Gone are the days of dark, dingy basements. With today’s new homes in Utah, you can design a lower level that feels as bright and comfortable as your main floor. In Daybreak, ENERGY STAR® 3.0 practices add insulation where it counts, and many builders offer 9′ basement ceilings—so spaces feel open, not “basement‑y.” If you finish later, you can even request original blueprints to simplify design and budgeting.
Start with a Real Example: The Hewlett Family
Here in Daybreak, neighbors turn lower levels into everyday living space. For instance, the Hewletts—a busy couple with four kids—created a family‑friendly, functional, and yes, pretty basement.
Set the mood with color
First, they chose a pale blue wall color and layered in grays and greens for a breezy, beach‑inspired palette. No surprise: there’s a 65‑acre lake within walking distance—Oquirrh Lake—where they love to paddleboard and picnic. Naturally, they wanted to bring that feeling home.
Layer Furnishings That Work Hard
Next, the Hewletts added a mint‑green beverage cart for effortless entertaining and installed crisp white built‑ins for a custom look.
- Make it personal: Display souvenirs and quirky pieces—like a pineapple bookend—to spark conversation.
- Frame your story: Use family photos in mismatched frames across a mirrored dresser for whimsy and shine. Mirrored furniture feels visually light and can help a room look larger.
Choose Basement‑Ready Floors
Then, they selected engineered wood flooring designed specifically for basements—durable enough for kids and practically indestructible. Want to compare options? Review moisture‑tolerant choices like engineered wood and luxury vinyl before you buy.
Carve Out Play (and Hide the Mess)
After that, the family tucked an under‑the‑stairs playroom behind a sliding barn door—so the living area stays tidy while kids get a space of their own. Inside, more white built‑ins and gray‑and‑white stripes keep things cheerful and organized. Display favorite toys and picture books in open‑face shelves; they double as wall art.
Map it out: A single giant map above a concrete‑top table anchors the room. The Hewletts also hung four red clocks set to their favorite places—Disneyland, Maui, Myrtle Beach, and Montana.
Add Lifestyle Zones: Gym + Kitchenette
Meanwhile, the Hewletts value fitness—so they added a small home gym with mirrored walls and a treadmill. Opposite the equipment, a compact kitchenette keeps refreshments close. Best of all, it includes a pebble‑ice maker—perfect for party drinks and kid‑approved slushes.
Finally, Make Magic with Details
Lastly, they sprinkled in personality—from a whimsical frog doorbell to well‑loved books. These small touches make guests feel welcome and remind everyone who lives here: you do.
Plan Your Visit & Get More Ideas
Ready to create your own? Start with the Daybreak Story to see our community vision. Then tour model homes (Lake Village included), browse homebuilders, and explore neighborhood amenities. New here? Stop by the Info Studio for maps and directions.
