The phrase “basement apartment” doesn’t exactly bring to mind a life of luxury. But you don’t need to let this undeserved stereotype dictate how you approach your own living space.

Even if you own a single-family home, think about converting your basement into a guest suite or rentable apartment. These are both excellent ways to add value to your property.

Decorating a trend-forward, comfortable basement apartment is as easy as any other home. You just need a few tricks up your sleeve. Keep reading for some great basement apartment ideas that prove that basement-living doesn’t need to be cold and drab.

1. Bar Ideas for Basement Apartments

Basement bars are very common in contemporary homes. While you don’t want to sacrifice functional living space to install a bar in your basement apartment, this can be a great addition to a basement suite that serves as a guest room.

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Building a simple wet bar into your finished basement is more useful than you might think. After all, many home bar designs basically double as tiny kitchens. So don’t add an entirely new bar area to your basement apartment. Instead, consider engineering a space that acts as a kitchenette as well.

Whether your basement bar takes up an entire room or a few square feet, be sure to give it some personality. Hardwood floors are a classic choice that will stand up to accidental spills and scuffs. Include plenty of storage in your bar design in the form of cabinetry, shelving, and a dedicated beverage cooler.

2. Bathroom Ideas for Basement Apartments

Since space is often in short supply in a basement apartment, you’ll want to pay close attention to the room’s details. Use a light color palette to maximize light and visual space in your basement bathroom. Dark shades should be reserved for small accents — avoid using them for any large surfaces.