making the most out of basement ideas

We have an almost blank slate to start with... we have a kitchen and bathroom and laundry area already down there,but everything else is unfinished...

My wish list is:

- mega storage for all of the kids' STUFF
- couch/tv/play area with built in shelves and toychest
- we are getting rid of our office upstairs so I need a computer station for DH and I and our work related things
- we having a round dining room table with 4 chairs that i'd like to keep there for
- I have an elliptical machine that is homeless right now and I really want to be able to use it again

I know that's a lot of wants for 1 space...i'm usually very creative, but I find myself standing down there wondering how to make it all flow and work...

It's 1 large rectangular space that's about 35' wide and 17 feet deep.... anyone have a similar open area that is multipurpose?
thanks! :)

making the most out of basement ideas

maybe you could use ikea shelves to divide the space into zones, and then those shelves will double as storage for toys/office supplies

Re: making the most out of basement ideas

I think that, given everything you want to do, you will need to use certain things in a multifunctional capacity.

Like the dining table with 4 chairs could also be an arts and crafts/projects table for your kids. I know a table and chairs was a key thing we put in our basement play room. It could also be a game table for adults, like to play cards or whatever, if you have people over.

Also, if you are trying to keep one side more of a play area and one side more of an adult entertaining/tv space, you can always find ways to incorporate "hidden" storage, because I know the toys totally multiply! Things like a nice leather ottoman as a coffee table that can also store things inside it. I am trying to reorganize my basement playroom and I saw some cute things in the One Step Ahead catalog.

I think using the wall space is key to maximize storage and not overwhelm the floor space. So mounting shelves or using high wall units, etc.

For the office space, not sure how much space you need, but I just saw an article in a magazine (might have been Better Homes & Gardens) about maximizing the function of small spaces. This woman made a small closet into an office nook and had really creative ideas about how to use every inch of space (again, wall space, etc.). I am sure there are great ideas online, even if you have a corner of the room to use and aren't going to be that pressed for space. If you do try to dedicate a corner to a home office, I would use a bookcase or a wall unit to divide the space and for privacy in the office area.

The elliptical is a tough one. I no longer have room in my basement for the elliptical, and I think I am going to move it into the garage. The ceiling is higher anyway -- we have an attached 2 car garage. Does your elliptical have to go in the basement?