You might refer to it as the dreaded dark dungeon or a space where ALL.THE.THINGS goes to die and you’d be correct! Whether it’s unused space or a dumping ground for décor from holidays past, the basement can easily become a forgotten room in your home. This space is often neglected because it seems like a challenging room to design. Well, say no more to wasted space under your feet thanks to my open and inviting neutral modern basement design!
In this post, I’m helping you escape the drab dungeon by turning your basement space into a beautiful, finished room that just might be your new favorite part of the house!
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Are you looking for a stylish place to entertain, an extra living room space to relax and watch movies, or even just another floor to send your teenagers to? Whatever your basement dreams, stop wasting valuable square footage by transforming a previously unused space into a fabulous space where you love to hang out and entertain.
You may not realize this but a usable basement can actually double the area of your living space! By giving this space the same thoughtful intention as other rooms in your home, it can become just as stylish and functional as the main floor. So, make your basement an extension of your home’s design style!
There are a few things to consider when designing this space but the ultimate goal is to create a cozy and inviting neutral modern basement that’s both functional and comfortable. The color palette, furniture, and lighting you choose will impact the overall look of this space.
Think neutral colors and texture choices, as this goes a long way in creating a light and bright, comfy feeling. Layer your room with plenty of soft and cozy throw pillows, blankets, and even a rug to anchor everything together. Make sure you have plenty of seating that is comfortable. Low-slung furniture is something to think about in a basement setting, especially if you’re dealing with low ceilings. The right amount of lighting is also key, so it’s a place you want to be instead of that dreaded dungeon look. Overall, creating a gathering spot for friends and family in the most comfortable of spaces.
Sofa 1 | Sofa 2 | Sofa 3
One of the most important aspects of any finished basement is the couch. For this neutral modern basement, I chose a GRAY SOFA set on a wooden base for a warm contrast in materials. The seat and back upholstery also add a textured appeal to this space. The wooden frame and clean lines of the sofa are the perfect blend, especially when you don’t want to sacrifice design for functionality. It also offers a laid-back feel, while pairing well with the other furnishings.
Another option to consider is a deep-seated sofa similar to this HAVEN MULTI-SEAT SOFA, from West Elm. This piece is fully customizable from width to depth, as well as cushion and fabric selection. The difference between a normal sofa and a deep-seated sofa is the depth measured from the front of the cushion to the back. Anything larger than 39 inches is considered a deep-seat sofa. The depth is what allows you to sink in, sit back, or lay down, which makes them feel cozier and more comfortable. Of course, extra space also means you can fit more people on the sofa!
As far as sizing, make sure the sofa doesn’t take up the entire length of your wall. A good rule of thumb is to ensure there is at least 18 inches of space on either side of the sofa. Also, consider traffic and think about the way people will move through your space. Ideally, you’ll want to have at least 30 to 36 inches for walkways between all furniture pieces, plus 3 to 5 inches between your sofa and the wall. This will avoid overcrowding, making sure you can move freely and feel relaxed in your space.
Chair 1 | Chair 2 | Chair 3 | Chair 4
Accent chairs, or “side” chairs, provide additional seating and create visual focal points within a room. They’re used to draw attention and invite you into the space. A great accent chair is more than just a seat, it’s an entire mood! To pick the perfect chair think about its purpose. From there consider the style of the room and the size of the space where the chair will live.
For our neutral modern basement design, I chose an accent chair that feels extra cozy and doesn’t feel too big or bulky. Something with fresh, light color that makes you almost forget you’re underground! The curved back and arms of THIS CHAIR give a subtle style, making the room feel balanced with a natural flow. This WIDE ARM CHAIR is also a great piece, with low-profile arms and clean lines. It offers an understated and inviting look that says lounge here.
Lamp 1 | Lamp 2 | Lamp 3 | Lamp 4
Typically, your average basement has much less natural light than other parts of your home, enter scary dungeon feel! So, the right amount of lighting is a key element in this space due to the fewer windows and available natural light. Adding more lighting will help create a warm, cozy, and inviting atmosphere helping turn your room from dingy to dreamy!
One of the best ways to add extra lighting is by using table lamps, which fill in darker areas, help set the tone, and create focal points. Good artificial lighting can make the space feel just as bright and inviting, as natural light. Be sure that the lighting you chose is soft, natural, and bright, which will give the illusion of expanded space. A few things to consider…lighter-colored basement walls are more reflective, so they require less lighting. Also, the general norm for sizing is to pick a lamp where the bottom of the shade is at eye level when you are seated or resting.
I opted for neutral tones when selecting a table lamp for my neutral modern basement design. This CERAMIC LAMP has the perfect modern appeal with decorative knobs for visual interest. The COLUMN LAMP brings symmetry, color, and contrast to this basement space. It not only diffuses light with a warm, cozy glow but features a dimmable light setting, which allows you to control the right level of light.
Table 1 | Table 2 | Table 3 | Table 4
Coffee tables serve many functions in our homes. From the perfect footrest or nesting spot for favorite reads to family game nights or entertaining friends, it creates a gathering space. So, when choosing a coffee table, it’s important to think about its function, how it will be positioned in the room, as well as how it will work with the overall existing aesthetic.
Size and proportion play a big role in selecting a coffee table that will work best in your space. The table height should fall somewhere between 14 to 20 inches. When it comes to positioning try to keep it at least 16 inches from the edge of the table to the sofa and 28 to 30 inches from either the TV or opposite- facing furniture. Proportionally to the sofa, the coffee table should be two-thirds its length.
Beyond simply functionality, coffee tables also offer decorative value, with endless selections to suit any design needs. For this neutral modern basement design, I went with a more sculptured appearance and incorporated natural earthy elements. Concrete, stone, and warm woods add interest to the room and help balance out the other furnishings.
The WEST COFFEE TABLE serves as an anchor piece to the sofa and armchair. Its rounded two-tone silhouette makes a stunning statement. The base oak against the dark stain creates beautiful contrast and the recessed edge might just occasionally save your drink from hitting the floor! The ABBY TABLE is another fantastic option and features an open angular frame with a sun-washed wood grain tone. Its modern look paired with soft, clean lines fit just about any design style.
I hope this design inspires you to create a neutral modern basement that you love! Creating a space that’s ready to make memories with your favorite people! Happy designing!
For more home designs check out my MODERN TRADITIONAL LIVING ROOM blog post!
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