Design Ideas for Remodeling Homes

Basements

• The basement presents the potential for remodeling without the need to tear down or build walls. Make sure the basement has no water problems. You may need to add a suspended ceiling to hide pipes and ducts. Once you've covered those problems and received governmental approval to remodel, the basement is your oyster so paint a pearl inside. Add a private den or a workout room. If you plan to renovate the basement into a home theater, soundproof the room and add a lighting scheme that can be dimmed when the movie starts.

Porches

• The porch may not get quite the press that basements and attics get, but a porch provides the opportunity to upgrade your home. The addition of windows and some plants can turn the porch into a sun room. Enclosing a porch can create a transitional bedroom for an older child looking to escape being crowded by younger siblings. A side porch can be turned into a dining nook. Add a table and two booths and you have a room that doubles as a diner style eating area that encourages family togetherness.

Built-In Furniture

• Remodeling that concentrates on adding built-in furniture frees up room space. Get beyond the concept of built-in bookcases by creating a built-in sofa in the living room or a Murphy bed that flips up to disappear into the wall in the spare bedroom. If you entertain overnight guests regularly, you can even consider adding a flip-up bed to your living room or den.

Making It Yours

• If your home was designed for the specific needs of a previous owner that just does not fit your lifestyle, you can remodel to call the space your own. If you rarely cook, determine the viability of moving the kitchen to a smaller area so you can enlarge your living area to extend to the space formerly occupied by the kitchen. If you don't need a third bathroom that contains only a toilet and sink, rip it up and use the room as extra storage space.