For those thinking about finishing their basement, make sure you put enough design and features to make the trip down the stairs worthwhile. Otherwise, you may spend more time writing checks for the home improvement loan than actually sitting downstairs enjoying the finished project. The lower level family room shown in this photo provided by lifestylehomedesign.com offers a wall of built-in beauty. Framed in stone around the fireplace and along the far wall, the cherry bookcases and display niches are attractive even with the large-screen TV turned off. The cherry woodwork is echoed in the elegant mantle. Drawers under the TV are perfect for the growing collection of DVD's and video games. Glass doors partially hide the audio-visual components. A wall this nice could even be added to a main floor family room, not just a basement finish. (AP Photo/ lifestylehomedesign.com/Mark Englund)

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