Funky accessories keep rec room from looking wrecked

Andrew and Rachel fell in love at first sight at a rock concert. Andrew was playing drums onstage and Rachel was in the front row. Fast forward 16 years and the two are happily married and living in a ranch-style house with their two beautiful daughters and Roxy the dog (named for one of their favorite songs).

Music is still a big part of their lives and Andrew likes to chill after a hard day in the financial industry by drumming (loudly) in their dark, dingy rec room. While Rachel is supportive of his hobby, she wanted a bit more peace and quiet in the house. And she wanted to update the wreck of a rec room into a place the whole family could enjoy.

So I geared up to turn this outdated basement into the ultimate music room where Andrew can drum to his heart's content and then curl up with his family in a comfy lounge space.

The basement had a kind of rustic log-cabin décor, complete with pine paneling on the walls and cedar shakes on the ceiling. So the first order of the day was to gut the space from top to bottom. I pulled down the cedar ceiling and ripped out the wall paneling. I then insulated the walls, added soundproofing to the ceiling and added a fresh coat of paint. I also ripped up the carpet and replaced it with linoleum that has the industrial look of poured concrete.

I then got busy dividing the room into zones: a music zone for Andrew, a play space for the girls and a lounge area for the whole family.

In the music zone, I set up Andrew's drums for playing, but also used them as design elements. On one side of the room, I put up a floating, wall-hung cabinet in a mahogany finish to display his snare drums. I also added a few metallic occasional chairs, and funky red upholstered stools. On the opposite side of the room, I created a red feature wall and a long black quartz counter that features a wet bar, modern sink and beverage fridge.

Of course, this room is not all about Andrew -- I had to consider the kids. So I set up a small zone with white cabinetry in which the girls can store all of their toys and costumes. I then created gorgeous white velvet drapes that will keep it all out of sight when not in use.

On the other side of the kids' zone I created the ultimate family entertainment area. I updated the room's existing wood-burning, brick-clad fireplace. I installed a new gas insert, reclad the front in stunning iridescent glass tiles and added a beautiful black quartz hearth and mantle. Around this fireplace I set up a chill-out area, complete with silver L-shaped sectional, big-screen TV, white coffee table, black-and-white rug and black-and-red blinds.

I installed lots of overhead lighting and several chrome and crystal sconces around the room. I then put in a bunch of accents -- funky area rugs, great pillows, moody candles -- and the room was ready.

This rec room was destined for the wrecking ball. By adding style, function and soundproofing, the space lost its cavernous vibe and is now rock-star ready and family approved. How divine!

Interior decorator Candice Olson is host of HGTV's "Divine Design." For more ideas or information visit www.divinedesign.tv. Her column is syndicated by Scripps Howard News Service.