Basements have long had an image problem. Tucked below street level, with little natural light and a tendency towards dampness, they are often the least loved square footage in a home.
And yet estate agents are quick to count them in the total floor area, and in city terraces in particular where space is at a premium, that extra level can make all the difference.
So how can an often dark and dingy basement become more than an afterthought, and even – dare we suggest – feel as inviting as the rest of the home? ‘When renovating a basement it is better to embrace what it is rather than trying to turn it into what it isn’t,’ says interior designer Clare Gaskin. ‘With that in mind, the first thing to consider is how you want to use the space. I encourage clients to choose something that reflects them and what they enjoy doing.’ High on the wish-list for Clare’s clients is a cinema room. ‘It lends itself well to basements because their biggest challenge is the lack of natural light and low ceiling,’ she says. ‘I am working on a project now where the clients want a full-on cinema with reclining seats and footrests.’
Tolù Adẹ̀kọ́, founder and creative director of multidisciplinary design studio, Adẹ̀kọ́ & Co, also believes basements make ideal spots for leisure and entertainment. ‘Home bars are popular but there is also nothing stopping a basement from becoming a cosy study or library,’ he says.
Increasingly popular in larger homes are ‘wellness areas’ which can even include cold plunge pools and saunas. ‘We are fitting more in basements than ever before,’ reveals Darren Price, director at Adam Architecture.
But the space can also be turned into something more practical to enhance your day-to-day life. ‘I have done a few laundry rooms in basements which are very handy for families,’ says interior designer Octavia Dickinson. ‘There is usually a lot of joinery, a solid sink, space for the washer-dryer, cupboards for linen and towels and an area for hanging ironing. While the laundry is not the exciting of jobs, it is possible to create a room that is quite joyful.’ A guest bedroom suite is another option, adds Clare. ‘And if you have a live-in nanny for instance, they could potentially have their own front door.’
Creating extra light can be a costly exercise as it usually means digging down from the basement, although this isn’t always necessary, according to Darren. ‘You don’t have to dig under the entire footprint of the house. You can dig in the garden as opposed to reinforcing the entire structure above you.’ But if you have no budget for building works, it might seem obvious to paint basement rooms white to maximise brightness. However this can be a mistake, warns interior designer Christian Bense. ‘You can never make a dark room feel lighter. But what you can do is make a dark room feel moody so it is better to lean into that,’ he insists.
Ruth Mottershead, creative director of Little Greene, who has created two bedrooms in the basement of her own home, also suggests darker tones. ‘Anything with a red oxide or a green base will add warmth,’ she says. ‘Our ‘Nether Red’ or ‘Jewel Beetle’, which is a green with lovely yellow undertones, instantly makes a space feel cosier and more intimate.’ For a larger basement, a lighter colour could work. ‘But again, ensure it has a warm undertone such as ochre and umber,’ adds Ruth. ‘If you put a cool colour in a space that does not receive much light, it will feel quite cold.’
Gloss paint can work wonders, says Tolù. ‘Try painting the ceiling in gloss as well as the skirtings, architraves and even the door itself. It allows light to bounce around and really lift the space,’ he says. In addition, Christian recommends wallcoverings such as grasscloth. ‘It has an organic softness so you get both warmth and texture,’ he says.
The basement can also be a great opportunity for pattern. ‘As well as bringing in colours on the joinery, you can introduce wallpaper although it needs to be hardy because of possible condensation,’ advises Octavia. 'If you are using the space as a laundry room you can have lovely tiles.’ And don’t forget the flooring. ‘In a practical space, a lino floor in red and white check can look great.’
When it comes to lighting, the more layered - with table and floor lamps – the better. Christian is in favour of ditching ceiling lights completely. ‘Assuming ceiling heights are lower, you need to rely on wall lights where possible,’ he says. ‘They are very underestimated and often underused. You don't necessarily need light from above if you've got ample light from the side.’
Materials and finishes require additional consideration. Avoid ultra-delicate fabrics which may not age well in lower-ground conditions. ‘If you are creating an atmospheric space like a bar, you might want fabrics like woven jacquards, mohair and velvets,’ says Tolù.
One of the pitfalls of a basement is that it feels disconnected from the rest of the house. The answer to this is good transitions such as a well-lit staircase, an inviting handrail or stair runner to signal that the lower level is part of the home’s living areas. ‘You don't want to go into a house and have a main existing staircase, and then you get shifted off to a secondary one to an annex that feels like it doesn't belong to the house. I would always suggest trying to extend the original staircase down whenever possible,’ explains Darren.
Furniture and its placement require a slightly different approach to the upper levels. 'I would make sure that all the heights and proportions are similar so that nothing is taking dominance,’ says Christian. And avoid anything that feels too ‘boxy’. ‘Opt for an armchair that has wooden arms where there's negative space rather than having fully upholstered armchairs which don’t allow any light to travel.’
It seems a little imagination, careful planning and attention to detail can turn even the dingiest lower ground space to a place of comfort and style. Be it a cinema room, home bar or guest suite, the modern basement has every right to shine – even if it is a little short on sunlight.
