Let There Be Light – You’ll need plenty of light in your new basement room, and it makes sense to start with recessed spots for a general all-purpose light that can be controlled and zoned as appropriate. Beautiful pendants or chandeliers can make a fabulous focal point while providing task lighting for a kitchen island or table. Wall scones, floor lamps and table lamps can all be used effectively to add washes of lighting and create a cosy ambience. Don’t forget to add mirrors to help to bounce ambient light around the room.
Get Creative with Storage Solutions – The chances are that your basement was once somewhere handy to store anything you couldn’t find space for, and even if you’ve decluttered during the basement construction in London period, you may find you still need some handy storage. Floor-to-ceiling cupboards not only hide a multitude of sins but can help to bring interest and height to a room by drawing the eye upwards. Invest in items like Ottomans that can also be used to tidy odds and ends away.
Keep It Neutral – The smartest colour palette for a basement room is to keep it neutral, in shades of taupe, ivory and grey. Warm it up a little with colours that reference the sunlight with golds and caramels. Keeping your new basement conversion clean and serene will contribute to a feeling of space and light – or try playing with some simple geometric chevrons or vertical stripes that can look stylish and elegant. Unless you have a specific purpose for your basement room, like a craft room, play space or teenage den, keep the decor as close to the upstairs rooms as possible so the basement becomes a seamless extension of your living area.
Consider Flooring – Obviously, the flooring you choose will be appropriate to the use of the space. For example, a kitchen/utility will usually be tiled, although luxury vinyl tile that mimics wood or stone can be a smart choice. If you trust your tanking to have been carried out to the highest standards, then a wood floor always looks beautiful, with engineered wood a good cost-effective choice. If you have a basement bedroom, then you might want to carpet for a warm and luxurious feel, while a play room or other utility room might benefit from vinyl sheet flooring or even polished concrete for a very urban look. Whatever you choose, make sure that it’s suitable for use at basement level.
Dress Your Windows – Basement windows may be smaller than those in the rest of your house, but you’ll still need some kind of window treatment to protect your privacy from prying eyes, particularly if you have windows overseen by a busy street. Opt for something simple, sheer and opaque to maximise light and give a cool, contemporary effect.
Create an Impact – Opt for a big focal point, as a basement space can sometimes be bland. A stunning spiral staircase would add drama, or simply use carefully chosen art to draw the eye around the space.