Creating A Basement Playroom in Rural Homes

In a recent piece by Oliver Heath, the founder of Oliver Heath Designs, the therapeutic impact of incorporating natural elements into indoor spaces was highlighted. In New England, we would be hard-pressed to find somebody who doesn’t appreciate the appeal of the outdoors. For young children growing up in New England, it can be challenging to spend enough time outdoors during the winter months and to find somewhere to play. This blog post explores creative ways to infuse your basement playroom with elements inspired by nature, drawing inspiration from a recent project in Burlington, MA.

Transforming unfinished basements in part or full for children’s play areas is very common. It’s always a challenge to find a space on the first or second floor of a home to designate as a children's play area. Opting for a finished basement is a great solution to this problem, as the use of inorganic materials offers increased durability and resistance to potential damage, especially in comparison to traditional wooden floors. 

While wooden flooring is discouraged in basement finishing, there are alternative approaches to incorporating this material into your design. Basements with existing wooden beams can retain the exposed beam aesthetic while refining the ceiling. Additionally, the introduction of greenery, such as potted plants, succulents, or natural wall art, fosters a natural atmosphere while also regulating humidity. This is very beneficial in a naturally humid basement environment.

Although it’s a challenge to get natural light in below-ground basements, strategic design choices can create the illusion of a brighter space. Opting for neutral colors and whites promotes more light to be reflected, while innovative solutions like RockWell window wells significantly amplify natural light. Unlike traditional metal window wells, RockWell's stone construction allows for a 60% increase in light, transforming your basement into a brighter and more inviting space.

When it comes to furnishing and accessorizing, you can use wooden chairs, tables, and building blocks to maintain a cohesive and earthy feeling in your basement playroom. These materials not only contribute to the aesthetic appeal but also align with the overarching theme of infusing nature-inspired elements into the design.

In conclusion, by incorporating these design elements, you can create a basement playroom that seamlessly blends with the tranquility of nature, providing an optimal space for children to play and grow.