Readers' Choice: The 10 Most Popular Basements of 2012

by Vanessa Brunner · 10 photos · 13 comments

traditional basement by Dream House Studios

1. Gray and white in Virginia. Crown molding contrasts with soft gray walls to visually open up this elegant basement. This refreshing space proves that basements don't have to be dark and dingy — a coat of paint can make all the difference.

by Dream House Studios

traditional basement by Sensible Home Design

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2. Stone accents in Cincinnati. Houzzers wanted to see basements that had it all, and this home's basement has room for TV watching and lounging, a bar for entertaining and a pool table. Dark wood floors and custom stone accents unify the entire room.

by Sensible Home Design

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3. Georgia media room in soft blues. Even a small basement can be put to good use. Fill it up with cozy furniture and soft colors, as in this room, and you have a dedicated movie-watching space. The wood wall adds a subtle architectural element.

by John Willis Homes

traditional basement by Jan Gleysteen Architects, Inc

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4. Separate spaces in Massachusetts. A simple carpet divides up this open space by function. Houzz readers loved the wall trim and molding along the far wall — they help make this room feel like part of the rest of the house.

by Jan Gleysteen Architects, Inc

modern basement by Studio Home / Hill Custom Homes

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5. Barn door for a Washington bedroom. Your basement could be the perfect place for another bedroom. This stunning gray door and its hardware give this basement guest bedroom a unique and playful touch.

by Studio Home / Hill Custom Homes

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6. Modern basement in Maryland. An open floor plan and exposed joists on the ceiling create visual lightness in this previously dark and damp basement. Readers loved the little details that helped make it more modern, including the wood treatment around the center column.

See more of this basement

by Wentworth, Inc.

traditional basement by Great Neighborhood Homes

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7. Beautiful bar backsplash in Minnesota. An intricate tile backsplash makes a bold statement in this basement's wet bar. A built-in refrigerator, a sink and a TV are all great features, but they blend into the background of this gorgeous design.

by Great Neighborhood Homes

traditional basement by Creative Design Construction, Inc.

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8. Contemporary New York bar. Slate, granite and dark cabinetry combine beautifully in this basement bar. Users noted the raised bartop and ample lighting when saving this photo to their ideabooks.

by Creative Design Construction, Inc.

traditional basement by Cardea Building Co.

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9. Soft colors in San Francisco. Subtle gray walls and furniture allow the bright bursts of color in this basement to really stand out. Houzzers loved the separate seating areas, which make entertaining large groups easy.

by Cardea Building Co.

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10. Beautiful built-ins in Georgia. Built-ins around the basement fireplace made this image worth saving to ideabooks. This wall could've been left completely bare, but Houzz readers loved how the built-in shelves add life.

More: How to finish a basement

by Pat Shankle

Comments

lisalovesquilts These are all smashing. The bottom two don't even look like basements (certainly not in the traditional sense.) what a great way to enjoy yourself and keep the rest of the house nice! I'd love to play pool, have a drink and watch a movie without leaving the house.

4 months ago · Like ·

Carrie B Brunner Basements in California are huge right now, especially in any remodel or new home building. Good ideas here because the spaces are light and airy not cave like.

4 months ago · Like ·

schweetlife I like too many of them to even pick a favorite. I agree with Carrie. Basements can be great spaces but are far too often dark and cave like. However, these spaces are especially nice because they are bright and well-lit.

4 months ago · Like ·

A. Peltier Interiors Those are some really great basements. You wouldn't even know that they were a basement!

4 months ago · Like ·

gerriehope Our Philadelphia townhouse has a subterranean kitchen and dining room. A cork floor seemed a perfect complement to our urban 'green' design but hasn't fared well on the concrete slab. Sub-flooring isn't an option. Basement space designers, what type of flooring material is both stylish and functionally appropriate?

4 months ago · Like ·

eCustomFinishes I will take a whiskey sour at #8 please, thank you.

4 months ago · Like ·

Stevie gerriehope, we put a do it yourself laminate flooring in our basement. It was a dark hardwood look alike and looked great and warmed up the large space. It was super easy to install with a layer of thin plastic "stuff" then the click together planks. Easy peasy. Lasted until the water heater went. That was ok, picked up the floor and put it back down again....didn't do so well when the water pump back up battery went :-/ It was pretty while it lasted.

4 months ago · Like ·

Margaret Heller They are all boring white???

4 months ago · Like

curraghgirl None of these basements are boring white to me..they are beautiful white clean backgrounds with amazing pops of color bringing life to each one.

4 months ago · Like ·

Fretworks Designs, LLC These are all beautifully done! I cannot pick a favorite, either. Love all of them.

4 months ago · Like

Lindsay Construction Services Here is a before and some after pictures of a basement that our company completed a couple of years ago.

4 months ago · Like ·

Mackin Drafting & Design Some great choices! It shows that a basement doesn't have to look like a basement.

4 months ago · Like

Leslie Saul & Associates Great examples of how you can make a dark, sometimes windowless space inviting. Our office completed a basement with a game room, theater room and "Lobby" recently.
See more pictures on our Facebook page:
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