-inspired items can create a peaceful area in your home gym that can be useful when doing mat exercises or yoga. You can add some trailing greenery and wood wall pieces with a geometric pattern on the wallpaper.

4. Add A Workout Pool

If you often swim laps for a part of your workout, consider adding an indoor pool to your basement. Choose a long and sleek style that is rectangular for the most room between two sides of the pool. If you don’t have a lot of room for a pool, you can add a smaller pool and include a jet so you can swim against the water flow in place if it’s not big enough to swim laps.

5. Add Your Mirrors

All professional gyms have a mirror wall to help you track your performance and to help you to maintain your perfect form while exercising. You can add one entire wall of mirrors or just a section that will help you in this area.

6. Wall Storage Spaces

Storing some items on the walls will save you valuable floor space in your home gym. Add shelves, pegs, cubbies, and hooks to hang items on. You can use long pegs to store your weights, and hooks on the wall work well for resistance bands, and other smaller items that aren’t very heavy. Get creative with it!

7. Choose Your Focal Point

The focal point in your home basement gym is your largest piece of equipment. Instead of using many different pieces of workout equipment, it’s best to choose wisely, so there is enough room to use them and not be cramped. A power rack can be used for many different kinds of workouts so that you can work for all your muscle groups with one piece of equipment.

8. Consider a Chalkboard Wall

Adding a wall covered in chalkboard paint is a great move for a gym. You can keep track of your progress, and you have an area to keep track of your exercises and routines, so you don’t forget what comes next.

9. Add a Pull-Up Bar

A pull-up bar takes literally no room in your gym except for where it attaches to the ceiling. A simple and basic pull-up bar attaches to a beam in the ceiling and is a long “U” shape of the metal that you can even have constructed for a very nominal price.

10. Adding Motivators

Some people rely on technology to keep them going while in a workout, and others just want silence. If technology helps you to preserver, choose exercise equipment such as an elliptical, bike, or treadmill with a video capability, or instead, you may want a sound system if you are motivated by loud music.

11. Section It Off

You may have a large basement, but your gym doesn’t need to take the entire space up. Usually, basements are for storage spaces if they aren’t finished out, so you likely have some room downstairs for your gym. You can contain your gym to a corner of the room and have sliding doors with window coverings on two sides, so when it’s not in use, you close the doors, and your gym is hidden out of sight.

Trusted Basement Finishing Contractor in St. Louis

At Marvelous Basements and Remodeling, LLC, we have over 30 years of experience transforming unused basement space into usable and phenomenal areas for your home gym. Contact Marvelous Basements and Remodeling today, your trusted basement finishing contractor in St. Louis to find out more about our exciting modern designs for your basement home gym.

With the new year approaching, people are thinking about their New Year’s resolutions. For many, these resolutions include kitchen and bathroom remodels.

2022 saw several new kitchen and bath trends. With people spending more and more time at home, making the most of your residential space is more important than ever.

At Marvelous Basements and Remodeling LLC, we specialize in kitchen and bath remodeling in St. Louis. Our design team works hard year-round to keep up with the latest trends and help homeowners achieve their home improvement and remodeling goals. Below are the top kitchen and bath trends of 2022.

Top Kitchen Design and Bath Design Trends

As of 2022, contemporary, transitional, and organic designs are the leading trends for the year.

Contemporary

The contemporary kitchen designs use a minimalist approach to style. Although contemporary kitchens and baths consist of simple layouts, they incorporate several high-end gadgets and accessories to improve efficiency. Additionally, modern kitchens tend to include dust-resistant doors that are easy to clean and make it easier to maintain a pristine kitchen.

Transitional

The transitional style allows homeowners to update old houses with modern appliances and interior decor. The primary appeal of a transitional kitchen or bathroom is that it combines the home’s original structure with the contemporary touch of new appliances and accessories. Interior designers love incorporating contemporary designs into an older home as it creates a classic look with a stylish finish.

Organic/Natural

Among the top trends for kitchen and bathroom remodeling in St. Louis is the natural and organic design. Natural designs use bold earth tones to create a welcoming atmosphere with an unmatched aesthetic. These earth tones include various shades of green, blue, brown, and white that steer away from the standard finish of stainless steel.

Kitchen Design Trends

Smart Kitchens

Smart kitchens are among the top trending kitchen designs of 2022. By incorporating various appliances and innovative technology into your kitchen, you can improve your cooking experience by increasing efficiency and improving the overall aesthetic. When working with kitchen remodelers in St. Louis, MO, don’t forget to ask about the latest smart kitchen accessories.

Quarts Is Still King

When it comes to the kitchen countertop, quartz is still king. A quartz countertop combines the unparalleled aesthetic of marble with the convenience of an easy-to-clean surface. Quartz has been a leading kitchen trend for years with no signs of slowing down.

Effective Storage Solution Cabinetry

Incorporating effective storage solution cabinetry is another top trend for kitchens in 2022. From flat cabinet doors to extended storage space, homeowners can make the most of their kitchen by reducing clutter and improving efficiency. The design team at Marvelous Basements and Remodeling LLC can show you some of the best cabinetry options to expand your storage space and modernize your kitchen.

Bath Style Design Trends

Aside from kitchen and basement remodeling in St. Louis, MO, bathrooms are on the top of the list for home improvement areas.

Sinks & Faucets

Faucets are easy to overlook but are an essential accessory for any bathroom. Homeowners have access to a broader range of showerheads, faucets, and sink designs that can improve the efficiency and luxury of any bathroom. Bathrooms can also use smart controls, motion sensors, and leak detecting sensors to help minimize water damage and improve water conservation.

Unique Tile Applications

Nearly every bathroom renovator and remodeler in St. Louis uses unique tile applications to brighten home bathrooms. Ceramic porcelain tiles are an excellent option for bathroom floors as they are durable, easy to clean, and create a polished look.

Floating Sinks

Floating sinks are a notable trend taking over bathrooms in 2022. Floating sinks secure to the wall without a stand underneath, creating more space and a contemporary look. Our design team loves floating sinks because they are highly versatile, stylish, and easy to clean.

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling in St. Louis

At Marvelous Basements and Remodeling LLC, our interior designers are passionate about using the latest trends and technology for kitchen and bath remodeling in St. Louis. A majority of kitchen and bath trends in 2022 incorporate a minimalist aesthetic with modern technology.

Whether you are working from home or want to impress your house guests, having a beautiful and functional kitchen or bathroom is critical. Marvelous Basements and Remodeling LLC knows what it takes to improve any kitchen or bathroom. From minor upgrades to complete remodels, our interior designers work hard to design kitchen and bathroom designs that fit the layout of your home and achieve your remodeling objectives.

Marvelous Basements and Remodeling LLC offers high-quality and detail-oriented kitchen and bath remodeling in St. Louis. Call us at (636) 228-3808 to schedule a consultation or learn more about basement remodeling in St. Louis.

7 Tips to Help You When Deciding on Hiring A Basement Remodeling Contractors

If you’re in the St. Louis area and decide to remodel or refinish your basement, we hope you’ll consider the experienced contractors at Marvelous Basements & Remodeling LLC.

#1. Don’t Just Pick the First Available Basement Remodeling Contractors

If you get a quote from a contractor, you may be tempted to hire the first one who seems like they will meet your needs. Contractors may tell you that they book up quickly or might offer you an estimate that is only good for a limited time. Don’t be pressured to take the first offer that comes along.

A better approach is to get estimates from a few contractors simultaneously. Compare the prices, the degree to which you trust each contractor, and the degree to which they are willing to listen to you and work with you to achieve the results you want.

#2. Ask Questions

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the building techniques, their qualifications, or anything that seems unclear to you. If the contractor seems brusque or reluctant to answer questions while trying to make a sale, they will most likely be difficult to talk to once they start a project.

#3. Be Sure the Contractor Is Licensed and Insured

Basement contractors in the U.S. must be licensed, registered, or certified according to state regulations. Unlicensed contractors might not have the experience or skills necessary to do the job, or they may have other reasons not to want the state to know about their business. It is best practice to ask every contractor for proof that they comply with your state’s regulations before considering their bid.

According to the government website for St. Louis, Missouri, state law requires contractors to obtain a graduated business license. Contractors should also carry insurance to cover the costs of property damage or injury to employees or construction site visitors.

#4. Does the Basement Remodeling Contractor Have Experience?

You can put more faith in your contractor if they have a track record of producing quality work, finishing on time, and handling the logistics of the remodeling job.

Basement remodeling requires more than doing the construction work. Obtaining permits, ordering supplies, and dealing with unexpected setbacks are all part of the job. An experienced contractor will be able to coordinate all those responsibilities simultaneously to avoid delays.

One way of finding out if a contractor has experience is to seek reviews online for that contractor. Did other customers have projects similar to yours? If so, were they satisfied with the outcome of the project?

#5. Can You Communicate Well With The Contractor?

When you discuss your project with basement contractors, do they demonstrate an understanding of your priorities and the work you want to be done? Are they forthright when you ask them questions? Do they reply promptly when you call or text them?

#6. Are They the Right Fit for Your Project?

Have they done the sort of basement flooring project that you are planning before? If your basement remodel involves excavation, complex electrical work, artistic features, or other work that requires expertise, have they done the work before? If not, do they have a qualified and reliable subcontractor on hand to do the work?

#7. Do They Know the Area?

Different cities have different building codes, weather, wildlife, and other sources of potential problems. They also have different real estate markets. A contractor with local experience should be able to anticipate local problems and suggest ways of customizing your project to maximize your home’s resale value.

One of the Best Basement Remodeling Contractors in St. Louis

If you are looking for basement remodeling contractors in St. Louis, put Marvelous Basemen on your list of contractors to call. We’re confident that you’ll be pleased with our history of quality basement remodels, our customer service, and our attention to your needs. Call (636) 228-3808 to schedule a consultation today.

Basement Finishing St Louis

Most houses in St. Louis have basements, but not all are finished. It is common for homeowners to buy a house with an unfinished basement and refinish the basement later, especially if they plan on raising a family, entertaining guests, or caring for relatives.

Adding Bedrooms

Adding a bedroom instantly adds to the value of your home by creating the prospect of a mother-in-law suite, a private space for a teenage child, or a separate guest apartment. In some cases, all it takes is adding a few walls and a closet. Be sure that there is a rescue and escape (or egress) window in at least one window in the bedroom.

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

Installing a new kitchen and bathroom can be expensive due to the cost of gas hookups, water lines, and electrical work to accommodate the higher power demand. If you already have a source of water from laundry hookups and have enough power and outlets, you might be able to renovate more simply with less expense.

Questions About Basement Finishing, St. Louis

At Marvelous Basements and Remodeling, we make sure all your questions are answered, and you’ve considered all options before we start work. Here are some of the questions our customers have asked us in the past.

How Much Value Does a Finished Basement Add to Your Home?

A finished basement adds value to your home in many ways, both tangible and intangible. While the finished basement could add over $10,000 to the market value of your home, the true value is the enjoyment that you gain from a finished basement while you own it.

Should I Finish My Basement?

It depends. If you are doing an elaborate remodel, you can’t count on the increased property value to help you recoup all your expenses. Perhaps the most important question is whether the finished basement adds value to your life, from the moment construction is done to the day you sell.

What Is the Cost of Finishing a Basement?

The cost of finishing a basement can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the size of the basement and the complexity of the remodel.

What Is the Value of a Finished Basement?

It is hard to put a precise dollar amount on the value of a finished basement. The value of the basement is intertwined with the value of the house as a whole. The true value of a basement is subjective and goes beyond the monetary value. Each homeowner finds value in their basement in different ways.

How Much Does a Finished Basement Add to Home Value?

According to an article in the St. Louis Real Estate News, you can expect about $12/sq ft. by having a finished basement. The average basement is 1,000 square feet, which works out to a $12,000 bonus for homes with finished basements.

Conclusions

A basement renovation increases your home’s usable space, sometimes nearly doubling it. However, the cost can be considerable. Carefully think about how you will use the extra space, and be sure that the contractor you hire is experienced with basement remodeling.

If you’re a homeowner in Missouri looking for basement finishing, St. Louis contractors at Marvelous Basements and Remodeling are ready to take on your project. Give us a call at (314) 704-3562 today. We’ll inspect your current basement and plan a custom remodel that you and your family will love.

Today, it’s a different story, as basements have become a living space in their own right. When a lot of thought goes into their design, like with other parts of the home, they can become useful rooms with a special purpose in mind.

If you’re deciding what to do with yours, here are several minimalist finished basement ideas that might match your renovation goals.

 6 Minimalist Finished Basement Ideas

1. Office Space

What’s more functional than a well-designed workspace? Your basement offers plenty of potentials if you work from home or need a space to pay the bills, do some research, or file your paperwork. It’s the perfect area for a home office because it’s conveniently away from the general comings and goings of the rest of your household.

To maintain a clean and contemporary look, you should invest in an efficient and ample storage system that hides away all your unsightly documents and work-related materials. Your work surface also needs to be large enough to let you work at the computer and spread out your papers with ease.

2. Workshop

If you have hobbies or projects that take up quite a bit of space, why not use your basement to set up a workshop? All you need is a workbench, a storage area, and a few design pieces here and there to create a modern and practical space.

Bright lighting is also a must for any work area. Depending on the color temperature, you can either create a warm and inviting space or a cool-toned room that’s great for helping you focus on the task at hand.

3. Storage Room

Instead of a cluttered basement where you just keep a random assortment of items, you can easily turn it into a clean, modern room that can accommodate many of your storage needs. Take into account the items you need to tidy away, as well as the available space, and work with your contractor to construct a storage system that works for you.

4. Guest Suite

If you entertain often, a guest suite can easily wow your family and friends. The clean lines, restrained palette, and stripped-down simplicity of a minimalist guest suite can help you create a spa-like ambiance. Any guest will enjoy having their own private space to retreat to without feeling like they’re in the middle of a busy household.

5. Small Apartment Suite

Take your guest room idea one step further by transforming your basement into an apartment suite. If you’re going for a simple, contemporary feel, everything you add to the space needs to be both beautiful and practical.

Finishing your basement with a kitchenette, a small area to put a couch for lounging, and a half wall to separate the bathroom or bedroom might be a good place to start. You can rent out your finished space for some extra income or let your older children stay there in between jobs and living arrangements.

6. The Perfect Combination

If your basement has enough room, why not implement two or more of these simple finished basement ideas to make the most out of your square footage? The key is creating a well-designed space that’s extremely functional without sacrificing the flow or neatness of the room.

 Features to Consider for Your Finished Basement

No matter which finished basement ideas you choose to implement, these solid minimalist design tips can help you add appeal and usability to an otherwise blank space:

• Lighter colors. Consider using light and neutral colors to open up your basement space. You can add some design flair by introducing a few bold-colored accessories.
• Modern lighting. Sleek metal fixtures or recessed lighting add a clean, contemporary feel to any basement space.
• Plain flooring. Subdued low-pile carpeting or plain vinyl floors are well suited for contemporary basements. Wood floors are also a great option if you want to add more warmth to the room.
• Simple furniture and accessories. Simplistic furniture and accessories with clean, simple lines are ideal for minimalist basements. Shy away from busy patterns and ornate pieces.

 Average Cost to Finish a Basement in St. Louis

The cost to finish a basement can vary widely, depending on factors like the:

• Size of the space
• Plumbing and electrical installations
• Cooling and heating
• Waterproofing and insulation
• Wall framing and flooring
• Lighting fixtures
• And more

If you need a more specific price breakdown for your basement finishing project, you can find many contractors in St. Louis who offer free, zero-obligation quotes as part of their service.

 What to Look For When Hiring a Finished Basement Company in St. Louis

Finishing a basement can be an expensive project. Here are a few essential qualities to look for when choosing the right contractor in St. Louis:

• Extensive experience. You don’t want a greenhorn executing your finished basement ideas. Companies with years of experience under their belt will know the best practices to bring your vision to life.
• Fully licensed and insured. Making sure the company is licensed and insured will protect you as the homeowner and save you from a potential headache.
• Quality portfolio. A portfolio that showcases a company’s work can give you an idea of its craftsmanship and expertise.
• Solid warranty. Projects backed by a strong warranty can give you peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong, trained professionals will still be there for you after the project is completed.

If you’re ready to bring your minimalist finished basement ideas to life, you can look to our experts at Marvelous Basements & Remodeling LLC. We have over three decades of experience transforming dull, drab basements into functional and stylish living spaces. Call us today at (636) 425-3239 to schedule a consultation for your project.