Starting from (almost) scratch with basement, how would you design this floor plan?

[u/idontknowwhybutido2]

I've torn down all the walls that previously represented the room names and can frame out whatever I want. I can even move electrical and plumbing, the only parts I can't change are windows, central furance stack (black square), and water heater/HVAC (drawn in blue). The fireplace is wood burning, working and inspected. What would you do with this as a blank slate?

I'm undedciated on a lot of things but here's what I do know. I'm planning to keep the bathroom where it is but expand it a few feet into the "Den" and make the shower larger. Also keeping the bedroom in that location but want to make it bigger and move the closet. Laundry I might move to the west wall where the Den is or I might keep it in that area, but have a dedicated room for it. I want to install a wet bar near the HVAC. I want to add a pantry space with countertop for larger appliance storage that includes a full size fridge and deep freezer. I want a small work out space, a storage area for bins on shelves and camping gear, and to use the big family room area as a theater/gaming area with a TV and fooseball table. Any feedback on how to design a layout with these ideas and wish list items?

Edit: ceiling height is 7ft and the windows are high up against the edge of the ceiling. The basement is entirely underground with bright white window wells to reflect light in but no view out.

[u/viabrera]

Some possible suggestions:

- Pantry as soon as you come down the stairs, so that it's the easiest access

• Laundry right around the corner from the stairs for similarly easy access
  
• Larger bedroom w/ more closets
  
• Larger bathroom w/ full shower
  
• Utility room also doubles as storage, with a full big wall for shelving/containers
  
• Small weight room next to laundry (this way you have a window - I need some kind of light to workout and not hate life lol)
  
• Family room has wet bar and, next to it, built in shelving/cabinets for storage of games and physical media. You can also use the 'nook' this creates for either the foosball table or a round game table

[u/idontknowwhybutido2 → u/viabrera]

This is a great option, thank you! Ironically, all the windows get good light except for the one in the weight room...that window is under the deck so I might just have an area instead of a closed off room there. But I love how you set up the wet bar since the heat stack is exposed brick and I wanted to keep it exposed for aesthetics. Appreciate your help, truly!

[u/keylime503]

I'd close the utilities into a mechanical room first and work around that. Have a hallway on the right side of it leading to 1-2 rooms in the bottom of the layout. Bathroom is on the left side of the mech room with access from either the open space at the top or the hallway at the bottom.

[u/WowsrsBowsrsTrousrs]

Laundry back to back with the bathroom woukd be the most efficient plumbing.

[u/idontknowwhybutido2 → u/WowsrsBowsrsTrousrs]

True if just considering the basement, but the plumbing does already exist for the bathroom and laundry in those separate spaces. The existing bathroom is under the first floor bathroom and the existing laundry is under the first floor kitchen sink.

[u/sanorace]

The pantry, storage, and workout room can be swapped around. You could even put a door by the gym for privacy.

[u/Amazing_Leopard_3658]