Now this thread is unusual. A hint of circus theme would be fun. Don't overdo it though.

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http://www.pinterest.com/pin/75576099970259891/

You have one desk used for two students plus one business at home? Are there any credenzas or bookcases to consider here? What is your budget? There is no bath or kitchenette, correct in your basement area? And one more question, in photo, where does that white open door lead?
And I see a big sweet lump of dog sugar in his bed, awww, sweet puppy.

https://www.etsy.com/au/market/circus_decor

Not bad for a basement...I see a decently sized window above the couch. You might want to curtain off the bedroom alcove, so that if one of you is up late studying, there's less disturbance to the sleeper.
Definitely some white paint on the walls!

Decorative Philosophy has the right idea.

20 years ago we lived with the in-laws for a short time but it seemed like a very long time. We moved out of our respective homes, put our stuff in storage, and moved into their place while we waited to move into our new home.

I think part of the reason it seemed so long and was so uncomfortable was because the basement was so stuffed with their junk from 30 years of living there that my stuff stayed in boxes and bags. You don't have that to that degree. But you don't want to be experiencing that transient feeling, or like at any moment you might need to throw all your things into the back of a pickup truck and get out.

So get proper storage, unpack, keep things picked up and put away. Then take it like Decorative Philosophy says.. a step at a time.

Best of luck!

If you don't mind my asking, is this a temporary arrangement until you graduate?

Definitely a challenge - thank you for the photographs. Can you please sketch the room on a piece of paper with dimensions and post a photo of the layout? I think you will find a bunch of us Houzzers who will happily go into our software programs and do room layout options. Also, you might want to search Houzz for studio apartment and small space layouts.

19,523 decorating a studio apartment Home Design Photos! I love Houzz.

With all you both have going on, I suggest you aim for a calm and restful space. First priority would be compact, efficient storage, to get stuff organized and out of sight. You don't need the anxiety of seeing stuff that needs to be put away and realizing there's no place to put it.

Look at Ikea for affordable, small-space options.

A tiny secretary desk from Ikea:

Thank you all very much!! I was limited on the amount of photos I could attach but I'll add more. And I will also do a rough sketch of the entire layout of the basement from a Birdseye perspective. There is no bathroom or kitchenette. We will be living here for a minimum of 32 months (assuming I don't lose my mind) my mom is a low level hoarder but is getting better. But her inability to throw "memories"away leaves no room for our current stuff. As a result I'm having to throw away more of my childhood things than I'd like. We are on a very tight budget. I don't know enough to set a realistic number. The horrid blue industrial carpet is 20 years old, and gross. Our two year old son can't come down and play because it's not safe. I want to paint but am unsure where the line is between necessary spending and money that could stay in savings. The lighting is fluorescent in the bedroom and that one little bulb in the living area.

I thought about taking the bed out of that alcove and making that the office/library area. Thoughts?

Very lucky to have a sliding door for light and fresh air aka 'breathing space'! I have made some space in basement for my son to hang out. I call it our 'subterranean loft'. I painted the ceiling rafters SW dove white (only because it was a mistint I got 5 gallons for $1). It helped tremendously to brighten the space. I used leftover khaki colored paint for walls and a sealing paint for floors also in a creamy color. I just use inexpensive 5x8 rugs here and there to warm up the space. I think you'll need to do some painting or you won't feel like 'home', and 32 months is a long time to feel displaced. Is there anyway to box some of moms stuff into Rubbermaid containers so you can have more of your stuff out?

What changes would the space need to make it safe for your two-year-old? Is the space legally permitted as a bedroom?

Recently when I heard we'd likely be snowed in for another week, I stopped at Home Depot and had them rip plywood for me. It took nearly 40 minutes, but was worth it. I then spent my time in confinement building a wall of cabinets for our mudroom. No, I had never done this before and wasn't even sure I could, but Youtube had a lot of videos. My husband thought I'd gone nuts, but the "junk" constantly in sight was making me feel anxious and I could not learn to love our new builder's basic home with all of the shoes, coats, boots, tools, scrapers, bathroom cleaner, extra paper towels, mops, brooms, bookbags- well you get the point- all constantly out and in sight. Every time I came in and had to step over things, I was reminded that this house wasn't really where I wanted to be and I unfavorably compared my new home to my last home- which didn't even have a mudroom. But I had not been enthusiastic about moving away from family and I'm sure that impacted my perception. I cannot tell you how much better I feel about this house now that I don't feel overwhelmed by stuff. Because of the cost of moving across the country and purchasing a new home, I knew even IKEA wasn't in my budget so I had to fashion my own solution. If you're going to be there for 32+ months, you will need to find inexpensive storage solutions in order to save your sanity. And my whole wall of cabinets (including the cheap luann doors that I put together with 1x2s, was $286. I painted them a soft grey (mixing two paints the builder left in the garage) and now, I feel good rather than stressed coming in and out of the house. Honestly, it doesn't look bad. In fact, it looks pretty good. And certainly better than the alternative. If you can afford prefab, I say go for it, but either way, storage is likely to be the key to your ability to find peace in your new circumstance. Good luck!

Nice space with good natural light
Since its temporary, I understand that you don't want to go over board with the budget ... But still u need some personal touch to make it homey and comfortable.
Taking the bed out of the notch is a perfect idea, to have some privacy in bed at nights away from the stairs, and close the notch to make an office/study/work aria.(if u do close this aria with wall, make sure to keep the door on the right side near the walk in closet door, so you'll not lose wall space).
use the existing walk in closet as storage, and convert the aria under the stars into wardrobe with sealing high cabinet doors,
Place the bed on the far end of the room,
Use the middle aria as a setting/living room.
Clean up the walls with a light paint color of your preference,using accent wall over the bed is nice, just to give the room some dimension, and use some nice bed side lamps to add warmth.
Light drapes on the window.
and that's it

Just noticed a ton of typos in my last comment .. Sorry :)
but I think it's understandable

a floor plan would help a lot. If you have an ikea near that is your best best for furniture that work double and triple duty and affordable. Lots of storage will be your best bet.

I would paint the room in a soft yellow. yellow lifts the spirit and makes the best of available light. if you can find it ceiling in light blue might be cheery too.

A good wash on those carpets might help. Ask for veteran;s discounts. A lot of stores provide them. (Hurrah for those who do)

I would put your office by the sliders, so you have the maximum of available light during the work hours.

Home depot has plastic shelving that is cheap and can take a lot of stuff.

local home goods or target can provide plastic tubs for storage.

check local Goodwill stores too for items for storage.

Is that a BOXER??? Also if you are in the NY tri-state area I have tons of paint. I'll be happy to provide you with it.

some storage ideas:

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50270136/ this is 129

and you can take it with you when you get your own place. ikea have many different things like this to help you organize.

and home depot too. They also have a 10% discount to military and in some cases to veterans.

Get all that stuff into plastic tubs, baskets and into shelves and off the floors and you will feel better.

After seeing the pictures carefully I recommend you get that carpet out and install new cheap carpet. you will spend those 3 years feeling much better.

Here are some general ideas. Before I launch in I must say this is a stressful time in life and it sounds like you are handling it with practicality and grace. It is a disgrace that our country does not provide better financially for those who serve in the Marine Corp.

1. The goal should be for a clean and organized space to contrast the clutter in the rest of the house. And, it should include a living room feel somewhere so that you don't always feel compelled to spend family time upstairs.

2. Come up with a maximum amount you can spend and stick to it. Otherwise project expenses can snowball. When I am trying to save money it is especially tempting to want to snag a good deal and buy inexpensively from thrift stores. These items can add up fast especially because they seem so cheap. Can you spend $200 or $300? Only you can figure out the budge but stick to it.

3. Create a cordoned off storage space. It sounds like with a hoarder in the family, the storage needs mix continue to expand over the next 32 months. I might create a false wall with curtains and have storage space behind the curtains so it is out of site. Big plastic containers are nice, but they are expensive. Plan wisely so storage material costs do not get out of hand.

4. I think that paint will be your friend. I would post on craiglist in the wanted section. Explain your situation and see if anyone has extra paint they will give you for free. Also check the free section of craigslist too. Lots of people have extra paint they have bought, got the wrong color, and cannot return. You've already had one offer on here for free paint. There are probably many others waiting to give you their free paint! Painting the ceiling white seems like a must.

5. Thrift stores and craigslist are great places to get desks if you need another one. Consider how and where you like to work. I wonder if it makes sense to get a table down here that can serve as both a work area and a place to sit and eat if you want to bring a snack down from upstairs.

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