Stay Awhile: A Moody Basement Makeover

Having a space in your home where everyone can unwind, have fun, and make lasting memories is essential for any family. For many, that place tends to be the basement—a versatile spot where the whole family can gather, relax, and entertain. However, basements often come with their own set of challenges: they can feel cold, unfinished, and lacking the warmth and coziness needed to truly make it a go-to hangout spot.

This was exactly the case with our latest clients. With two teenagers and a love for hosting family and friends, they had plenty of room, but the basement just wasn't living up to its potential. They reached out to us, eager to transform this underutilized space into a place where they could truly stay awhile and enjoy each other’s company in style.

Goals
Our design goals for this basement makeover were simple: make the space feel finished and cozy, transforming it from cold and unfinished to warm and inviting. We also wanted to add some fun and character, reflecting the family’s style while giving the room personality. Lastly, we aimed to create distinct zones of function, ensuring the space could accommodate lounging, gaming, and entertaining without sacrificing flow or purpose. The result would be a basement that’s both practical and enjoyable.

The process

Goal One: Make the space feel cozy and finished.
One of the biggest challenges our clients faced was deciding whether to enclose the ceiling, which often comes with a hefty price tag. Instead of opting for the typical route, we came up with a more budget-friendly yet equally impactful solution: we expanded on the existing black accent wall color and took it all the way to the ceiling—yes, we painted everything!

The result was a dramatic, industrial-inspired vibe that was perfect for the moody design that we envisioned. Not only did it make the space feel more cohesive and finished, but it also gave the basement a sense of height, making it feel larger and more expansive.

To balance the deep, dark ceiling, we chose a lighter tone for the other walls—Shoji White by Sherwin Williams—creating a harmonious contrast that kept the space feeling open and airy. To add warmth and coziness, we layered in a larger, 15”x11’6” area rug, soft curtains, and plenty of pillows and blankets. Ambient lighting was key to setting the mood, completing the look, and helping the basement feel like a true, inviting retreat.

Before and Afters:

Styling Tip:
Don’t shy away from adding curtains to a sliding door! It’s a simple way to bring height and softness to a room. By hanging the curtain rod a bit wider than the door, you can avoid the curtain getting in the way, while still creating a stylish, functional look.

Goal Two: Add fun and character.
To meet our second goal of adding fun and character into the space, we focused on creating an environment that encouraged interaction.  One key addition was the “Stay Awhile” sign, which we decided would be the focal point of a cozy seating area in the corner with the fun wall treatment.

The neon sign was the perfect touch to bring the space to life, making it stand out while also setting the tone for a laid-back, yet vibrant vibe. Fun fact: the sign can even change modes, adding a playful element that could easily spark an epic dance party—or possibly even a migraine. 

To keep the fun flowing, we incorporated games like a dartboard and a ring toss game, which not only provide entertainment but also double as unique decor. We also scattered board games, cards, and puzzles around the room, giving everyone plenty of options for play. Of course, for those moments when you just want to relax, the super comfy furniture is perfect for curling up and enjoying a movie or sporting event. 

Styling Tip:
When styling an entertaining space, look for games that are not only fun but also aesthetically pleasing to keep the room feeling cohesive and not too busy. We love games made of wood and in calming neutral tones, as they blend seamlessly into the design.

But if you’re a fan of color, don't be afraid to lean into it! Just keep the base of the room neutral and add one or two accent colors through smaller items. And if you love a game but aren’t fond of its look, simply hide it in something you do love, like a stylish console or a covered bin. This way, you get the fun without compromising on style!

Goal Three: Create distinct zones of function.
For our third goal of creating distinct zones of function, the first area we focused on was the lounge space. We worked with our clients' existing seating and enhanced it with accent furniture to improve both style and function. One of our favorite additions is a round coffee table, as it not only contrasts nicely with the straight lines of the furniture but is also easy to move around when needed.

An oversized coffee table helps anchor the space, offering a great spot for food, drinks, or a fun game. We also added structured ottomans, which serve as both footrests and additional seating that can be moved around the room as needed. Our clients were ready for a change when it came to their TV stand, so we decided to combine an enclosed console with plenty of hidden storage to keep the space tidy, alongside two modern tower bookshelves.

Another distinct zone of function we created was the "Stay Awhile" corner, a space perfect for eating or gathering for a game of cards. We knew we wanted a round pedestal table, so we chose one that paired perfectly with durable leather chairs in a warm camel color, echoing the tone of the floor. To complement the space, we added a fun fluted console nearby to hold snacks, and a retro mini fridge, bringing both style and much-needed refreshments to the hangout. 

The final zone was a flexible space that included an interesting art collage and featured a beautiful antique furniture piece that was special to our clients. This area provides both practical storage and versatility, making it perfect for whatever the family needs.

Styling Tip: Creating separate zones of function is the best way to make a large open area feel inviting, balanced, and cohesive, ensuring each space serves a purpose while maintaining a smooth flow.

In the end, this basement transformed into a cozy, functional space that’s perfect for family hangouts and entertaining. By focusing on making the space feel finished, adding personality, and creating distinct zones for different activities, we crafted a room that works for everything—from movie nights to game time. This basement is now the perfect spot to relax and stay awhile.

Bonus: Tips for Styling Open Shelving

1. Create a Zigzag Pattern: Arrange similar colors or textures in a zigzag pattern to add flow and visual interest across the shelves.
2. Vary Heights and Shapes: Mix up the height and shape of items to create a layered look that keeps the shelves from feeling flat.
3. Alternate Between Heavier and Lighter Groupings: Place heavier groupings at the bottom or center, and alternate with lighter groupings or single items on the other shelves to maintain a sense of balance.​
4. Use Textured Items: Incorporate items with different textures—like ceramic, wood, and metal—to add depth and richness to the display.
5. Keep It Organized: While open shelving should feel curated, avoid overcrowding by leaving space between some items which helps items to stand out.
6. Add Personal Touches: Include a few personal or meaningful items, like family photos, collectables, or family heirlooms, to make the shelves feel unique and lived-in.

Want to shop any of the products mentioned in this blog? Check out the Product Links below. Neutral Simplicity does receive a small commission from these links, which helps us to continue creating more great content for you!

Links for Products 
Like to Know it page
Link to shelf styling video 
Link to favorite neutral paint colors 
Links to more before and after photos of this space on our website 

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