Not so long ago, the basement was an often-ignored part of most homes. It was where people deposited items that they didn’t know what to do with and where unused pieces of furniture were amassed over time.
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.