Sure, you can add a ping-pong table and a mini-fridge to a basement and call it a day, but creative basement ideas are aplenty. When it comes to designing the belowground space, think outside the expected and routine. Whether you have an unfinished area or perhaps a wood-paneled cave that’s relegated as a dumping ground for old furniture, unused sports equipment (you know, all those pandemic purchases), and the unsightly furnace or water heater deserve a design-worthy makeover.
According to a 2025 Houzz Report, beverage stations and fun zones are wildly popular. For example, searches for whiskey bars are up 82% and small wet bars are up 36% compared to last year. Also, searches for poker tables are up 77% compared to last year. Billiard room (pool table) searches are up 39%, video game rooms are up 34%, and game tables are up 20%.
Ready for some basement ideas that are full of style? AD checked in with designers who fashioned gorgeous interiors that might as well be showrooms—and range from basketball courts to speakeasies to saunas and pools to restaurants. Here are 24 finished basement ideas that can help you get the party started.
1. Set the tone with wallpaper
“When a basement will be an entertaining space, keep in mind what the entrance to the basement will feel like and how it will welcome friends and family,” says Rachel Alcorn, owner and principal at Two Hands Interiors in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. At the client’s request, Alcorn designed this basement after a midcentury-modern–inspired country club with rich colors and swoon-worthy features. Its’s safe to say that a striking wallpaper sets the tone.
2. Create a cozy nook
In keeping with her clients’ midcentury-modern country club inspired basement, Alcorn built a custom banquette. “We painted it a rich emerald green, and it not only creates an unexpected focal point for the room, but it also provides a flexible space to gather,” she says. From having a cocktail with friends to playing a friendly board game with family, Alcorn says this space brings people together—and it doesn’t feel like they’re in a basement.
3. Use it as a culinary space
It’s not usual to have a kitchen and dining area in the basement, but with a bit of design and architectural know-how you can make it look like a restaurant. Cathy Purple Cherry—architect and principal of Purple Cherry Architects in Annapolis, Maryland—took advantage of a forty-foot-long basement dining area that was adjacent to a massive 2,000-bottle wine cellar. She created an intimate wine tasting room, complete with a wood-fire pizza kitchen to boot!
You can enter the dining area from a hidden staircase that leads down from the bar area above or through the basement’s main hallways.
Adjacent to the dining room is an industrial kitchen with a large wood-burning pizza oven. “To get the burning pizza oven into the basement, it had to be craned into the lower level during construction—before the floor above was built,” Purple Cherry explains. “The combination of the Chicago brick flooring, masonry chimney, and subway tile backsplash creates a fantastic industrial feel.” The zinc table with brass accents was custom built to evoke a true rustic restaurant feeling.
4. Build a bar (or a speakeasy)
Ever wonder about the difference between a dry bar and a wet dry? “A dry bar is simply a space to prepare drinks without a sink, whereas a wet bar is equipped with a sink and will require plumbing,” says Josie Abate, founder of Ambience Design Group in Woodbridge, Ontario. To make the space more functional, add a kitchenette and cabinets to store your beverages. “If you enjoy entertaining people, turning your basement into a bar or lounge is something you might want to consider,” she notes.
Who says only kids can party in the basement? Lauren Collander of Lauren Collander Interiors in Naperville, Illinois, created a speakeasy to entertain adults. “The bar features dark wood cabinetry, backlit open shelving, and barstools in teal velvet that match the walls and ceiling,” she says. To embrace the low ceilings, she leaned into a design of an intimate and moody space, adding a bar and painting the entire room (including the ceiling) a dark teal. Collander also hid the water meter inside cabinets at the bar, and explains that’s why the design is so symmetrical. “I chose a high-end vinyl flooring for its waterproof quality that has grooves along the grain and looks incredibly realistic.”
5. Make it into a wine cellar
If a bar isn’t enough to store your wine collection, perhaps a cellar is an option. Joshua Zinder, managing partner at JZA+D in Princeton, New Jersey, installed a cork ceiling in one of his basement wine room projects. “This was a playful nod to the room’s purpose, but it has the added benefit of keeping the room cool, which is essential for wine storage.” Zinder says the wine cellar will never cease to wow guests when homeowners use the location for pre-dinner tastings. “If you have enough room, you could consider installing a small bar for storing glasses and other supplies,” adds Chicago-based Bruce Fox of Bruce Fox Design.
6. Elevate the play space
If you have kids, it can be difficult to prevent the basement space from turning into a toy dumping ground. However, Collander (who actually designed the basement for her own family as a way to reclaim the house from their kids) has a creative solution: a secret door. Once opened, it reveals an emporium of toys, books, and “bits and bobs” that can now be hidden from the more sophisticated speakeasy (the adult playroom, so to speak). “A colorful rock wall and monkey bars in the kids’ play area keeps them entertained while full-height cabinets store all their toys, games, and blocks,” she says. When designing the floor plan, she kept 50% for adults, 25% for the kids to play, and 25% for storage.
Alternatively, if you do want to dedicate your space to kids, think about joyful basement design. For a basement space without great light options (no fluorescent tube lighting, please), employ lighter wall paint and bright details, like colorful rugs underfoot, suggests Kristen Rivoli of Kristen Rivoli Interior Design based in Boston. She also recommends adding a fun mural, peel-and-stick wallpaper, or playful posters. “Add furniture that creates spaces for certain activities like reading, playing instruments, and loads of shelves for games,” she says.
7. Create cohesion with the rest of the house
Even if you don’t have enough space to create multiple rooms in your basement, create a cohesive space by designating different areas. Liz Caan, a Boston-based designer, uses her designs to distract from the shortcomings of the basement space, like the lack of ceiling height or the lack of natural light. “As a rule of thumb, I like to always try and keep the lower level on par with the rest of the house in terms of finishes and furnishings,” she says. Have fun with it and treat it like your downstairs living room.
8. Curate a console
If you don’t have the space or desire for a movie theater, a basement is still a great spot for a large screen TV. Alcorn advises homeowners to think beyond “just” a television and consider a custom built-in media console. She recommends pausing to think what type of storage would be handy, what treasures can be displayed, and how this area can connect to the rest of the basement. “Designing the space for storage, art display, and collections allows this area of the basement to surround the television in plenty of function and style,” Alcorn adds.
9. Splurge on a sauna
From a space planning perspective, saunas are the perfect thing to include in a basement because they don’t require windows to feel luxurious or opulent. Sabra Ballon of ballonStudio in San Francisco placed the sauna in a frameless glass enclosure inside a large spa bathroom. The stone floor from the spa bath continues into the sauna, blending the spaces into one. The natural cedar wood smells amazing, and its warm brown color and wood texture soften the stone and glass.
10. Get an extra guest bedroom
Sometimes the most creative basement idea is the one that is the most obvious. Use the extra space to design a guest bedroom for out-of-towners. Stick to minimalist elements and light neutral tones to keep the space simple and airy. Invest in accessories like a plush rug and plenty of throw pillows to make it extra cozy.
11. Impress with a statement landing
Those with plenty of basement space can create an opulent landing that leads to the rest of the basement. Abate enhanced the underground digs with palatial accoutrements such as a statement stair railing, gorgeous floor decor, a custom ceiling medallion and crystal chandelier, and beautiful etched glass doors that lead to the wine cellar. Even if your abode is more humble in scale, you can still create a grand entrance by adding a bit of panache with mirrors, sconces, and a statement rug.
12. Glam up with mirrors
To make the basement feel like an entirely different area than the rest of the home, Manuella Moreira—principal and founder at Manuella Moreira Interiors in Stamford, Connecticut—used glitz and glamour to wow anyone who walks down the stairs. “We added an eglomise mirror for a more suspenseful reflection, a statement console table with a freeform base wrapped in steel, and accessorized with fun, playful sculptures,” Moreira says.
13. Create a gallery hall
Turn the basement passageway into a gallery hall. Here, Moreira displayed signed posters from her clients’ favorite movies, which include The Sound of Music, Harry Potter, and Grease. But if you don’t have celebrity paraphernalia, choose art work that evokes happy memories. It will draw the eye down the hallway and invite guests into the space. Moreira also painted stripes just above the images to add pattern and depth to the space without being too bold. To DIY this trick, simply use a different finish (ideally flat]) in the same color as the semi-gloss walls.
14. Indulge in a movie
If you have the space, you can create a basement theater that’s more comfortable (and frankly, much better looking) than many commercial movie theaters. Zinder used wrapped fiberglass acoustic panels to create luxurious walls and ceilings. There’s also room in the back to place extra snacks and drinks, so you won’t have to leave the room to get seconds. If you have wires and pipes, hide them with a recessed overhead.
15. Build a bunk room with a secret bookcase door
According to Bhavana Bhimavarapu, an AD Pro Directory member and the Minneapolis, MN-based senior designer at O’Hara Interiors, for larger families or homeowners who like hosting, basements can be great spaces for entertaining that feel more private than the main level areas.
She designed this bunk room for a family that has four children. “The family often hosts parties for young cousins who live in the neighborhood, so they needed extra space for regular visitors,” Bhimavarapu says. And she wanted the built-in bunk beds to be full size, so they could accommodate the kids as they grow into teenagers.
“I wanted this space to flow with the neutral, high-contrast look of the rest of the home, since even a kid-focused space can fit the parent’s style.” She chose a wooden staircase with railings up to the top bunks rather than a ladder because it would provide a sturdier, long-term solution. “Under the beds, there are built-in drawers, and each side of the bunks has space for books and toys, so everything they play with is within reach,” Bhimavarapu says. In addition, the bookshelves provide extra storage in this basement bedroom, and the secret bookcase adds a fun element.
16. Indulge in a home office retreat
In this project, the homeowners wanted to transform their split-level basement into a refined entertaining retreat. Justin Olewack, president of BOLT Builders in Vienna, VA, says the homeowner designs luxury hotels and wanted to bring that same level of comfort and sophistication into her own home. The home renovation created an additional living area, and includes a guest suite, cozy fireplace lounge, a wet bar with wine fridge and this stunning home office with custom navy built-ins. “The double doors fill the space with natural light and open directly to the backyard overlooking the golf course,” Olewack says. “The result is a space that feels inviting and indulgent.”
17. Show off a mural
The owners of this Long Island North Shore estate are music lovers and aficionados with a background in show business, and entertaining is an important part of their lives. When renovating their basement, Jessica Delbridge, senior associate and senior interior designer at CetraRuddy in New York, NY, says the clients wanted the living space to feel like a club with a speakeasy vibe and the sense of being a “hidden” area of the house, like you are stumbling into a secret bar.
“A striking Al Hirschfeld Broadway character mural commands the attention of the room, and we incorporated a saturated blue suede wall covering to add warmth, acoustical dampening, and a visual richness that serves as a counterpoint to the room’s wood-clad ceiling,” Delbridge says. The long-channeled leather banquet was designed to seat a lot of people, especially for parties.
18. Add a pool
According to Rose Praino, ADC Pro Directory member and interior designer at YDC Design in New York, NY, this home improvement basement project was an intentional study in reframing how subterranean spaces are experienced. “Typically, lower levels can feel closed-in or disconnected from nature, so we approached it through the lens of NeuroSensory Design, beginning with an interrogation of the space and the emotions it evoked.” She says the goal was to counteract the heaviness that is often associated with basements by optimizing the limited natural light available, and introducing the type of elements that evoke calmness and vitality.
“The living green walls became the soul of the space—they infuse oxygen, movement, and a visual connection to nature,” Praino explains. “Lighting and acoustics were carefully balanced to regulate the nervous system, while ceiling height and air circulation were maximized to maintain openness and freshness.” The result is a serene, restorative environment that feels alive rather than a below ground space.
19. Make it a tasting lounge
For some local clients, Miriam Dillion at BVA BarnesVanzeArchitects in Washington, DC, transformed this basement into a hip tasting lounge, complete with a custom wine cellar, full-service bar, and an intimate sitting area. “Warm lighting, plush fabrics, and iron and glass doors create a sophisticated yet inviting ambiance—and it’s perfect for entertaining or just unwinding with a glass of wine.” Dillion notes that the cellar showcases the owner’s collection of wine, while the bar and lounge areas offer a blend of function and luxury.
20. Make it a multifunctional playroom
AD Pro Directory member Valerie Grant of Valerie Grant Interiors in Naples, Florida, and Summit, New Jersey, was tasked with converting a client’s unfinished basement into a multifunctional play area for three young children. “The goal was to create a space that could grow with the family, seamlessly blending imaginative play, sports, and relaxation—all within the confines of a basement with concrete walls and flooring.”
Grant’s team created three distinct zones in this home renovation project. “At the heart of the space, we created a two-story playhouse—an immersive environment for imaginative play that includes a slide and architectural detailing. “This playhouse is not just a place for fun; it fosters creativity and gives the children a space to call their own.” It’s also a durable and safe place to play.
Adjacent to the playhouse, a half-basketball court doubles as a roller-skating and scooter rink. “A vintage scoreboard anchors the space with character and nostalgia, serving as both a design statement and a nod to classic gymnasiums,” Grant explains. Padded wall panels were added along the perimeter to ensure the area is safe—and Grant notes that it also adds a subtle, polished texture to the overall design
The final zone has a dedicated gymnastics area where the children can practice their flips and tumbles, and there’s a cozy lounge area with a TV so the kids can wind down. “This multipurpose section ensures that the basement can evolve from an active play area to a family gathering spot with ease,” Grant says.
21. Tee off
Eva Lindsell, principal designer of Lindsell Interiors in Greenville, South Carolina, tells us that many of the firm's clients are busy CEOs who travel frequently, and when they are home they want to be home. For that reason, the designer includes steam showers, cold plunge pools, saunas, and golf simulators into her clients’ homes, as these are the things that keep them moving and grounded, and help restore and rejuvenate.
“Especially for clients in colder climates, an in-home golf simulator is a huge asset to the finished lower level, and without leaving the comfort of home, clients enjoy these simulators for entertaining their C-suites and friends and family,” Lindsell says. “Many of the simulators also include kid-friendly games to keep the little ones busy during those extra frigid days.” And by surrounding the simulator with luxurious finishes that complement the rest of the home, she explains that this feature is elevated to a luxurious new level.
22. Make working out a luxury
According to Lindsell, homeowners are no longer taking the DIY route of putting rubber mats in an unfinished basement to create a home gym. “They’re now truly defining bespoke health at home, and we include undercounter refrigerators for cold water and towels, and select incredible finishes to create an authentic, custom space that reflects the client’s home and preferences.” While some clients want to feel like they are at a five-star hotel, she says other clients want the sensation of being at a rustic mountain lodge. “Part of the fun of a home renovation of these lower-level spaces is making it unique and tailored to the client,” Lindsell says.
23. Paint the ceiling black
Susan Yeley at Susan Yeley Homes in Bloomington, Indiana, tells us that they have a unique approach to basement projects. “We think of low ceilings, limited light, exposed stone foundations, concrete floors, and moisture challenges not as limitations, but as design prompts.” She says her team leans into the perks, such as privacy, sound insulation, and generous bonus square footage and this helps shape the basement into a space homeowners will want to spend time in.
“We leaned into the subterranean vibe in this small basement game room by painting the (unfinished) basement ceiling black and the walls smokey blue.” Into that cozy basement space, Yeley says they added colorful, comfortable, modular seating—and all the games they could fit in the space, along with a big screen and swivel gaming recliners. “A Galactica-themed corner bathroom and just-enough kitchenette leave no reason to trek back upstairs once the games are underway,” Yeley says.
24. Modernize a historic home
“When a historic home lacks some of the functional spaces we like in our 21st-century homes, a basement remodel can be a great way to create them,” Yeley says. She notes that a century ago, useful spaces such as home offices, media rooms, and laundry rooms weren't really a thing. Even if you don't need any of those auxiliary spaces, if you have an underutilized basement, creating an additional living room with plenty of built-in storage and the right flooring (which can include warm woods, carpet, and area rugs) is an excellent use of the space. “It can be a trick to get daylight and plumbing below ground, but the results are worth the investment,” Yeley concludes.
FAQ
What’s popular right now in basement designs?
According to Justin Olewack, president of BOLT Builders in Vienna, Virginia, homeowners are transforming basements into multipurpose retreats. “There is a great desire to promote wellness, recreation, and even income potential, so we’re seeing a lot of home gyms, media rooms, wet bars, saunas, cold plunge rooms, golf simulators, and retrofitting a basement as Airbnb rentals.” He says homeowners want a great space to relax and entertain at home—which results in such amenities as golf simulators and media rooms. “And since people want the convenience of wellness at home, we see a lot of homeowners wanting gyms and saunas.”
Rose Praino, ADC Pro Directory member and interior designer at YDC Design in New York City, agrees that homeowners are transforming these once-overlooked spaces into wellness sanctuaries. “They want spaces designed for rejuvenation and recovery, and we’re seeing an increase in home spas, plunge pools, saunas, and personal recovery zones for massage and infrared treatments.” In fact, Praino notes that these areas are now being treated as integral environments for mental and physical well-being—and as such, she says these finished basement spaces are extensions of the home’s wellness ecosystem.
What do homeowners need to know when considering a basement remodel?
When building out a basement, AD Pro Directory member Valerie Grant of Valerie Grant Interiors in Naples, Florida, and Summit, New Jersey, says it’s important for homeowners to consider not only how the basement space will be used today, but how it might adapt to future needs. “A well-designed basement should offer flexibility—allowing spaces to transform from a children’s play area into a teen lounge, home gym, or media room as the family’s lifestyle changes.”
And the opportunity to add valuable square footage is something else to consider. “For example, accommodating amenities such as home theaters, bar areas, offices, or guest suites,” Grant says. She explains that ultimately, the goal is to create a space that feels just as intentional and inviting as the living room, and the rest of the home.
And Susan Yeley at Susan Yeley Homes in Bloomington, Indiana, sums it up quite succinctly. “You have to make it a space where people are compelled to spend time; otherwise, why go underground?” She says subterranean living must be so good, so beautiful, and so useful, that everybody heads straight for the stairs down.
