Designer Solutions

Basement Re-Design

In need of some design advice to help take your home's style level up a notch? Check out the latest installment of Designer Solutions for tips on how to decorate without breaking the bank.

This time around, a trio of young professionals living in the Washington area, wanted to update their boring basement area. We turned to Diane Gordy , principal designer for the Bethesda, Md.-based design firm DGI Design Group for her expertise. She re-designs this problem room and makes it the perfect place to lounge.

The transcript follows below.

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washingtonpost.com:

Good afternoon and thank you for joining us for this month's edition of Designer Solutions . Today's special guest is designer Diane Gordy of DGI Design Group, based in Bethesda, Md.

A trio of twentysomething roommates living and working in the Washington area needed help decorating their basement area . Not sure which decor theme to choose, they came to us for help. Using her expertise, Gordy took this boring space up a notch.

Diane, can you explain what inspired your design concept?

Diane Gordy: My inspiration came from the garden and the historic location of the house. I used Brighton Pavillion as a precedent.

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Bowie, Md.: In your opinion, what's the best material for flooring in the basement? I don't like tile because it's too cold, and I do like carpet (berber), but worry about moisture. Is a combo of berber and engineering wood flooring the best idea?

Diane Gordy: Actually, you might want to consider using a vinyl composite tile even engineered wood can warp on a cement substrait.

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Annapolis, Md.: What do you recommend for flooring options in basements where water is a concern? Right now, we mostly use the basement for storage, but may want to convert it to a play room or office some day. Is ceramic tile the best choice if there ever were a flood? What about linoleum/ marmoleum? I'm also interested in finding a more industrial rubber product like you would find at gym or ice rink, but haven't been able to convince my husband or find a product available for residential use. I think it would be more insulating than tile and easy to clean. Any other suggestions for basement flooring? Thanks.

Diane Gordy: Hi, Annapolis. There are new products available that simulate sisal but they are durable enough to use on covered floors. Check out a local flooring distributor and always ask lots of questions ... what's the guarantee, what is involved in floor prep, etc.? Good luck.

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Bethesda, Md.: Could you give your views (no pun intended) on basement window wells? We like the natural light they give our basement, but we have had a couple of cases of flooding during heavy storms in the 10 years we've been in our house. Do you ever recommend filling them in? (BTW, we do have window well covers, but they don't stop heavy rain.)

Diane Gordy: Hi, Bethesda. Tough one ... try interviewing some design build firms to get advice, but do not wall over that only source on natural light.

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Maryland: RE: Basement lighting ... what do you recommend? Are recessed lights OK or would you go with sconces or something else? My basement has two small windows on one side and is not a walk-out.

Diane Gordy: Hi, Maryland. Recessed lighting is preferable, assuming you can work a pattern that avoids pipes and other mechanicals and still gives you good overall light and some task lighting as well. Hope this helps.

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Maryland: Would you go with all drywall for a finished basement or would half drywall and half wood be OK?

Diane Gordy: I prefer all gysum wall board for a number of reasons. The most practical one being wood, will warp in a damp area.

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Washington, D.C.: My studio apt is shaped like an L with the short part of the L where the kitchen is and the long part, where I have my bed. There is a lot of wall space and I am having trouble figuring out how to place my photos, prints dryed flowers etc on the wall. I can't figure out how to group them.

Diane Gordy: Try grouping according to theme. For example, family/friend photos in one area, give a little space, then group framed graphics or art, give a little space, then group your 3D items. Hope this helps.

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Kansas City: I'm trying to create an urban eclectic look in an unfinished basement with concrete walls and exposed joists. I first had the ceiling and duct work all sprayed a deep blue (thank goodness for professionals-it looks terrific) and am planning on perhaps a warm yellow for the walls. A previous owner put beige carpeting over the concrete floor-I don't love it, but I know I can overlay with carpets. It seems to me that now lighting will be the most critical element to punch up the space and pull everything together. But I'm overwhelmed with choices! How should I tackle lighting to really make the space inviting? Thanks.

Diane Gordy: Hi, Kansas City. Sounds like you're off to a great start. Investigate cable lighting. It sould work well! Good luck.

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Germantown, Md.: What is your suggestion for a well suited room divider in an area of a basement that can be used for a temporary bedroom? Don't think we want to close it all off since there are no windows in this area, but would like to have the option if need to. Just would like to get some ideas. Thanks.

Diane Gordy: Hi, Germantown. Consider a sleep sofa at right angles to one of the walls. Good luck.

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Alexandria, Va.: Do you have any general suggestions about turning half of a basement into a home office? (The other half, separated by a bookshelf, would be for TV, exercise and so on.) There is a small window, though not much light. Aside from good lighting, what touches can make it special?

Diane Gordy: Hi, Alexandria. You're absolutely correct. Good lighting when planning a home office is most important. A book case is also a nice element. Books are warm and suggest "cozy" and can be arranged with framed picture of favorite family, friends, memories, etc. Best of luck.

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Wheaton, Md.: We will finish our basement soon and I'd like ideas for storage for food, cooking equipment and miscellaneous basement stuff. Home center or built-in? What about using the space under the stairs?

Diane Gordy: Hi, Wheaton. Using tertiary space (like that under the stairs) is always a good idea. Also, consider building in a wall with a combination of shelving and enclosed storage and finish to match any architectural elements already in the space (doors, window frames, etc.). This will give you custom options and the built-in will seem like an integrated part of the room. Good luck!

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Alexandria, Va.: I've been waiting for more articles on basements, glad you did this feature. I have an unfinished basement that functions as the main entrance to our house, as it opens to the garage. We want to make it a pleasant entry, as well as a storage, exercise and laundry room. I've talked to various contractors, but it seems like the job is too small for the big remodeling companies, and too big for just a handyman. Where do I start in finding a contractor who specializes in this kind of work? I have some ideas of what I want for lighting, flooring, etc., but I need help pulling it all together and actually getting the project done.

Diane Gordy: Hi, Alexandria. Don't get discouraged. You may decide you want to invest a fixed amount of money on a drawing done by a well trained interior designer/architect and then taking that plan to small contractors or even home improvemnt companies. ind out who has done work around your neighborhood and get recommendations from your neighbors. And always make sure the contractors are licensed in your jurisdiction. Hang in there!

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Alexandria, Va.: My basement has dark 1970s faux-wood paneling, orangy colored berber carpet,poor lighting, and a (low) popcorn ceiling. On the other hand, there is a nice brick hearth with a rounded opening, and new french doors opening onto the back patio. I dream about having a cozy hacienda-style retreat, but I can't get past the '70s look. (I'd love to have wood floors and an area rug insterad of the berber, as well). Do you have any advice?

Diane Gordy: Hi, Alexandria. My advice to you is to pull up that '70s shag, remove the popcorn finish from the ceiling and get rid of that paneling. Once you see what you have for a substrait, go from there.

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Fireplace dilemma: I have a delightful conundrum. I live in an old, triangular condo so my living room is wedge shaped with six windows making up almost a bay. Across from this I have a fireplace with a mirror over it that reflects the windows and the view. It's also within about a foot of a corner with a wall with windows. On the one hand, I want to accentuate the fireplace, on the other, I don't want to have a conversational unit with backs to the lovely windows, which would happen if I had chairs facing the fireplace. Right now I have a couple of chairs against the wall with windows so they're side on to the fireplace. I plan to place an ottoman in front of them. I'd love to hear your ideas.

Diane Gordy: Dear Fireplace Dilemma, Your room sounds fabulous. Don't be afraid to put a sofa in front of the fireplace. You say the mirror reflects the windows. That reflection then will be seen from anyone sitting on the sofa. Best of luck!

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Diane Gordy: Thank you all for participating today. We had some very interesting design problems and a few of you had similar ones so I hope my answers helped all of you. Kindest regards, Diane.

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