Thank you very much for your very helpful suggestions beneaththeeaves. I checked out the concrete flooring you suggested - I didn't even know that existed. My initial concern is that it might make for a cold floor (I live in Montreal and we get some pretty colt temperatures in the winter). I'll look into it a little more. i have a wood sub floor and presume there is concrete beneath that. I've been here since 1997 and have never had a water issue. I put a French drain in as well as a delta membrane around the entire foundations many years ago and am happy to say that the basement is nice and dry! What color 'wood tone' would you suggest for the floor (for either the bluefish tint wainscotting or the white)?

I also like the blue tint idea for the beadboard. Do you know what colour is similar to that first picture you provided?

Great input about painting the beam the same colour as the wall - it never occurred to me that it would be difficult matching the white of the false ceiling.

I love the example of the stone slate. I had been thinking about using black slate to match the stove, but I think I like something more like the picture your provided.

i had initially thought of putting a long console or cabinet under the tv which I would have loved to use to put some of my art pieces in. I think I'm leaning towards the shelf because I like to use that floor space when doing my stretching or yoga.

thanks again for all your help -- I really do appreciate it. I've recently retired so now have some time to FINALLY update this 90's style house!

Hi Brades 36,

You have some great ideas and suggestions already. I like slate for the stone under the wood stove and the wall and beam paint being the same color.

I 'm thinking you might want the warmth of carpet down there for the long winter...unless you would use a fairly big area rug after you redid the floor.

I'm assuming "pot lights" are recessed lights. LED light bulbs are readily available for replacement in recessed lights now. Just make sure you get ones that have a Kelvin temperature of about 2700. They will give the same color light as incandescent bulbs/lamps do.

If you are going with curtains on the window, cut the hem so it's close to the same level as the bottom of the window...say an inch below the sill. Then they won't look raggedy.

Good luck!!!

Glad I could help, brades36! :)

Ah, I understand how you'd need that floor space then. How about something in between, like a floating entertainment console? Depending on the size you choose, you'll have room for the components within the cubbies and still have surface area to display your art pieces.
http://www.woodwaves.com/collections/wall-mountable-tv-stands 

Personally, I like rich warm toned floors. The picture below is an engineered hardwood from Amalfi Coast collection. Something similar to Forneto or Fontana would be really beautiful.

The first picture wainscoting color, looking at my BM swatches, seems closest to Museum Piece (CSP-40) on my monitor...but definitely pick up a few swatches to compare in your lighting.

Here's the BM's "room view" with Museum Piece and Chantilly Lace (white)

Thank you Carol. I did mean recessed lights -- just couldn't think of the work. I haven't decided whether to put curtains on that small window or blinds. If I put blinds, do you think they should match the wall colour or the wainscotting color to add some contrast?

I am trying to get rid of carpeting in the house.....just feels I little less dusty and more healthy. I would likely want to get an area rug.

Any and all suggestions are welcomed and appreciated. Thanks again.

Thank you beneaththeeaves. The link you provided does work but I managed to google some examples and understand what you are suggesting. The floor colour is beautiful -- very rich tones. I was initially thinking of something lighter as I'm trying to have the room look light and airy. But i really do like the darker shades.

And right now, I am think I am leaning towards the white wainscotting...not sure but that's what I keep gravitating towards. And as per my comment above, not sure whether to put a curtain or blinds. Any suggestions. Thanks again...very much appreciated.

Hi brades 36,

If you do blinds make them the same color as the walls. You can hang art or family pictures rather than emphasize that small window area with a contrasting color.

When looking for flooring, then, engineered wood is a good alternative. Just make sure the veneer on the top layer is thick enough so that the floor can be refinished if necessary sometime in the future.

Area rug: almost anything that suits your fancy. If you plan to do yoga and stretching on it, I would want a uniform surface, not a high/low weave that is shown so much now and probably not a shag. Remember that if you see a piece of carpet that comes as wall to wall, that you love, you can always have the piece cut and bound to your needed measurements.

Have fun!

I love your wood stove! This item might help spruce your place up:

https://www.zazzle.com/z/3tyzi

For other great items try this link:

https://www.zazzle.com/krafty_kreations/products

Hi Brad, we have lots of ideas to help you experiment with the space.
We can offer you a 3D design service to help you showcase some vision beore you get started with the project.

I'm in a bungalow with low ceilings in my basement family room in Ontario Canada. I do have wall to wall carpet. If I was replacing my floor I would definitely consider luxury Vinyl plank but go to a flooring company/business rather than a big box store. The price per square foot is not that much higher and the quality is much better. We are looking at vinyl for the basement laundry room. I believe the manufacturer was Beaulieu Canada. Add an area rug.

I would paint the entire wall the same colour to give the illusion of more height. Our trim is basic so we painted it the same colour as the wall paint. This helps emphasis the decor of the room.

Have you tried floating your sofa facing the long wall? Hang the TV at eye level, it's too high where it is. It would be nice to hide your components and your wires for a clean look. Flank the sofa with a chair at each end angled to see the TV. Great for parties, we have another pair of chairs flanking the TV and facing the sofa.

Take down all the small frames and small art. You need fewer, larger pieces, see the art in the photos. If you must have photos, consider large Ikea Ribba frames on one wall only to make a statement. Or Ribba frames that hold three 5 x 7 photos in one frame and stack three or four vertically.

Simple slat or roman blinds. Maybe floor length curtains if they are done well and depending on your furniture layout.

It would be helpful if you add photos to your next post showing each full wall. Or a sketch of dimensions.

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Floating console to hide components and not interfere with baseboard heat. Note the height of the TV, no neck strain here. I've seen people purchase short height flat door upper kitchen cabinets from Ikea and add a wood top. Make sure the unit below the TV is at least 25% wider than the TV.

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