How to liven up a small basement apartment?

[FutureMrsLewis]

Me and FI share a small, two bedroom basement apartment, and we had planned to get a house this year, but since I'm returning to school (in two weeks!!!) and won't graduate until October 2010, we decided that we'll stay here for the next two years and then instead of renting a house, we'll try to buy one

 

So since I'm stuck in this basement for two more years, I want to liven it up a little I just have no idea how... So I figured you ladies would definitely be able to help me figure it out

 

Any ideas? TIA!

[K'osh]

Got any pics of the bsmt?

[beachbride08]

If you are able to paint the walls, pick a light, bright color. If not, play around with lighting, and accesories in pops of color. Those small changes can instantly brighten up any room.

[FutureMrsLewis]

I don't have any pics, but I did manage to make this:

 

 

Sorry if it looks a little squished... And the green blobs in the living room are lamps lol

 

I'm not a decorator by any means (as you can tell). I can't paint the walls, and I can't afford new furniture, and the whole house (with the exception of the kitchen and bathroom) is covered in a light tan indoor/outdoor carpet. And the countertops are more burgandy, not orange lol

 

My couch set is like an ivory with pink/red/green flowers, and all of our furniture (coffee table, tv stand, etc) is a dark wood stain. So my main problem is, what would make a good accent colour? I tried green, but it doesn't quite work. Then again, it's more forest green...

[ehegwer]

Keep it organized and free of clutter. A simple orchid here and there does wonders, too.

[Jacilynda]

With your furniture I would go w/ red accent. We also have a 2 bedroom basement apartment. We are also waiting until we are done w/ school before buying a house cause we may not stay here. Although we were able to alot of work. We're going to be here for 3 years so we put in hardwood floors cause I love hardwood and decorating w/ rugs. We also put fresh paint. Redesign and decorate your walls w/ painting photos, etc. Changing your current arrangement makes a bigger difference than you would think. If you don't really like your furniture put stretch covers over them and you can really change how you accent your place. Also try rearranging your living spaces and you'd be amazed!

 

I watch WAY to much HGTV!!

[FutureMrsLewis]

Ooh, red sounds exciting! I love bright colours, but I also kinda like basic/neutrals (red, blue, black). I watch HGTV and W Network (I think W is Canadian?) and you'd THINK something would rub off lol Nope, not a chance. And I thought about stretch covers, mainly because my cat likes to leave "presents" on the couch (hairballs) lol I just think I need to re-arrange my living room, I just don't really know how. I tried having my couch on the opposite half-wall from where it is now, and it didn't really work. So I'm almost out of ideas. And my heater is right below my window, so that kinda shags up that wall too... Agggh... lol

[FutureMrsLewis]

Ooh, red sounds exciting! I love bright colours, but I also kinda like basic/neutrals (red, blue, black). I watch HGTV and W Network (I think W is Canadian?) and you'd THINK something would rub off lol Nope, not a chance. And I thought about stretch covers, mainly because my cat likes to leave "presents" on the couch (hairballs) lol I just think I need to re-arrange my living room, I just don't really know how. I tried having my couch on the opposite half-wall from where it is now, and it didn't really work. So I'm almost out of ideas. And my heater is right below my window, so that kinda shags up that wall too... Agggh... lol

[Jacilynda]

Have you tried a computer program to rearrange so you don't have to do alot of work to see what it would look like? Here's a free one

 

Gliffy - Free Floor Plan Software-Design Floor Plans, It's Easy and Free

 

also, remember you don't have to keep furniture along the walls. Make a focal point of your living room and put your furniture all together to make it intimate

[Jacilynda]

oooo also remember window treatments have a big effect in a room!

 

For our room when I'm needing some more salsy or a change I rearrange the room and change bedding. Usually I buy a new set, but now we have a lot so sometimes I'll pull out an old set which is fun cause it reminds us of another time in our lives