HELP. I honestly have no idea what I'm doing with my basement.

13 years ago

I have a small basement with large windows and my husband brought home two terrible couches and a television stand that matches nothing thinking that it would all somehow work. Now I am stuck with both of them and don't know what to do. Please any advice would be appreciated.

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Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID

13 years ago

Well at least your husband brought home things that went with the color scheme, tho his contributions sent you slightly over the top in tan and brown tones. I'd like you to paint the walls a muddy turquoise. Tell him how much money he saved you by bringing home these sofas and then go out and order white plantation shutters for the windows.

I think you'll be happier if you remove the matching pillows that come with the sofas and replace them with turquoise and coral ones. Buy a brown and white cowhide for the floor. If there's a large wall nearby, purchase an extra large picture in the colors you've chosen and hang it with a spotlight on it.

One of the biggest changes you can make in a basement living area is in the lighting. Look at the second photo below where the lighting is superb, with wall washers and accent lighting. There's a world of things that you can do to elevate your basement hangout to something worthy of appearing in the professional photos of houzz.

Modern Family Room · More Info

Shingle Style Basement Media/Office/Fitness Space · More Info

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Comments (14)

charleee
13 years ago
Ok, now, first thing to do - don't panic! Honestly, they're not that bad! Can you tell us exactly what you are looking for help with - window treatments? flooring? paint color? throw pillows? We're here to help you!
maseeterlin
Original Author
13 years ago
I guess just anything that could help tie the room together, do you think a change in pillows or flooring would help? or painting the walls? I just don't want this room to appear so boring.
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charleee
13 years ago
Your room isn't necessarily boring, it's just very monochromatic. Basically all one color. What is under the carpet?

If it were my basement, here's what I would do. Remove the carpet; depending on what's below you could do tile, hardwood or there's a new porcelain tile that looks like hardwood that's really very beautiful:

http://www.builddirect.com/Result.aspx?Ne=27&N=4294967280+4294966291+4294966400&Selected=PriceLowtoHigh&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=Google&utm_campaign=BuildDirect%2BFlooring%2B-%2BCeramic%2BTile%2B-%2BTop&utm_content=Wood%2BGrain%2BCeramic%2Btile&gclid=CLWHqtLZlbICFQWCQgodI1oAhQ

The simplest way to go is with a colorful area rug, one that contains some black to ground your space. A light blue/grey paint for the walls. You have roman shades in your window, do you like them? I think they're really nice. I can't really see your valances but they look like they're in the same caramel family as your new sofas. You may want to remove them, the roman shades are enough.

Basically I would bring in blues, blue/greys and black to bring things modern.
maseeterlin
Original Author
13 years ago
THANK YOU!! I like the flooring and we'll give it a try :)
Manon Floreat
13 years ago
I agree with Bobbi P - it's not bad at all. Good neutral pieces that will work with a wide variety of colors. I really like the porcelain "wood" option - and it's ideal for a basement. An area rug is a great way to introduce some color into your room

You may want to move the loveseat a bit to the right and the sofa a bit to the left to allow clearance for the door. A coffee table and area rug will further define the seating area. I think the valances don't quite work with the contemporary feel of your furniture. Maybe take those down and replace the current shades with white/cream to match the trim.

Here are a few items that may appeal to you
Manon Floreat
13 years ago
I was typing at the same time,Carolyn was, evidently. Great suggestion to address the lighting. Also, love the idea of a dash of coral!
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Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID
13 years ago
Hey, it's a group effort!
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karen paul interiors
13 years ago
I really like purple and tan together, and most especially for a basement. It's a warm combination for lower levels.
Lindy Donnelly · More Info
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Vikrant Sharma Homez
13 years ago
I think bright light may make a World of Difference .
traciecain
13 years ago
you could paint the tv stand one of your accent colors too....purple, turquoise, coral whatever you chose.
maunyk
11 years ago
If you're a DIY-er you might try some of the vinyl plank products…warmer than tile for a basement and easy to install. New patterns/weights are coming out quickly and are looking very stylish!
User
11 years ago
We can help with your basement. Ask a free question here, http://www.decorist.com/questions/ and our team will send you a design board and clickable shopping list. Also check out our project page for some fun inspo. Good luck!
kdfiles
11 years ago
Do you not use that door? The love seat needs to move to the right. A large area rug with these tones and whatever color(s) you decide to accent with. Someone mentioned purple, maybe with ivory should work. You need a coffee table and some side tables with lamps for more light. You've got great bones to work with, do a little at a time, until you are comfortable.