Post some pics. Lighting comes from actual lighting so table lamps, floor lamps and over head all combined to give overall lighting. In a play room probably more ceiling lighting is what you need to avoid tip overs. since you have tile floor why not start by choosing a large rug with some color then use that to help choose wall color. More info as to the age of the kids their sex and what you need to have in the space , all of that info helps us with ideas.

Furniture colors?

No furniture now.. it's under construction so its empty. I plan to keep it pretty free of furniture, aside for the toys bins and possibly a couch

yes definitely going for bright! but id like to incorporate some sort of color.. maybe in the blue/green family.. hoping to do sw sea salt for the bedroom but wasnt so sure i'd be happy with the same color in the big room

ceiling is enclosed, not very bright lighting

Patricia, sorry just seeing your comment now for some reason!

Pics right now won't show much since construction is being done down there :)

I have kids ages 8 and younger. The space will likely have their toys in some sort of toy storage unit, a large area rug and probably a couch somewhere down the line.

im looking at this for a rug - thoughts?

You'll appreciate ruggable.com for kids rugs that are washable. We have one in our basement Kids Kave at the vacation cabin I manage. They didn't have their kids line when I got this one, but they even have a Star Wars series now, and they have grown up patterns/colors too. They are 15% off right now and not expensive anyway.

I find ruggable pricey once you get a big size! The one I wanted was going to be $750 Canadian. No thanks. That said if my kids were smaller I would have done it.

Personally I would do white or a light neutral walls. I would add colour with the rug, floor cushions or sofa and kid art. Make fun ways to display their colourful creations or a photo wall etc

A S - I think I agree with you. The size I wanted is a bit much $ .. even if the washable aspect is tempting :) I also agree with going light neutral on the walls.. I'm just not sure where to start with that!

Maybe this article will help. The colors she's suggesting might work well with Sea Salt. I think Creamy would brighten the room and be a nice backdrop for other colors. I also think white or off-white walls with a black accent wall would be awesome for bright colorful kids' art. Excited for you and the family!

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

I have dogs, so I never buy “expensive rugs”. I’ve taken area rugs outside and sprayed them with a power washer. I’ve also just cleaned them with a carpet cleaner. So, unless you buy some really expensive rug, they are all “washable”.

White needs light to sing. Without good light white and very light neutrals fall flat.

Dark rooms, or rooms with little daylight really do better with richer colors. They don't need to be brilliant, but need enough weight to ward off the shadows.

Yes, lighting is always key