Basements come in different sizes and shapes. Some are awkward, without windows, and some still have stone exterior walls, and flooding 
issues. There is one thing everyone agrees on, living space equals gold. For a moment let's look outside the box. Have you ever gone into an old tavern, or bed & breakfast, with old stone walls, rustic flooring's, and thought what a great place! Now let's take your thought a step further, and put the work to accomplish that project into perspective. Working with rustic is realistic, and can be accomplished reasonable.
This article is going to work with a completely raw space, with exterior walls, and concrete floors. Now let's transition that project into additional living space. Not everyone's budget permits for thousands in dry wall, so this project works with the basic foundation.
Joanie's Tips first tip is to treat from the outside in, to assure a space free of flooding, mold, and insulation issues. The most important step, and must be evaluated by a professional. Water proofing experts can assist with many ideas for your basement plans. This is a necessary project to maintain the integrity of the structure. The project is just capitalizing on work essential to protecting your home, by adding value with additional living space. The result may require the contractor to install french drains, or a sump-pump designed to keep water away from your foundation. This will be the most expensive, and essential part of your project.
Joanie's Tips second tip is to go to a local paint store, and research the best pre primer products to protect against moisture, and assist with insulation. These are questions to speak with your contractor about also. After the walls have been properly sealed, you are ready for your primer. Primer selection is also important, and usually specifically designed in accordance with the surface that it will be applied upon.
Joanie's Tips third tip is to paint your walls a white, or gold hue to add brightness & warmth to your new space. An inexpensive way to get the modern look in picture two, is have sheets of siding nailed directly to your walls. Another creative option is faux painting your stone or brick. Then pick up antique finds, stain, and place in your new room. Turn an old book case into a wall wine rack, with extra plywood, and stain. There are a lot of do it yourself sites, and you can work on it at you leisure. If your decision is to leave your ceiling exposed wood, make sure you treat it with a weather resistant stain.
Joanie's Tips fourth tip is to explore all the new concrete floor stains available. There are many available with the popularity of the product for lofts, and commercial spaces. Now there are all different shades, and protective coatings to make your old floor have a chic flair. If you would like to introduce a wood floor, consider a laminate. Laminate flooring is great for basements, inexpensive, simple to install, and can be applied directly to concrete.
Joanie's Tips fifth and favorite tip is to use outdoor lantern products to further enhance, and preserve your spaces authentic nature. Lanterns look great installed on support posts, as well as direct on your walls.
