How to Maximize Space in Your Basement or Lower Level

Interior designer Amy Leferink has recently noticed an increase in lower level design projects and is sharing her 10 tips on how to make the most of your basement space. Find out why you should invest in your lower level and turn it into livable square footage for entertaining, recreation, working out and guest visits.

Why have just 1 kitchen when you could have 2? Leferink explains, "we added a wine refrigerator, pizza/toaster oven, microwave, sink, and wine storage to this bar space, so it has a ton of flexibility."

In your lower level, it is essential to make every square inch count. "We opted for a table style island with a durable quartz top, rather than a typical peninsula bar, so it can be used for entertaining, family meals, games or kids craft projects," she says.

"Add floating shelves to hold books or baskets that can give you more storage and space to add personality," Leferink suggests.

The more seating, the better! "We added these adorable built-in benches on each side of the fireplace, which provides a fun spot for the kids to hang out. The floating shelves above and pull-out drawers below also make the niches functional by providing storage. We also added a high-top counter with stools behind the sofa to fit 3 more people on game or movie-watching days," explains Leferink.

"A large sectional will hold more people than a sofa and a loveseat, plus it’s more comfortable to snuggle up on," she says.

She says, "go smaller scale with lounge chairs so you can fit more into a room. So often, people go with oversized chairs and ottomans that take up so much of the room. You can still get comfortable chairs that aren’t quite so big, which would allow you to fit 2 chairs for more seating."

"Add some full-height cabinetry to the bar or kitchenette. You don’t require quite as much counter space in a lower level bar or kitchen, so running some of your cabinets all the way from the countertop to the ceiling will give you more storage space," Leferink says.

She suggests that to give your lower level maximum effect, make it open-concept. "Having the family room and bar area and or game area all in one open space will make it feel more spacious and allow you to have more flexibility. This typically allows you to maximize square footage because you have fewer walls taking up room."

For a better use of space, install sliding doors Leferink explains. "Use sliding doors on small rooms so that the door swing doesn’t impede with furniture placement inside the room."