Can you post a photo of the space? It would really help to visualize color ideas.

This is my favorite combination, it's warm and inviting, lamps will enhance the colors. paint There are others below that but this is my favorite.

Funny...I thought of Alabaster as soon as I saw your title.

Thanks, all. I'll see about posting some pics...as mentioned the new carpet isn't in there but you can get a flavor of the space.

Here are a few pictures but it's really hard to capture the space. There are a couple of narrow dark hallways, large media/play room, 1 bedroom ( we have a 2nd but I didn't take a pic, and workout room (no windows and not used for sleeping). I know we need better lighting but we are just focused on flooring and paint for now.

A blue grey would be my choice I'm not into the beige :) but I would paint before installing the carpet. Add more lights if you can .

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We won't be doing the paint ourselves. I'm nervous to paint beforehand, since I would like to match to our new carpet. Thanks for the blue/grey idea.

Thanks, Judy for the suggestion. That's well noted. Any color ideas that you consider "strong" for a basement?

I would go for a beige/gray. You will still get the gray but also it will be slightly warmer than a straight up gray. If you have gray carpets and gray walls it might feel a little cold. Sherwin Williams has loads of greige colors. I used accessible beige and love it!

Thanks, Julie and aktillery. I've was thinking of accessible beige to test.

Judy...love the picture you provided. That's pretty nice!

Now to go get some samples.

So, I think we are pretty close and have decided on SW City Loft. We tested a bunch, including Alabaster, but City Loft just seems nice to us. The rep at SW is the one that actually suggested it. I would love to do something darker, as Julie mentions but I know ourselves and we couldn't pull off getting all the furniture to make it nice.

We have 1 bedroom (not pictured) that is also dark. My wife would love to do a fun/bright accent wall. Any ideas? We are open to anything and don't have any bedding to match. She loves the idea of a peach/orange. Maybe SW Sea Salt? Any thoughts on a color that would do well in a dark room that is fun and bright? We've contemplated yellow but I've also read a ton the difficulties with it.

You want warm undertones. Cool undertones will make it a cave.

https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/the-best-light-paint-colours-for-a-dark-room-basement/

and

https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/7-fabulous-dark-colours-for-a-dark-room-or-basement-sherwin-and-benjamin/

Thanks, soccermom, I was just reading those link's when you posted! I really like the blue that is in the urban cape basement, which is linked in one of the first posts.

We also have an accent wall of BM Hale Navy in our master; such an awesome color.