5 Ways to Transform Your Basement or Attic Space

Whether you’ve just purchased the home of your dreams or have been residing in your favorite spot for a while, there are always new and transformative ways to change up your living space. From switching out the seasonal decor to updating the look and feel of a room, more living space often leads to better home functionality. An added bonus? Home improvement projects are a great way to feel more at home while increasing your overall home value.

If you’re a native New Englander or have been residing in the Northeast for a while, you’ve probably realized how prevalent basements and attics are in homes- especially those built between 1940 and 1980.

Basements often include concrete floors, unfinished ceilings, and exposed walls. On the other hand, attics are often floor-to-ceiling exposed posts and beams, showcasing the more raw side of homebuilding. In both cases, they were probably included in the original home build to expand the home to include designated spots for storage. In areas where vast land ownership was scarce, homes could only go one of two ways to expand: up or down, hence the inclusion of a basement and attic.

Although basements and attics are still great places to store items, like holiday decorations, gym equipment, and special memorabilia, there is so much more that can be done to transform the space into a useable and welcoming portion of your home.

So whether you’re hoping to add on an extra bedroom, home gym, or office space, an addition to your home shouldn’t be top of mind; instead, opt to upgrade your current space by finishing your basement or attic.

Here are my top 5 ways to transform your basement or attic space:

1. Create a functional office space.

There were a lot of changes that came with the onset of the pandemic. From changes in the way, we interact with others to a slew of updates in our daily schedule. However, one of the most notable changes for millions of people was going from a daily work commute to working from home. Whether you had the space for it or not, the workforce went completely remote. Most were working from their bedrooms while their children were attending virtual class from the dining table. Although the onset was over a year ago, many people are still working remotely indefinitely. If you’re one of them, now is the perfect time to transform your attic or basement into the office space of your dreams.

No matter what theme you decide to go with make sure to include:

Ample lighting
A sizeable desk to accommodate for all of your office essentials
Organizational options to store your files and supplies
Seating for yourself and guests
Noise-cancelling insulation
A lockable door to close for privacy when needed
An accent wall to use when on video calls for client and coworker meetings

2. Add a secondary living area.

Has your family grown since your initial move? Whether you’ve welcome children or invited a family member or roommate to move in with you, sometimes a secondary living space becomes a necessity as your inner circle and needs grow. Consider finishing your attic or basement space to be an extra living area where you house things like a television, extra toys, a reading nook or a set of desks for a quiet study space. To create a cohesive flow between your current rooms and your newly finished area, try to match the style and aesthetics of your home by using colors that accentuate, furniture that complements, and flooring that seamlessly flows from one space to another.

3. Build a wine cellar.

Who doesn’t need a wine cellar? If you consider yourself a wine connoisseur, a wine cellar renovation may be the best option for your basement. Although not a possible solution for an attic space, a wine cellar is a great place to store your favorite tastes of each season all year long. Choose an aesthetic that compliments your favorite winery and add a space for tasting or sharing drinks with others.

4. Upgrade your storage game.

There is no shame in using your basement or attic for their intended purpose: a space for extra storage. Instead of just placing items in random bins and boxes, insulate your space, put up some drywall, and lay down interior flooring. Regulating the temperature within the area will allow you to store items safely without risk of mildew or other long-term storage damage taking place. Consider building custom in-wall storage shelving for a higher level of organization.

5. Make it a game and entertainment realm.

If you don’t have a specific plan for your attic or basement, a game and entertainment area is always a viable and fun option for all ages. This type of area grows with your family and can be updated as your family’s interests change. With a plethora of options to choose from you can make the personalized space customized to your needs. Whether you opt for a movie theater space with cozy oversized chairs or a game room with pinball machines, there is so much to be done within the confines of the extra room.

Some entertaining items to consider include:

A pool table
A foosball table
A music space filled with your favorite instruments
A bar area for friend and family events
Old-school video game systems
A reading nook
An arts and crafts studio

Having a home with a basement and attic allows you to transform your home in various ways. Whether you decide on expanding your storage space in an organized way, tapping into your gaming side, sipping from your favorite glass in a new wine cellar, adding a secondary living space or turning your spare area into a functional office space for your work-from-home needs, there are many options to choose from that can meet the needs of you and your family for years to come.