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Inside & Out - Ask Pamela
9/25/08
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Hudson designer Pamela Bayer: Suggestions for finished basement
by Inside&Out
Thursday, September 25, 2008, 12:00 PM
Ask Pamela
Dear Pamela Bayer: In a 31-year-old home, there is great room for improvement in the unfinished basement. Overall, it is 28 feet by 28 feet, but the potential living space is about 14 by 24 feet. Suggested materials for flooring over concrete, wall covering over cement block, ceiling material over the existing joists, and types of lighting to be installed by an electrician would be appreciated.
Then there is the furnishing of this area. With no windows in this section, it is dim. Please give ideas for light and bright. Tastes run toward a minimalist look.
Here's to good taste and beauty. -- Gayle
Dear Gayle: Finishing your basement is a great way to create additional living space and bolster the value of your home.
Here are some suggestions.
If you're thinking about wall-to-wall carpet, be certain the basement has no underlying water or humidity issues.
Check out Flor for carpet squares in a variety of beautiful colors, patterns, and textures. The tiles are easy to install, fun to design with, and convenient to replace.
Or consider pouring a layer of concrete over your existing floor. Finished with a nice glaze, this surface can be left as is or enhanced with area rugs or carpet tiles.
Apply sheetrock over your cinder block walls if you decide to wallpaper them. Use 54-inch rolls to reduce the number of seams. Look for patterns like bamboo for a sleeker finish.
Address your ceiling with sheetrock and recessed lighting. Drop ceilings with fluorescent lights are outdated and don't illuminate adequately. Paint your ceiling white to add height.
For interesting yet affordable furniture, look at West Elm. They have comfortable seating, a large assortment of tables and modern floor lamps.
Done right, your basement can transform from dark and dreary to light and bright.
Have a question for Pamela? Don't be shy. Send your query here.
Thursday, September 25, 2008, 12:00 PM
Ask Pamela
 Pamela Bayer |
Dear Pamela Bayer: In a 31-year-old home, there is great room for improvement in the unfinished basement. Overall, it is 28 feet by 28 feet, but the potential living space is about 14 by 24 feet. Suggested materials for flooring over concrete, wall covering over cement block, ceiling material over the existing joists, and types of lighting to be installed by an electrician would be appreciated.
Then there is the furnishing of this area. With no windows in this section, it is dim. Please give ideas for light and bright. Tastes run toward a minimalist look.
Here's to good taste and beauty. -- Gayle
Dear Gayle: Finishing your basement is a great way to create additional living space and bolster the value of your home.
Here are some suggestions.
If you're thinking about wall-to-wall carpet, be certain the basement has no underlying water or humidity issues.
Check out Flor for carpet squares in a variety of beautiful colors, patterns, and textures. The tiles are easy to install, fun to design with, and convenient to replace.
Or consider pouring a layer of concrete over your existing floor. Finished with a nice glaze, this surface can be left as is or enhanced with area rugs or carpet tiles.
Apply sheetrock over your cinder block walls if you decide to wallpaper them. Use 54-inch rolls to reduce the number of seams. Look for patterns like bamboo for a sleeker finish.
Address your ceiling with sheetrock and recessed lighting. Drop ceilings with fluorescent lights are outdated and don't illuminate adequately. Paint your ceiling white to add height.
For interesting yet affordable furniture, look at West Elm. They have comfortable seating, a large assortment of tables and modern floor lamps.
Done right, your basement can transform from dark and dreary to light and bright.
Have a question for Pamela? Don't be shy. Send your query here.
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