Elyria - How to Design a Basement for a Cozy Hangout Space
My client, a young couple from Elyria, Ohio, wanted to design a basement that would be the perfect hangout spot. They had already started the process —painting the walls, installing a projector and even picking out flooring. They had a speakeasy vibe in mind but were struggling to finalize how to use each area and configure the furniture to make the best use of the space. That's when they turned to me for help! After a two-hour on-site visit, they walked away with plans for the perfect basement layout that suited their needs.
After a couple of hours with Erin, we had a clear vision of what we wanted, including furniture measurements and a 3D image of our basement to virtually walk through. This was 100% worth it—now we have a checklist to complete our space exactly how we’ve always dreamed!
Their goal was simple: design a basement that was cozy and inviting, a place to watch games, have friends over and enjoy the colder months. With winter approaching, it was the perfect time to focus on creating a warm, inviting area where they could entertain comfortably.
The client received three deliverables from our session: an overhead floorplan with all measurements, an interactive dollhouse view, as well as an immersive walkthrough view.
Primary Room
The first area we focused on was the primary room, where they had already hung a projector screen on one of the end walls. The challenge was deciding on the right seating arrangement. They didn’t want traditional theater seating but couldn’t decide between a sectional or a combination of a loveseat and chairs. Based on the width of the space, we determined that a sectional was the best fit. We also discussed adding tables to place drinks and hold equipment, as well as incorporating extra seating behind the sectional for when they had more guests over to watch a game. We also determined this was the best area to hang a dart board they had purchased.
Bar Area
Next, we tackled the bar area, which had an unconventional layout. It was a separate, narrow space connected to the main room. Traditionally, cabinets would be placed along the back wall of a bar, but given the space constraints, we landed on the side walls instead, leaving the back for open shelving. A narrow bar and two stools would anchor the center of the space.
Dining and Conversation Area
Outside the bar, they wanted a large dining table for hosting holidays and game nights with friends. We determined the right dimensions for the table and resulting number of seats available. For the nearby wall, we decided to add a conversation set—two comfy chairs that could provide extra seating at the dining table or near the bar area when needed, along with artwork to tie the space together.
A Cozy Reading Nook: The Final Touch
The final area was the biggest challenge. With a seating area, dining space, and bar already planned, they weren’t sure what to do with the remaining section of the basement. After some brainstorming, we settled on a cozy reading nook, complete with two sofas facing each other by a fireplace. Vertical bookshelves on either side of the fireplace and a small table in the middle made the space perfect for quiet conversations or enjoying a good book.
Ready to Design a Basement of Your Own?
My client’s basement is now a warm, inviting space that’s perfect for entertaining friends and enjoying cozy evenings. If you’re looking to design a basement that suits your lifestyle, I can help bring your vision to life with expert guidance and powerful visualizations. Schedule a Meet & Greet with me today to start your own basement transformation!