We solely have one small window in our basement. Over half the sq. footage of our house sits beneath floor degree, so profiting from this house means utilizing some inventive design methods to make it really feel much less “creepy”—as my youngsters say.
At present I’m sharing 5 basement design tricks to make a darkish house really feel vivid and alluring.
1. Select the Proper Paint Colours
Whereas I really like daring wall colours in different areas of a house, in a basement, I usually advocate selecting colours within the white or cream household. The lighter colours will assist replicate gentle and make the house really feel vivid and ethereal.
Once we painted our basement family room final month, we used two colours: White Dove and Sail Cloth, each by Benjamin Moore. These colours make the entire room really feel a lot brighter than it did earlier than. The Sail Material coloration additionally provides a way of heat to the house, due to its heat beige tones.
2. Add Artwork to the Partitions
Adding art to your basement partitions can rework the house. In basements with low ceilings, I particularly advocate items that give the phantasm of top. Choose a couple of large-scale, tall items you’re keen on—you’ll be amazed at what a distinction they make.
3. Herald Loads of Textiles
Textiles like rugs, pillows, and blankets are the antidote for any house that’s naturally darkish and chilly. Go for one thing cozy and alluring, like a gentle rug (I really like the plushness of Nordic Knots rugs) or a chunky knit blanket. Add a number of throw pillows with a lot of patterns to the sofa. Any house will really feel immediately hotter and extra inviting with some good textiles.

Photograph by Colleen Eversman at 2ndtruth Photography
4. Concentrate on Lighting
Lighting is an impactful option to carry light and heat to a basement—particularly a basement with out home windows. You may set up recessed lights or wall sconces, add lamps, and even get inventive with string lights as accents to offer the room a comfy ambiance.
In our basement household room, I prefer to have the choice to activate recessed lights whereas I’m downstairs doing laundry or taking part in sports activities with the children. Once we desire a cozier vibe, we activate a couple of lamps.
5. Incorporate a Few Items of Sudden Furnishings
Don’t be afraid so as to add furnishings items that carry character to the house. I really like funky little stools that work each as seating and a spot to place a drink. Layering in distinctive textures all the time helps carry heat to an area, so take into account this as properly when making furnishings choices.
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Kate is presently studying to play the Ukulele, a lot to the despair of her husband, youngsters, and canines. Comply with her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.