We Answer Wednesday - Teen Space

"Our basement was (and still is) the playroom but my kids are all teenagers now.  I'm clearing out the toys but the room needs a makeover suitable for my teen boys and girl.  The floors are covered in primary colour foam tiles and the walls have cutesy posters with ABCs and 123s.  It has to be cool! Any ideas?"

It sounds like it's time for a refresh and we love to hear that you are wanting to do that for your kids.  It's a great start to clear out the toys first - that way you can really see the amount of space that you actually have.  Toys can really take up a lot of room.

Once you clear out the space completely so that you can see what you are working with.  Also take a look to see if there are any small repairs needed.  Ceiling tiles? Burnt out light bulbs? Any floor or wall damage? Take care of those items next.

Now let's have fun!

We feel the room should be gender neutral because you have boys and a girl, there are lots of options.  Here are some of our favourite ideas.



We love this NYC loft look!!  Try adding some brick pattern wall paper to get that exposed brick look and feel.  We also love the large cityscape wall mural - pottery barn teen has some great options for wall murals ranging from music to sports to beach scenes.   It looks like you have the best view money can buy.  The rest of the furniture is neutral a mix of grey and cream tones.  This bed is a sofa pull out option, so this is perfect if your basement is the neighbourhood hang out (and if it looks like this it definitely will be).  To keep the basement from feeling dark be sure to add light.  Pot lights are great because they are streamlined and out of the way but you can add some other task lighting, table and floor lighting just keep it simple.


 We love the idea of a teen space being fun and a place for them!  Adding interactive games like pool, ping-pong, fuse ball and even a collection of board games is a great way for them to socialize with friends and family.   We also love fun art - it could be colourful, thematic or just goofy!  We love the idea of signage and fun (positive) sayings!  This blackboard wall is another great addition to a teen space.  It is so easy to do and the chalkboard paint comes in a selection of colours (blue, green, red, pink you name it).  We also love easy seating options like these chairs or even bean bag chairs. They are casual and comfortable and easy to move around.



If the space will be for everyone - find a place for everything! This small space (this is actually a garage) has seating, a home gym and a TV area.  We also love how the decor is neutral and cool for everyone.  Add some great pillows to your neutral sofa.  Looking for some fun pillows? We love the selection at www.denydesigns.com they have so many colours, prints, saying and you can even customize your own pillow!



When it comes to a teen space, you can still play with colours but we suggest staying away from your primary tones like red, blue and yellow and playing with a more sophisticated tone like navy or grey and then adding a splash of fun colours like green and orange, turquoise and yellow, turquoise and orange, for example.  Fill the room with things they like - music, movies, sports and more...Add some fun prints and graphics too!

Be sure to think of them and what they need (and maybe what you would like them to have as well).  Shelving for board games, video games and some decor?  TV for movies and video games? A gym area?  Desk space? A fridge or even a small kitchen space ? Pool table or other large games? Speakers for music and movies? Electric fireplace (some basements are chilly)?

There are so many options for a basement space for your teens but be prepared to be THE neighbourhood hang out!

Better Basement - ideas for your basement reno

Many of us purchase homes with unfinished basements.  The unfinished basement is like a big, blank canvas! It's a great option for anyone who needs more space.  Space for storage, working, entertaining and more....If you have purchased a home with unfinished basement, it can be overwhelming - where to start  What to do?  so many possibilities..... Take inspiration from these inventive basement decorating ideas

 

 Love to entertain?

Have you considered a small kitchen or bar in the basement?

Turn an unused area of your basement into a kitchenette-slash-bar for an alternative spot to entertain guests. Blogger Alex of Northstory created a welcoming, vintage vibe with an antique wall clock, wooden crates, and pipe shelving.  This is a great idea if you plan on having a pool table or theater space.



Laundry room in the basement?
Basement laundry rooms are very common and often they have a creepy look to them.  Think about creating a bright laundry space with lots of light, painted walls and a cozy carpet.



 Got kids?
The basement is a great escape for them (you, too).  So think about creating a kids area in the basement.  I love the idea of a huge chalkboard wall.  I did this in my basement and it is always used.  So easy to do, too! Plus, educational posters on the wall and a table and chairs for crafts, lego and more....






Work it!
 Get Your Tools Organized
This DIY tool caddy by Mom 4 Real, built out of pegboard, is great for storage. Plus it's convenient: It can roll wherever you need it to go.




Additional income?
 Depending on the zoning of your property you may be able to have an income suite in your basement.  That rent could go towards your mortgage and make life a bit easier




 Before


 After

Main floor getting crowded?
why not try a Functional Family Room?
Depending on the style of home you have, you may not have a main level family room (we see this a lot in older homes).  So create a functional family room space in the basement.  Something for everyone to enjoy.  This is also great for families that don't want a TV on the main floor. 



Selling soon?
If you are looking at selling your current home soon think about updating the basement with a stylish makeover so it looks and feels more like a part of the home and not an after thought




 Before - wall to wall carpet and basic beige walls



 After - a true stylish family oasis for everyone to enjoy.  Updated flooring (wood grain tile) and a more current paint colour on the walls (in soft grey) plus the home staging makes this space look like a part of the home and lifestyle.

Get Organized!
with an ever changing climate, kids and activities - we need storage.  Think about carefully planning your storage space to keep the area organized.



 Have a walk-out?
some basements have walk outs, why not turn that into a mud room area? If you have kids, the mud room is perfect for coats, boots, back packs and more....plus if you also have baement laundry this will make a lot more sense....