10 Beautiful Basements That Will Inspire You to Renovate Your Lower Level

There’s this idea that basements are cold, both in temperature and vibe. They’re good for storing potatoes, wine and seasonal clothes – and that’s about it. But these stylish spaces prove the opposite: basements are for lounging, cooking, eating, playing and exercising. Flip through for inspiration!

Published February 6, 2019, Updated October 2, 2020

Basement living room with bright couches and wood ceiling

Janis Nicolay

1 / 10

Heads Up

A wood-clad ceiling (a detail picked up on the sofa table) is an arresting focal point in the basement of this playful Vancouver home that features a ravine walkout. A colourful Missoni sofa is a great way to brighten up the white backdrop.

Basement with indoor kids' climbing wall, swinging tire and floor mat

HGTV Canada

2 / 10

Colour Block

This basement by Bryan Baeumler has an indoor climbing gym, a swinging tire and a mat for rough-and-tumble play: it’s perfect for kids to release all of that pent-up energy, especially during the winter. A bright green wall is a happy-making detail.

HGTV Canada

3 / 10

Sweat Equity

Basements are perfect spots to set up a home gym. (Not everyone wants to see heavy equipment upstairs). Though with its red accents, this well-coordinated space from Save My Reno‘s Sabrina Smelko and Sebastian Clovis is dapper enough for anywhere. Watch the episode where this basement transformation happens.

Wood and blue basement with walkout to outside

HGTV Canada

4 / 10

Knotty and Nice

Contrast makes perfect in this basement by Bryan and Sarah Baeumler, where warm wood meets crisp white for a stellar combo. Dark-painted walls on the nooks by the fireplace make the accessories pop.

Basement play room with big graphic blue and white area rug

HGTV Canada

5 / 10

Play Time

Look, the kids are going to make a mess. That’s just how it is. They’re going to toss the toys around and colour the walls (pro tip: chalk paint a wall or two) so you might as well create an open space for them to go wild. This space by Save My Reno‘s Sabrina Smelko and Sebastian Clovis did all that, plus enough storage to pack everything up when they’re done.

Basement kitchen with white cabinets and black backsplash and walls

Jarrett Ford

6 / 10

Stylish Ideas

Black adds depth and drama in this knockout kitchen by Bryan and Sarah Baeumler. Eschewing upper cabinets on one wall lets the backsplash shine. Chunky shelves are functional and decorative. Brass accents invite warmth.

Basement home office with blue desk and graphic artwork on wall

HGTV Canada

7 / 10

Snazzy Home Office

Working from home? Make your office as inspiring as it can be. The trick? Design it like you would any room in the house. Spruced up on Save My Reno by Sabrina Smelko and Sebastian Clovis, this basement features a bold blue built-in desk, a stylish seating area and warm flooring.

Basement living room with grey couch, colourful pillows and blue and white area rug

HGTV Canada

8 / 10

Small, but Mighty

Space tight? That doesn’t mean your basement can’t be amazing. Focus on building a vignette. Layer in multi-colour pillows, a contrasting rug, a sweet Scandi sofa with splayed legs and shelving to show off pretty things. We’re lovin’ this space by Save My Reno‘s Sabrina Smelko and Sebastian Clovis.

Cute kids play corner with a star covered teepee, two baskets of toys and colourful piece of art on the wall

HGTV Canada

9 / 10

Kiddy Corner

Carving out a sweet little nook for your tots in your newly renovated basement will give your family plenty of space to play. Watch as Save My Reno‘s Sebastian Clovis and Sabrina Smelko make this budget-friendly basement come to life.

HGTV Canada

10 / 10

Adored Apartment

This welcoming basement apartment from Scott McGillivray on Income Property is all about the details: the shelving with space-saving table that flips down when not in use, the sleek kitchen that blends into the walls (good for small spaces) and the ethereal pendants.