At Andrus Built, the basement is one of our favorite areas to help clients reimagine. Unlike the main level, all bets are off downstairs! Basement spaces are open to interpretation. We’ve seen it all — media rooms, exercise studios, craft areas, game rooms, playrooms, and built-in bars. Each type of space is fun to bring to life, but today, we’re singling out the basement bar.
A time-honored tradition, lower level bars are the perfect way to give the basement a little class. They create an intentional but informal party space. Instead of dragging dishes, snacks, and drinks from upstairs, everything needed to entertain is housed in one organized spot! Extra appliances, accents, and accessories can add custom flair and personality.
Are you chomping at the bit to design your basement paradise? Read below for our advice on getting your project rolling!
1. Analyze Your Space
With any building project, the first step is always to strategize for the available space. Asking yourself the following questions will help you get started.
- Will the entire basement be a party zone or just a corner?
- Will the room revolve around football games or casual parties?
- How much seating is needed?
- Do kids use the space?
Your answers to these questions will provide a clearer picture of your family’s needs and help you determine how best to utilize the space you have to work with.
2. Gather Design Inspiration
Another key piece of the puzzle will be discerning the vibe you want for the basement bar. Browse Houzz, scroll through Pinterest, and flip through magazines to gather ideas. Once you’ve found your taste and what kind of mood you’d like to give your space, making design choices becomes ten times easier. Case in point, there’s a vast difference between the decor of a sports bar versus a cocktail lounge. Make sure you and your partner are aiming for the same style target!
3. Add Smart Storage Solutions
The presence of kids is a game-changer when designing a home bar. Whether you’re dealing with curious toddlers or rebellious teens, factoring them into your plans is incredibly important. You will likely host friends or family with children even if you aren’t a parent. Incorporating storage that will allow you to lock away alcohol and breakables when necessary will give you peace of mind.
4. Use Lighting to Add Ambiance
Lighting is a crucial element that often gets overlooked but can make or break the atmosphere of your basement bar. Consider a mix of lighting options to create a welcoming and functional space. Task lighting, such as under-cabinet lights or pendant lights over the bar, ensures you’ll have enough brightness for pouring drinks and prepping snacks. On the flip side, dimmable ambient lighting or decorative fixtures, like statement chandeliers or string lights, can help set the perfect mood for casual gatherings or intimate cocktail hours. By layering different types of lighting, you can easily adjust the vibe depending on the occasion.
5. Leave Room for Options
Lastly, we encourage you to use caution when customizing your home. There is always a fine line to walk between adding personal features and maintaining your home’s resale value. Because lower levels often have such catchall square footage, it’s wise to leave options open for subsequent homeowners. Think of your basement as a second great room and determine its purpose with multiple functions and family members in mind!
Working with a professional remodeling contractor is a great way to create a custom space without sacrificing resale value. When you’re ready to get the ball rolling on adding a basement bar to your home or any other remodeling project, get in touch with our team. We’d love to help bring your vision to life!