The home’s lower level or basement can be one of its greatest assets. It is an extension of the activities from the main level, whether relaxation, play, or work.
“Almost anything you can do on your main level can be done in the basement,” said David Kallie, MCR, CKBR, CAPS, president and CEO of Dimension Inc. “Lower levels in 2025 focus specifically on originality and creativity.”
While using the lower level for amenities like a home theatre, wet bar, fitness center, and/or home office remains popular, the following are other basement trends for 2025.
Multifunctional Spaces
Lower levels this year will focus on both design and utility. Take the basement home gym, for example. If this area contains machines like a treadmill, the space can typically only be used for working out. However, if you have hidden storage for equipment like a walking pad, resistance bands, or folding benches, this area could easily be transformed into a seating room for family and friends.
“Versatility in the basement is key,” David said. “The capacity for areas in the lower level to change with demands is invaluable. You still have room for certain activities without sacrificing other functions if needed.”
Open Floor Plan vs. Intimate Areas
Multifunctional spaces work well in open layouts, with fewer walls and barriers. While the area feels like a single room, it can house a kitchenette, a living area, and spaces the whole family can enjoy tied together with a unifying design.
“Open concepts are great, but another popular trend this year is to think about the lower level as a series of intimate spaces,” said David. “In addition to breaking the space into smaller sections, this idea includes ambient lighting, sofas and rugs, and built-in storage shelves. This makes the area feel warm, inviting, and relaxing.”
Eco-Friendly Concepts
Biophilia, or the tendency to want to connect to nature, is still trendy in 2025. Homeowners want to reduce their waste, enhance their indoor air quality, and use sustainable materials and energy-efficient technologies in their home design.
“With health consciousness and sustainability trending, demand is growing for toxin-free and reused/recycled materials, low or no VOC finishes, and allergen prevention throughout the home,” David said. “You will find this and more in the homes in which we work.”
Beautiful Materials
Even the basement can be beautiful and refined. Basements include wood finishes, natural stone, and neutral, earthy tones to create an open and tranquil environment. “Everything from the floors and cabinets to the countertops and walls can be decorated with these materials,” said David. “Using upscale items on components of the lower level creates a coordinated aesthetic.”
Refined Lighting Solutions
“Natural light in lower levels is very in this year,” David said. “This is created through enlarged windows, glass doors, and can even be piped in through solar tubes.”
Next to natural light, LED and smart lighting are also on trend. A mix of many types of lighting — natural, recessed, and job/task lighting — are recommended so all areas of the lower level are well lit.
Every basement or lower level is unique. What can you do with your space and remodeling budget? When you’re ready to find out, call Dimension Design-Build-Remodel at 262-402-6602 or email davidkallie@dimension-dbr.com.