With the New Year, it’s only natural to feel a renewed impetus for change. It’s the perfect time to channel your energy into that remodeling project you’ve had on the back burner. Kitchen and bathroom remodels are popular, but an unfinished basement? Now THAT’S promising! Think of your unfinished (or partially finished) basement like a blank canvas. Paint in a gym, a studio, an office, or a “man cave” – to name a few ideas - and imagine the endless hours of enjoyment you and your family will find in the finished space. Whatever your downstairs dream room is, the possibilities are practically endless. Here are some exciting ideas that combine fun and function. Scroll down and get those creative juices flowing!MEDIA ROOM[caption id="attachment_4868" align="alignleft" width="300"]

A Riverside Construction Project[/caption]Who doesn’t want a room devoted to kicking back? Whether you have a growing family or you simply enjoy entertaining guests, the basement is an ideal space for a fully loaded media room. With an adjacent half bath and a custom bar or kitchenette for drinks and popcorn, a media room brings a new functionality to your home. Enhance the space with a large screen TV, a custom projector, audio system, plush carpets, and a comfy couch, and your new media room is bound to draw guests and family alike.ARTS & CRAFTS STUDIO[caption id="attachment_4869" align="alignleft" width="300"]

A Riverside Construction Project[/caption]Are you into crafting, sewing or other artistry? Turn your unfinished basement into a large sewing or crafting space with large workspaces, ample task lighting, and plenty of custom storage options. Whatever your hobby, a finished basement provides added function, versatility, and - best of all - designated places for everything you need at hand.MAN CAVE OR SPORTS ROOM[caption id="attachment_4870" align="alignleft" width="300"]

A Riverside Construction Project[/caption]It’s every sports fan’s dream. Heck, it’s every man’s dream. If you drool over a secluded retreat of your own, your dark and dreary basement can make those dreams come true. Remodel your basement into the perfect man cave using hard wood flooring, back lighting, custom bar and beverage refrigerators, shelving for sports memorabilia, granite countertops, and a fireplace – to name a few ideas. The clubhouse days are over, boys. Welcome to the big leagues.HOME GYM[caption id="attachment_4871" align="alignleft" width="300"]

A Riverside Construction Project[/caption]Getting to the gym can be difficult. But with a home fitness studio, there are no excuses. Installing the appropriate flooring for exercising and some custom cubby storage for your gear means you can ditch the excuses and catch a workout at a moment’s notice. Whether you’d rather revel in the added privacy, or invite your friends to hang, you’re guaranteed to reduce the distractions – and the germ count – while still getting in your daily reps.HOME OFFICE[caption id="attachment_4873" align="alignleft" width="250"]

Courtesy of K. Marshall Design[/caption]Working at home doesn’t have to be a drag. On the contrary, remodeling your basement into an inspiring home office is one of the best things you’ll ever do for you. With great task lighting, a built-in desk, bookshelves, and wiring for all of your technology needs, you can work with ease in the comfort of your own home.GUEST ROOM[caption id="attachment_4874" align="alignleft" width="250"]

Courtesy of Pavel Burmakin[/caption]Every house can use an extra bedroom. Whether you have visitors from out of town or just down the street, a guest bedroom is essential. Give your company the luxury escape they crave with great closet space, an adjacent bath, and reading nook in warm, neutral tones that everyone can enjoy. Your guests will thank you for a great night’s sleep in their cozy retreat. Better still, they’ll never guess their ultra-chic sanctuary could ever have been a dark and scary basement!MUSIC ROOM[caption id="attachment_4875" align="alignleft" width="300"]

Courtesy of Contemporary Basement by Salt Lake City Photographers Lucy Call[/caption]Have you recently acquired a resident musician? A renovated basement can provide a much-needed space for jam sessions with plenty of storage for instruments and equipment. Consider designing a basement practice space that preserves the peace with soundproofed walls and flooring.GAME ROOM[caption id="attachment_4876" align="alignleft" width="300"]

A Riverside Construction Project[/caption]Game rooms are great for kids and growing families, providing a convenient space to entertain and hang out. With the essential functionality of a half bathroom, kitchenette, an entertainment center for movies and video games, and a selection of seating areas, a game room means fun for the whole family. Better still, a basement game room can keep you enjoying outdoor sports – even in bad weather. With a miniature indoor sports court complete with the appropriate flooring and padded walls, kids can keep on practicing all year round.KID'S PLAYROOM[caption id="attachment_4878" align="alignleft" width="300"]

Courtesy of Midcentury Kids by Grand Rapids Interior Designers & Decorators Mindi Freng Designs[/caption]Devote your basement remodel to inspiring your little ones with a playroom of their very own. Design custom playhouses and chalkboard walls to keep the magic of early childhood alive. Using pony walls or custom furniture, you can create designated play areas for a variety of activities. Don’t be afraid to use your imagination. Consult your kids, too! In the end, their fairy tale playroom will be your peace of mind.WINE CELLAR[caption id="attachment_4879" align="alignleft" width="300"]

A Riverside Construction Project[/caption]You don’t have to be a connoisseur to appreciate wine, but those in the know will surely covet a custom, built-in temperature-controlled basement repository. What better way to add a touch of class to your home than with a luxurious wine cellar complete with proper storage, display cases, and a seating area? Consider transforming even a small, unused space into the ultimate wine cellar with special touches like rope lighting, unique countertops, and a coffered ceiling.LAUNDRY ROOM[caption id="attachment_4880" align="alignleft" width="250"]

Courtesy of E/L Studio[/caption]Need a better space to do laundry? Consider designing the ultimate laundry room as part of your basement remodel. A well-lighted folding station, a custom drying rack, and a built-in ironing board go a long way to making chores seem less tedious. If your basement has a ground floor entrance, you might even consider an adjacent mudroom or a dog washing station.IN-LAW SUITE[caption id="attachment_4881" align="alignleft" width="300"]

A Riverside Construction Project[/caption]An in-law suite is a separate living space within a larger household. It usually includes a bedroom, a full bathroom, seating area, laundry area, and a kitchenette. Converting your basement into private living quarters is ideal for resident family members in need of a independence - with all the benefits of living just downstairs.CUSTOM STORAGE[caption id="attachment_4883" align="alignleft" width="250"]

Courtesy of Spacecrafting / Architectural Photography[/caption][caption id="attachment_4884" align="alignleft" width="250"]

Courtesy of ACRE Goods and Services[/caption][caption id="attachment_4882" align="alignright" width="300"]

A Riverside Construction Project[/caption]At the very least, a basement renovation is the perfect opportunity to enhance your home storage systems. Goodness knows one can always use more practical organizers! From custom built-ins to open shelving, don’t be afraid to utilize every nook and cranny - including under the basement stairwell.For more specific details on how to finally transform your “empty canvas” basement into your very own masterpiece, check out this article on reclaiming your basement. Then, take the first step toward your new basement space and schedule an in-home meeting with your very own personal design consultant.