A flexible apartment is nothing but a duplex that would have been shifted in height. That is to say that its ground floor is underground. Nowadays, these basements are increasingly exploited, in large cities as elsewhere. You can imagine transforming your cellar or your basement into a flexible, an original dwelling that exudes a particular charm. Here you will find 7 ideas for furnishing and fitting out your future flexiblex.
1 – Furnish your flexiblex like a loft
A flexiblex generally costs much less than its equivalent on the floors, on the ground floor or much higher. The ceiling is low, the windows quite small, the notorious lack of light: such are the prejudices expressed against this type of dwelling. But there are some great ideas for turning a mollex into a cozy apartment in which to linger and relax. A basement apartment can be extremely charming. If you take a closer look at the layout of basements, you will find that they are often furnished like lofts, which in terms of housing is still very trendy.
2 – Pay attention to ventilation
Humidity and the question of ventilation is undoubtedly one of the main concerns when fitting out your flexible. It is important to provide sufficient ventilation and air extraction to prevent the formation of mold. If you don’t want to have health concerns, consider ventilation. Especially if your flexiblex has no window or very few openings. So take a good look at what is possible or not. If the place is healthy, go for it. If not, think twice. Correcting the humidity through a complex system could cost you dearly. In this case, it may be better to give up on your project right away.
3 – Make sure the floor is well insulated
If your flexiblex is an old cellar or basement, it may have a dirt floor. In this specific case, you will need to insulate it properly if you want to prevent the cold from the ground from spreading to your home.
4 – Bring light
The main drawback in a flexible is the limited amount of light available. It is therefore essential to ensure optimal lighting conditions. LED lamps are well suited. They are energy efficient and provide natural light. Do all you can to bring daylight to your flex. Create skylights, bringing light down from street level to the floor below. Make wider openings if necessary. Why not opt for a glazed floor and thus capture the light of day? Of course, use and abuse artificial light. Install numerous recessed spotlights, by multiplying them you will give an impression of natural light – rather than having a large central wall light placed on the ceiling. Various light fixtures are ideal. The spotlights that you attach to the walls and which are directed upwards make the ceilings appear higher. In particular, place lamps in corners where there is little or no daylight. A basement apartment will also be brighter with mirrors, as they reflect light and make rooms appear larger. It is best to hang them on the wall opposite the windows.
5 – Dress the windows with light fabrics
Avoid dense and heavy curtains, as they make the apartment even darker and the atmosphere oppressive. Instead, choose curtains or blinds made from lightweight, sheer fabrics. It is better not to put decorations and plants on the windowsill, because a basement apartment often has only narrow windows. Make the most of natural light.
6 – Choose light colors
In addition to light and fabrics, paint is another way to make a softbox brighter and more welcoming: use light, warm colors for your walls, ceilings and floors. For example, you can opt for cream, yellow, orange or white. It will have the same effect. Not only will the rooms appear larger, but the apartment will also be much brighter. Pastel shades aren’t necessarily the best choice, as they tend to look dull and dusty when there’s little natural light. Want a little more color? You can then paint smaller walls with bright colors to add accents on an ad hoc basis. Vertical stripes of color in certain places on the wall are also a good idea. If you paint the window openings white, the sunlight will be better reflected. Light colored laminates, parquet or cork are ideal for floors. Underfloor heating is also ideal, as it is usually a few degrees cooler in basement apartments than in higher apartments.
7 – Furnish with minimalism
Dark colors are also inappropriate for furniture. For example, you shouldn’t use a big black leather sofa to furnish a basement apartment. It will look bulky and negatively impact the mood of the room. A cream-colored sofa creates a cozy atmosphere. Avoid large patterns in upholstery, interior textiles, etc. Use tall, narrow furniture, as it will conceal low ceilings. Particularly flat furniture is a good alternative. Beech is a suitable wood. It evokes warmth and comfort in the room. Rustic oak, on the other hand, is not suitable for a basement. Furniture that casts shadows visually reduces the size of rooms and rooms appear darker.
Many basements are still little used or unnecessarily cluttered. Yet these can be used in many ways. If you take into account the suggestions mentioned above, you can enhance the special charm of your basement and make it bright and welcoming. Your cellar or basement is much more than a practical storage space for your garden furniture or your washing machine. This place is a real extension of the house. Consider transforming it into a bedroom, a gym or games room, or even a bathroom, etc.