54bf60bda40ac_-_candice-olson-lets-party-feat.jpg (336×218) · More Info

Study how she uses lots of light at various levels, including overhead pot lights which you think you don't like. You will when the other light in the room is balanced.

See how she did the drapes at two different levels above?

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140922153243-139946408-10-basement-remodels-and-renovations-by-candice-olson

I love this one

10 Basement Remodels and Renovations by Candice Olson | Juan Carlos Garcia | Lin · More Info

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CONTEMPORARY - DINING CHANDELIER, WHITE CANDLES- CONTEMPORARY GLASS CHADELIER b · More Info

Orchids chandelier - by Galilee Lighting, contemporary dining room · More Info

Galilee Lighting -modern lighting fixtures, pendants & contemporary chandeliers · More Info

I have really enjoyed following this thread. Great ideas and renderings. I like the idea of putting shades on the windows. Fabric shades offer limitless opportunities to add color and pattern to the walls.

Yes, I really liked the first Candace Olson pic of Ramona's. There's a little too much color on the wall for me in the second one. Plus, I would have to have the drapes at different levels in my room. I am going to show that pic to the designer. I don't know how she will feel about all the houzzers' input:)

If you're wondering how it will look without painting your window trim...

The second Olson was to show how use of light at different levels really helps.

I think it still looks nice with the wood trim not painted. Balances the caramel couch.

Well, the designer that was here today agrees with you. She said, where would you stop, with all the wood around the sliding door, and the six panel doors and everything else. She said she would do a gel stain on the bar. I feel really good about where she wanted to go. She said our first priority should be taking down the overhead section around the bar, taking out those old overhead lights and putting in canned lights and then re- sheetrock the ceiling. She said the next step would be flooring, and on from there until we felt we'd spent all we could. Even my husband was agreeable, couldn't have gone better!

Stick with her, she sounds sensible.

sounds great!!

Such good news. Glad she worked out for you!

Good luck and enjoy!

I think a softer more neutral rug would be a great place to start.

I would suggest adding roman shades of some sort to add texture to the space.

The existing blinds only add to the rigidity of the space.

I have a few blog posts that may help.

http://www.timothyriversinteriors.com/blog/

We had a great experience with our designer too, and found it so much less stressful to have a sensible, experienced professional to help with decision making. I am glad you found someone that works well with both you and your husband.

It is a very inviting space. Nice job!

I am so happy for you.....it looks very nice....

Just love your little dogs.....

Very nice result. A very inviting room.

Love. I really like the new carpet and staying with warm neutrals has made it a calm and welcoming room. Of course, the best accessories are the pups. Too adorable!

It really does look so very warm and soft and cozy.

Thank you all for the kind comments. My room seemed to bring out very strong feelings in readers and I wasn't sure if I wanted to post the after pics or not!

It looks very nice, and if you're happy with it...that's all that matters. Your little furry friends are adorable.

How did you find it, working with a designer? I was one of the encouragers to use a designer, and I hope it made things easier.

I agree with cpaul1 about removing the area rug. It is something only a husband could love OR ignore! I agree with another poster about removing the pictures that flank the TV because they DO make the area too busy. Although this room is dark, you might consider painting the TV wall a very dark grey or black to make the TV screen "pop" when someone is watching it -- much like the way the screen is emphasized in a darkened movie theatre. I do like the sectional and the way it fits under the windows. Since this is a basement, I would suggest draw draperies that come to the window sill or to the bottom of the apron. I also would suggest adding some fairly large, green, leafy plants in the corners of the room to bring in color, air, and softness. However, be sure you choose shade-loving plants since it is a basement.

The carpet makes the room warmer and softer. I love the marble bar on the side wall. Love it.

Did you make any changes to the TV alcove? Did the recliner survive the update?

I wasn't an original commenter on the post, but I read through the comments and hoped so much for an "after" pic.

The transformation is amazing. Not underwhelming at all. Your room looks beautiful and cozy, great job!

I am glad you like the side bar. It was made for that space and the only thing I really was not happy with. I don't think I would buy anything again I couldn't see beforehand or sit in. I will have to add a pic of tv area and new chair. Recliner did not make it!

And your "biggest design challenge" (made me laugh right out loud by the way); how does he like the transformation?

I'm sad that you think it looks underwhelming in the pics because I think it looks wonderful! Very high-end and stylish. Looks like a great, cozy family room.

Was it Elaine Benes who wondered if someone can be "whelmed"?! I think your room is not underwhelming and not overwhelming, so it must be "Whelming!!"

Well, if ELaine says whelming, it's good enough for me! As for my design challenge, he says be sure and tell them how much it cost! lol

Worth every penny, I'm sure of it!

You are all so kind! They removed most of the earlier comments, but when I first asked for advice, I was crucified. Here's the tv area and the recliner.

The designer did a great job of making everything grandkid safe. They can hang that coffee table or spill drinks, nothing will hurt it!

Wow! The more I look at the transformation, the more I love it. Your designer used color so well, renewing the look of your sectional. The picture of your new chair shows off the new marble console with sconces and cool new window shades nicely. Neutral, soft and sophisticated. Not bad for a kid-friendly basement!

I don't think your pictures are underwhelming. Decorating is horribly expensive, especially with a problematic room.

But honestly, how do YOU feel about the room now?

I am sorry if I wrote anything disturbing. I see that my comments are left above.

Believe me, we were all just trying to help.

Is the room the way you want it? I like the window treatments and the rug. It looks warmer even though the colors are subdued.

How would you feel about one large plant? You could give it a grow light of its own. Living plants change the energy of a room.

I hadn't looked at the before pictures until this thread popped up again, totally forgot about posting after pics. When I compare them now, I am very happy. I know the carpet and window treatments were absolutely necessary, and so was removing the top of the bar, putting in canned lighting, and smoothing the ceiling. Sometimes I wonder if some of the money could have been put to better use updating the kitchen or baths from a resale standpoint. As is probably normal, everything ended up costing about a third more than the estimates! I appreciated everyone's well meaning tips.