Divide and Conquer
Keep It Light
Basements can feel dark, damp, and sometimes even creepy. Light-colored upholstery in a performance fabric ensures durability while bringing in brightness. Incorporate large plants so the room doesn’t feel sterile; faux is fine—and probably best for a windowless space. Pale floor tiles with a faux-wood grain will lighten up the look and withstand any moisture issues (a notorious basement hazard).
Jazz Up the Walls
A two-tone paint scheme (Valspar’s Belmont Green on the bottom and Ripe Olive on top) is warm and inviting. Use album covers as a playful alternative— or addition—to traditional art. “Multipurpose spaces can be designed to feel way less serious, so make your hobbies part of your decor,” Raili says.
Get Creative With Boundaries
Raili plans to place an exercise bike and other workout gear at one end of the room. She’ll give that section some privacy by creating a screen from a large pegboard and mounting it on casters. Roll the screen around to expand or minimize the area, and use the pegs for flexible storage and decor.
