It's a little cave-like, but if what you use this space for is just watching TV then that may not really be a bad thing. Maybe the brick can be removed? It looks a little random. Because the lighting is so bad I can't tell if there's a fireplace in there somewhere. While I'm not a fan of painting brick exteriors, it is a lot less objectionable to paint brick inside. You can also whitewash it, which isn't 100% coverage. Do you have any recessed lighting in the ceiling, or lamps? What kind of look are you going for? If you want lighter and brighter it would help to cut back on the number of brown leather pieces which are dark and heavy looking. Also, the floors look nice (what I can see of them), but the brown leather doesn't go well with them. Maybe a larger rug would help them work together. Can you post a picture that has better lighting and from further back or at least a different angle?

Here a couple more pictures

Unifying everything with paint would go a long way in modernizing the space. A nice, warm white like Sherwin Alabaster on everything; brick, shelves, trim, walls. A correctly sized rug (if you post dimensions of the room we could help you find that size) in a natural fiber. Rearrange the existing furniture if you don’t plan on replacing it. Large sofa under window, TV on wall opposite window (not angled wall), loveseat in L off large sofa, and chair on angled wall. Take down fabric around window. Reduce shelves to only 3 per bay and minimize the items on the shelves. Large square ottoman instead of the coffee table. The isn’t much cozy about a glass table. Hope this helps! Don’t be afraid of paint! :)

Paint the brick or tile over it. It is always going to dominate the room, and it is done in a crude way with large grout lines and poor craftmanship.

We all remember Candice Olson's Devine Design on HGTV and her amazing design projects for basements. Here's a pic of one I was able to locate. These are the best changes you can do to update and lighten up your space:

1. Paint the ceiling and walls a bright white Benjamin Moore Decorators White.

2. Paint the brick also, even though the brick design is interesting, it shouldn't be the focus of the room.

3. Bulid in a narrow wall unit to house the tv and have the wall cohesive with the bookcases. Keep it simple (no carvings or arches) and can be a wood tone. Should be as wide as that space and to the ceiling.

3. Find a place to hang all your photos in a gallery wall and frame all the same. There are good multiple pic frames that look good, and a inexpensive from big box stores, and will unclutter your bookcases.

4. Remove the curtain and leave the shade.

5. Replace the area rug with something larger (as big as can handle in the room) and colorful.

6. Replace your coffee table with something larger. If you post and floor plan with dimensions, I could help you with the size that is appropriate.

7. Now the fun part, see the pic below for inspiration. Paint behind the bookshelves a light color or clear mirror installed to reflect the light from the window. You will be amazed as to how much light it will reflect.

Depending on your floor plan, you can treat other walls differently with paint or wall paper.

Multiple different lighting is a key element in a basement. Take advantage of wall sconces, recessed lighting, and lamps.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.

Sorry, I didn't see the additional pics you posted and see that the TV wall is angled. It would help if you did a thumbnail sketch with measurements. First overall dimensions and then start in the corner and go all the way around the room, indicating window and door locations.

You will be great advice here with additonal info.

It good be helpful to paint the walls white, get solar blinds instead of the swag, add a large white rug, and replace the furniture with something less bulky. We think these pictures might aid you with your dilemma more. Take note of the rugs, wall colors, furniture, and decor accessories.

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It looks like you need more light, better lighting, and to brighten the space and update it. Perhaps look at painting the walls a lighter color, removing the current window treatments, and then let us know what is staying and what is going. Below are two different basement designs from our design portfolio. Before buying anything, decide what you'd like the space to be, and then look at designs that you like on here.

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