How to decorate basement?

Question

I'm moving into a room in a basement. The place is pretty decent, but the fact is that it is a basement and is not as bright and cheery as the upper floors. Any decorating/cleaning/design tips?

Answer 1

1) Use light and lively colors liberaly

- paint wallls/hang up nice bright pictures

2) Build contrast

- select dark moldings for ceilings and baseboards. this tends to draw the out the light colors of walls.

3) Choose the right light bulbs. First, those old fluorescent bulbs are out. Soft white incandescent bulbs will make the lighting seem more natural. An even better option is to use full-spectrum bulbs, which cost a bit more than regular incandescent bulbs, but which mimic the sun's natural light.

4) Open it up. If you have unnecessary columns, pillars or walls in your basement, consider tearing them out(Consult a structural engineer if uncertain of load-bearing). The more open the floor plan, the brighter the space will appear.



5) Get some plants. Plants can make any room healthier by removing toxins and adding oxygen. They can also give the room a brighter mood. Of course, not all plants can survive in a basement. Choose those that like shade.

Hope that helps :-)