Basement
Waterproofing. I know I keep coming back to flooding, but it will happen, so plan ahead. If you don't have a system in place to deal with the water, choose a flooring material that can handle getting wet, such as the tile shown in this basement. If you don't have a floor drain, get one installed. It's best to get a drain that ties into the storm drain directly or that drains into a pit with a sump pump in it. If you pay for these systems up front, you won't be paying to replace furniture, rugs and appliances later.
Of course, the other thing that makes this basement look like it belongs upstairs is the use of drywall. You'll need to place access panels where shutoffs, junction boxes or meters are. Make sure to install the drywall ½ inch off the ground and use moisture-resistant drywall. All basements flood eventually, and this will help.
Island woodwork possibly if we do a bar
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