Sorry no pictures shown but depending on your lighting situation the sky's the limit. Treat the basement like it is your main floor and try to incorporate the same colour schemes and design elements so the spaces feel unified. If you have wainscotting or panel moulding upstairs, make sure that you have it downstairs too. If you have blinds or shutters upstairs try to do that downstairs too. Nothing is worse than having a basement feel like a basement. God love them, kid's messes means happy, rambunctious kids at play. Never apologize. Good Luck with your project.