I would not choose that carpet colour, I think its really dark, and the space is already feeling small, because of the ceiling height. I would personally go with a vinyl plank floor, and use area rugs to define the spaces. Vinyl is great for basements, and at the same price point. You can even save some money and install yourself, its really easy! I would change the bulky black furniture too, its really heavy looking. Find something with a more clean line. Stick to a neutral light pallet, with a nice accent colour. Keep the whole space open too. Its a large space, with a ton of potential :)

What's prompting the carpet change? It looks like it's in great shape. I like the new carpet but think it might be too dark with current furniture. What about painting the walls a different color to brighten the room?

The carpet had water damage and I have insurance money to replace it. The picture of the carpet posted looks much darker than it really is and with a larger area, it will lighten up. I want carpet down there because vinyl will be too cold for a basement. I had accent walls before, not opposed to them but looking for a different look. I know the black leather furniture needs to be replaced with some lighter look but waiting until the carpet is installed to pick that. I can still cancel the carpet if everyone thinks its too dark.

I would like carpet. What color would work? There is no natural light down there.

You could get carpeting cut to a large size in a thick, soft, textured of mainly ivory (same shade as tile) and espresso weave. You need texture, pattern, and light palette to balance out your very dark furnishings. The dark brown rug you chose just adds to the darkness.

These are area rugs:

Consider some vintage or modern movie related art work--a pair of posters for example of favorite movies. or something cinema related. These come in consecutive numbers to make a series across the wall:

Updates to this space can easily come in the form of accessories. You need color and texture here, it's very brown and cream. That piece of art on the far wall has some nice greens in it, so why not use some green? A few items in your bookcase could incorporate the accent colors too so they would stand out.

If buying furniture is an option, I'd opt to get rid of the side chair and change it up for something of a different color and texture, not so bulky. I'd look into a different coffee table too, not loving that brown with the rest of the furnishings.

Also - that long wall needs a large, prominent piece of art on it. Check out Parima Creative for colorful inexpensive ideas. If you worked red into it, then the pop corn machine would feel like it fits right in.Art should be hung so the centre is at 55" from the floor. Those photographs in your kitchen look a tad too high.

Thank you. Yes, I was going to accent in that color. Any suggestions on carpet colors? No natural light and I'm afraid the sample I picked may be too dark.

I don't mind what you have already. I agree with the other posters that your pick would be to dark. Try something light with texture.

If you have water damage on the carpet, I would be worried about that happening again. I would also choose a vinyl plank. It's more durable. Radiant heating under it would keep it from being cold. Or large rugs.

If you really want carpet and you want that carpet, I would invest in daylight bulbs for all the recessed lights. Get some light colored couches and bar stools and paint the walls a dusty blue, warm gray, or light creamy beige. Lower-set couches would help the ceiling not feel so low. I would also get some bright pendant lights for the bar.

Use a combination of floor and table lamps to better light the space and prevent gloomy ceiling syndrome. Overhead lighting is unflattering as it casts shadows on faces. A large colourful oriental or modern rug would definitely help lighten the heaviness of the dark overstuffed furniture.