An unfinished basement can be a blank slate. Or an underused, outdated one can be reimagined. When it comes to the space at the base of your house, the choices are almost unlimited. Whether your dream includes a media room, game room, home gym, guest suite, hobby room, bar or wine cellar, this is the place you can make it happen. If you’re looking for inspiration, take a look at these examples that run the gamut of possibilities.
These homeowners wanted to modernize their basement with their adult children in mind. A huge island was added for game playing and TV viewing. Dark green painted cabinets create space for a beverage refrigerator, fireplace, three televisions, sink, dishwasher, and large pantry. It’s a great party space! —Oliver Lewis, Lewis Designs Custom Cabinetry
Wanting an inviting area for watching movies or entertaining out-of-town family and friends, our clients now have plenty of functional space in their lower level. Custom white cabinetry keeps things clean and organized in the new family room, office, and kitchen—plus there are plenty of storage options. —Cabinet Creations Design Gallery
We love the bold color choices and a floor plan that accommodates multiple uses. Of special note is the custom tambour wall treatment around the television. The warmth of wood is always a welcome design element in a basement and does double duty to soften the acoustics. —Designed and remodeled by J.S. Brown & Co.
RESOURCES Flooring Prosource Workout room barn door Sommers Wood-N-Door Mirror Eastway Supply Bar Caesarstone quartz
In the bar area, the wood wall that highlights the wine wraps up to the ceiling. It was very important to the homeowner that the boards going across the wall and ceiling were one board wide without a seam. We were able to source long boards from Arts Woodworking. —Cyndi Kohler, senior designer, Neal’s Design Remodel
“The homeowners play card games and wanted two tables so they could pull them apart when they have groups over for game night but also be able to push the tables back together again to use as one big table with plenty of room for food and beverages.” —Amanda Moran, design/sales, Greater Dayton Building and Remodeling
RESOURCES Paint Sherwin-Williams Gauntlet Gray Countertops Cambria Galloway Backsplash Daltile Brickwork Series
The homeowners wanted a versatile area for entertaining, a reading nook, and storage for their book and wine collections. An exercise room and a bath with a steam shower were added. The kitchen was redesigned using cabinets and appliances repurposed from the upstairs kitchen. —Neal Hauschild, owner & partner, Nth Degree Companies
This transformation turned an outdated space into one that feels bright and welcoming—perfect for movie nights, game days, and hosting friends. With kid-friendly fabrics, fresh pops of green, and a hidden reading room, it’s now a fun and comfortable family retreat. —Jody Salter, owner and principal designer at Nimbus 9 Interiors
RESOURCES Dutch cabinetry
The homeowners wanted their unfinished basement transformed into a welcoming entertainment hub with a moody, movie-inspired scheme, plus a bedroom and a bath—creating extra living space perfect for family fun and hosting guests. —RA Cooks Renovations
Unfinished basement challenges included concealing the water shutoff, low ceilings, exposed lines, and unstable stairs. After new stairs were installed, spaces were defined: a glass-doored music room with a decorative soffit, a workout room with beverage center and water dispenser, and durable LVT floors. —Tyler Swartzmiller, principal designer & CEO, Haus Studio
RESOURCES Worly Plumbing, Mark Metal Works, Elkay
Setting the mood for fun, this basement includes a brick wall that runs the length of the room. It’s the perfect backdrop for the lounging, bar and game areas. The renovation included the addition of a full bathroom as well as an egress window for safety. —Scott Carskadon, owner, Eagle Specialty Remodeling
Article originally appeared in November 2025