Eclectic Basement Eclectic Basement, Portland

Using the room itself, as a monochromatic backdrop for decor allows you to paint darker. "It envelops you in color," says interior designer Garrison Hullinger. "With no separation between wall and ceiling, it is easier on the eye." Treff LaFleche also advocates using deep colors. "In the absence of contrast between trim and wall, the stronger colors appear lighter and softer."

This is a co-ed cave everyone will enjoy. It’s an instance where the stereotypical dark brown shade for the walls actually works: It grounds the yellow couch and makes the colorful, patterned throw pillows pop. The white ottoman gives the room its core, doubling as a footrest and extra seating when the neighbors arrive.

A tray turns an ottoman into a coffee table. Fill it with fun trinkets of different heights and shapes.

If you’re lucky enough to have a room used solely for lounging and watching TV, a setup like this is perfect. A sectional facing a screen with ample space to put up your feet is the family-room equivalent of a screening room. The dark wall and ceiling create more contrast so images are crisp and clean, and the low-positioned TV means never having to crane the neck.

A cheerful yellow sectional was nestled into the corner, creating a perfect lounge for relaxing and watching movies. The windows above the television don't open, but are lit with natural light from the home office on the other side of the wall. Portland has a long rainy season, so Hullinger took extra care to make sure the basement stays warm and dry. A vapor barrier was installed around the foundation, a backyard cistern was put in to draw water away from the house, and a large trench was dug below the basement and filled with asphalt, clay, and river rock.

In small rooms, many people paint the ceilings white to achieve a sense of spaciousness. However, painting both the walls and ceiling with the same color will actually make the space appear larger, because there is less contrast.

A square ottoman looks great with a sectional that has equal lengths on both sides, as well as U-shape sofas.Shop square ottomans

4. Den-ocracy. Change is always good. Turn the office adjacent to the living room into a den that everyone in the house can equally enjoy. Design justice for all!

This yellow couch pulls its color from the pieces on the surrounding walls. The balance actually draws the eye toward the warm artwork.

8. Use color to create drama. Design a cozy and visually intense space by painting the ceiling and walls the same color. “This results in an enveloping feel, like a cozy den you might find in nature,” says Hullinger.

Have you ever walked into a room that made you twitch? A room where you felt nervous and uncomfortable? That response is often caused by the lack of a place for the eye to rest. Every room benefits from a quiet place — a place without motion or pattern, a place where your eye can take a break. The ceiling, walls and carpet in this room provide exactly those places and are the reason this room works so well. Look around your rooms. Do they make you twitchy? If so, consider creating a place where your eye can rest.

Similar layout to our space. Don’t like brown.