Lighting key to basement reno

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This article was published 18/01/2014 (4608 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Debbie: The kids are grown now and we are renovating our basement room to suit our lifestyle. The toys, beanbag chairs and table hockey have been cleared out. We’d even like the TV to be hidden. Have you any ideas for making a “below level” room look inviting? What about the ceiling and the high windows? Thanks, Ray and Connie.

Dear Ray and Connie: Recreation rooms have come a long way from their poorly lit, dark-paneled predecessors. With the proper attention to window coverings, floor and ceiling materials, you’ll even forget you are in the basement. Lighting is an important feature, very little is supplied from windows, and the room is usually occupied in the evenings. Plan for some flat spotlights overhead for good ambient light and put them on a dimmer. If the ceiling is low, you can supply light with floor and table lamps. Basement floors tend to be cold, so add a thick layer of insulation under wood, tile or carpet. It’s a nice touch to put down a cozy carpet in the sitting area.

The ceiling is a perfect place to set up or complement the mood you want to convey. Decorative ceiling tiles and panels are available in a variety of materials and styles.

With basement ceilings you are often working around ducts and electrical wires, which can be easily hidden by panels. Ceiling panels can also reduce sound, and resist mould and mildew. White is optimal for a basement as it reflects light and allows the space to breathe and feel larger. But you can have fun with tin ceiling panels in metallic colours that offer an historic feel, or wood ceiling panels that are warm and natural.

Camouflage the size and height of windows with curtains, and use the space below the windows to advantage with storage cabinets. This could be the right place for your TV. Keep the walls light, but a darker shade than the ceiling, add some art, posters or wall sculptures, and you have a wonderful, grownup retreat that you’ll love.

Dear Debbie: I am brightening up our bedroom and have painted the walls cornflower blue and the woodwork white. The 40-year-old bedroom furniture is stained a walnut colour, and showing signs of wear. I want to paint it white. Do I have to remove the stain? Thank you for your advice. Kay

Dear Kay: With the excellent paint primers available, you can paint over the stained wood with little preparation. Clean the surfaces, sand lightly to even out any imperfections, and then apply a coat of high hide primer/sealer that is designed to cover slippery surfaces. These primers will also block out any colour leakage. Let dry completely and then paint. There are paints available that can be applied over unprimed surfaces (they have primer in the mix). Check with your paint store professional to be sure you have the correct paint for your project. Your plans will transform your bedroom, enjoy the process.

Debbie Travis’ House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.