How can I plan a finished basement suited for today’s lifestyles?

The green-felt pool table and velveteen wall hanging of old has pretty much given way to ideas like a high-tech entertainment center and home office. Once you’ve ensured that the basement is dry and the temperature is comfortable year-round, there’s no reason not to bring in a flat-screen TV, comfortable viewing couches, exercise equipment, and computers for a home office.

Contemporary basements lend themselves to the use of eco-friendly materials such as natural flooring materials (bamboo, cork, and colorful new linoleum, for example). And if you’re fortunate enough to have a walkout basement, natural light will help brighten the space. And even if you’re not so lucky, light-color finishes and bright furnishings will help give a contemporary feeling.