MATT COOK, the Divisional President of Finished Basement Company, has designed and finished thousands of basements. Cook says his company’s design service is what his clients benefit from most. Every basement presents tricky design problems; here are a few of his design tips.
Think outside the box
Big, open, boxy rooms are boring. Plan angles, curves, recesses, arches and other architectural features to add interest. This is where a professional designer can really pay off.
Work soffits into the plan
Most basements require soffits to cover ducts and pipes. Use this to your advantage by incorporating additional soffits into the design, thus creating balance, symmetry and architectural interest.
Create a “great room”
On the main level, the hub of the house is the kitchen island. In a basement, it’s a…
