Basement Reading Nook The space under your stairs has the potential to be more than just a dark and dusty closet. Transform the area into a cheery reading nook, like this example ...

Craft Room. If your crafting hobby requires more than a few items stashed away in a box, use part of your unfinished basement as a crafting room.

Having a designated space to get creative is a definite perk. Just ask Nancy Weightman, who created the ultimate craft room in the basement of her Clarkston home that recently sold.

Martha's basement is curated in a way that resembles a home office or craft room. The colorful ribbons juxtapose the white walls and gray furniture, making it feel welcoming.

Divine Design: Interior designer Candice Olson steps to turn a bare basement into a ready-to-use family lounge for a homeowner juggling too many home-improvement projects.