I'm having difficulty grasping your space. Is it one large room or are you describing the "hallway" leading to all the rooms?

Anyway, it seems like it would be dark unless you have windows. And the white/dark colors you describe might offer too much contrast.

Personally, I believe a basement is defined by its lighting. Plenty of lights which can be dimmed to create a mood for the moment. Some like their colors neutral to make the basement part of the overall home. In ours, we used several colors to create individual areas in what could best be described as a great room. Photos are linked from "My Page" which may better describe and provide some ideas for your use. Good luck.

Thanks for the reply.
It is a long hallway that leads into the other rooms down there or leads to stairs going to the upper area. There are no windows in that area. The only light coming into the area comes from the back door as you come into the basement.

Thanks for any ideas!