Decorating A Basement On A Budget

Dark TV Area-Accessorize with affordable vintage finds.

It seems counter-intuitive to paint your basement walls and ceiling in such a darkened color, however, stylist Arren Williams maintained the space bright with mood light. The undermount lighting at the high-gloss storage units highlights our collections, says Williams. This contemporary design has a masculine sense without yelling out bachelor pad, finishing basements.

Existing Storage-Use storage area beneath the stairs rather than building new closets.

In Tanya Linton's house, every spare nook is used for additional storage. With two little boys running round, baskets are ideal for concealing toys and knickknacks. In a little corner, a stack of books and magazines doubles as a side table to a painted chair.

Vibrant Laundry Room-Pinch pennies with MDF cupboards and add your trim.

H&H senior editor Meg Crossley turned into this unfinished basement laundry room into a laundry oasis. Improper venting meant the washer and dryer had to be moved to the opposite wall, in which they're now hidden by bi-fold doors. Meg also included a convenient sink with a kitchen-worthy faucet, an upper shelf and lower closets for extra storage. A contractor cut door fronts out of MDF, and then Meg added Shaker trim for a custom look. To provide the cellar an airy atmosphere, the space had been painted white. Sico's Light Sugar (4150-11), an obsolete white, makes the ceilings seem higher without feeling cold or sterile. The cupboards were painted robin's egg blue for a country-inspired appearance.

High-Low Laundry Room-Dress up basic basement closets with vintage drawer pulls.

Designer Theresa Casey renovated her 600-square-foot basement to add an office, guest bedroom plus luxe laundry space. She stored on affordable white cabinetry but additional classic grips, a marble countertop, a pub wall along with a vintage ladder to make the functional space seem unique.