Once-dreary basement now inspires young artists

The happy, easygoing couple, proud parents to Lauren and baby Max, own a picture-perfect home in a next-to-perfect neighborhood. But there was one icky torment that threatened to turn this young family’s comfortable dream into a nightmare — and they were living right on top of it! Their basement.

This dreary and uninspiring space had become a catchall for discarded toys and other cast-offs that didn’t fit anywhere else. A makeshift wall separated the laundry area — and prevented any natural light from reaching the rest of the basement through the room’s only windows.

Amy is an artist and art therapist who wanted a bright, warm, inviting space that would stimulate creativity. Rory wanted a comfortable room to spend time with the kids, family and friends. They asked me if I could transform their “basement blight” into an inspiring, kid-friendly art studio and family room. It was definitely a challenge, but the muse was with me. And, more importantly, so was my crew.

I started by knocking down some walls to free the laundry room and cluttered storage space, and to reclaim all the natural light I could. I moved the washer and dryer to its own space, then divided the bulk of the room into two areas: a fun and functional art zone and a bright yet cozy family lounge and entertainment area.

Because it’s all about having fun and making a mess, an attractive, easy-clean vinyl flooring set the tone for the kiddies’ art studio. Neutral-colored cabinetry worked well with the colorful floor, and I chose spill- and splash-friendly plastic laminate countertops — again, neutral-colored so as not to influence any future Picasso’s artwork.

Typically, I might include a sink next to the bar fridge in a family room. But with the potential for so many brushes (and fingers) to be dripping wet paint, keeping the double-tubbed sink in the art zone was a no-brainer. For Amy and the budding young artists, it makes cleanup a breeze.

The lounge area is designed to be a fun, cozy and comfortable place for Rory to curl up on the sofa with the children to read or watch movies from their extensive DVD collection. I selected a muted-green carpet to complement the sky-blue walls and the decorative celery, cream and taupe found in the vinyl flooring. The comfy sofa and armchairs were treated to sensationally practical (read: washable!) slipcovers in soft, soothing tones that added color to the room without overpowering any newly created works of art.

Since this space was seriously window-challenged, I decided to create the illusion of natural illumination by installing floor-to-ceiling mirrors, accented by a petite crystal chandelier and flanked by a window treatment of bright, cheery drapes. The result is a gigantic faux window that gives the impression the room is even brighter, warmer and more inviting than it already is.

Whimsical vinyl transfers — stylized floating words splashed on doors and on the obtrusive support column anchored in the middle of the basement — add color and a sense of fun to the room.

After adding some final touches, including a display of some of the children’s framed masterpieces, the art studio/family lounge was complete. With a little creative vision and artistic flair, what began as a dark, unappealing space had become a welcoming and inspiring room where family and friends can be creative, or just enjoy spending time together. Now that’s 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.