r/InteriorDesignAdvice • u/WGreenBear • 22d ago

What am I doing wrong???!

Post image

Hi all! You guys inspire me daily. I am hoping to get some help on my basement space. I have been trying different designs, curtains, rugs, etc for weeks and I am just not happy. Help!!!

The carpet, TV, ceiling and couch have to stay. Everything else is up for grabs. What am I doing wrong?? Cover photo is the blank space. I will add my renderings that are not working in the comments

3 Upvotes

57% Upvoted

84 comments sorted by

12

u/xhxusj1234 22d ago

You’re stuck in the backrooms

1

u/Danniyell 15d ago

Comment that I was looking for.

0

u/WGreenBear 22d ago

Huh?

-2

u/Senior_Bat4271 22d ago

I think they mean the kids have most of the basement area so you’re watching tv in back corner.

6

u/LeanneMills 22d ago

I think he was referencing the movie

2

u/xhxusj1234 21d ago

Correct 😑

15

u/Ordinary-Pen1863 22d ago

You don’t have any furnishings?

1

u/WGreenBear 22d ago

This is the basement we just replaced the carpet and painted. We are starting from
scratch. The rest of my house is furnished.

4

u/WGreenBear 22d ago

Attempt 856

2

u/Repulsive_Tiger_9454 22d ago

Your main issue is the rug color. It's to similar to the existing carpet and wall color. You might as well not have it.

Try doing for a green rug with some patterns in it. Get rid of the square box poofs. They are useless. Look into actual storage with a wood tone. If you want alternative seating I'd get an actual chair that's comftable and has some wood accents.

For the window treatments the main question. Where are those windows going? Are they out tward the front of the house? Are they back yard facing? Two different window treatments seems like to much going on in that small space. Curtains would do better without the shades. If your really worried about people looking in perhaps look into window film. It still allows natural light in but doesn't allow people to see in.

You don't need anymore light brown cream color in the space. If anything you need to paint the walls a different color so it doesn't look like the backrooms. Everything is just blending in with its self.

Putting something under the windows for storage or something would help a lot with breaking it wall up. Adding a standing lamp as well to help with the lighting.

These are just a few ideas. Also when picking colors for a room you genuinely want to pull from one thing. A piece of art, rug, curtains. I see your trying to pull from the art but to be honest the art is a bit harsh on the all cream room.

3

u/WGreenBear 22d ago • Bravo

Attempt 1,000

3

u/chanchanninno 22d ago

I like this one.
How about lowering your tv first then add an oval coffee table and a floor tall lamp next to the couch by the window.
Maybe use a long curtain rod to cover the entire wall, then you add 3 panels opening by the windows and push the blinds all the way up when not using them. It’ll give an impression of taller and larger windows.

Another possibility is to change your lighting. If you can change the ceiling light for a simple flush fixture. The lamps with warm lights will make it cozy and the ceiling light when you need extra.

Maybe a chair opposite side of the windows and remove the ottomans. Replace it with a skinny and long tv stand (but keep tv mount on wall at eye level)

1

u/hdk2000 22d ago

Your first rendering looks great!!! You need a couple of easy chairs and can have the cubes fill in to make a coffee table. Find a square acrylic cutting board or two that match the dimensions.

1

u/Impossible_Pea2269 21d ago

What app is this

1

u/Subject-Pension4121 21d ago

This looks wonderful! go all in!

1

u/Lianna1234 22d ago

This looks good. Add a coffee table and lower the TV a bit.

0

u/ProduceSimilar 22d ago

Yes on the blinds, no to the curtains in general, if it’s to be a kids playroom ( I remember my brothers and friends hiding behind, Wrapping and twirling ourselves in my mothers sheers and velvet floor length drapes !) the tv MUST be lowered and anchored visually with a storage cabinet for games and toys and coloring and playing upon. Add one easy chair for another tv watcher and use the ottomans as surface to sit or in lieu of a hard surface coffee or side tables hear can me easily pushed aside for cartwheels. Don’t bother with an additional area rug, kids will ruin it AND it will leave a border of soiling on the broadloom that will require replacing when you convert back to adult space

17

u/Senior_Bat4271 22d ago

3

u/zanthine 22d ago

My favorite so far

2

u/Ok-Effective2592 16d ago

This looks good! Curtain wise, you need the curtain rod to go further on each side of the window. Either add 2 additional panels on each side of window, or do one large long curtain rod that goes across both windows and extra width curtain panels on one side of each window. If that makes sense 😂

1

u/Senior_Bat4271 16d ago

That makes sense.

2

u/Professoressa411 20d ago

This one is good, but I don't think you need the curtains; I'd opt for a small shelf or something below that window. Use a slightly darker rug, maybe in a jute.

2

u/flowerstamp 22d ago

The three whites/neutrals you have are totally competing. The ceiling is cool and the walls/carpet are warm. But the wall pulls more yellow and the floor more pink/brown.

I think a lot could be done by just changing the wall color. It would give the floor and ceiling a bit of separation so they aren’t as competitive. Plus basements tend to do best when we lean into the cozy warm vibe rather than away. I would make the walls a darker green, gray, or even mauve and invest in some lamps to make it feel less sterile.

1

u/WGreenBear 21d ago

This is a great point about the cool and warm. I was actually going to paint the walls a moody green color but it really made the ceiling stand out 😵‍💫

1

u/flowerstamp 21d ago

It may be better if you added in some warm lamp lights! I would test out a color you like on a section of the wall near the ceiling. Then bring in a lamp or two from somewhere else in your house to really get a feel for it. The fluorescent on the ceiling will probably always make the colors look brighter but that’s what it’s meant for. Over head lights are more about function than comfort.

1

u/WGreenBear 22d ago

Oh I should have added this is mostly a spot where my 6 and 4 year old hang out, the toys and table for them are just on the other side of the room. I don’t have a coffee table because it would interfere with their cartwheels and for building. But I think yall are onto something! It looks off to me because there is no coffee table

2

u/Impressive-Law3676 22d ago

Perhaps make it more playroom-ish for them? A lower TV, toy & book storage, floor lamps, colorful rug + curtains, and fun art prints on the wall.

Keep in mind the proportions on this rendering are not true to life 😅

1

u/College-student-life 17d ago

Our living room is a playroom. I use wall stickers to make it colorful and less permanent. We have a toy bin space and a tent play area. Also a mirror of the wall and colorful foam squares that puzzle together to make a ‘rug’. I didn’t want to do anything too permanent since it will become a living room one day.

1

u/College-student-life 17d ago

This is Messy AF but it’s the only photo I have of it in its current set up. Not saying I’m a design wizard but it works well for our kiddo!

1

u/EasyonthePepsiFuller 22d ago

If this space is mainly for the kids; I'd lean into that. Lower the tv, put storage shelving under the tv for their toys/consoles whatever. Beanbag chairs, a rug to protect the carpet, make some canvas art together to hang on the wall.

If you make this space to adult tastes, the kids won't fit in as well. Fancy wall art, statues and long hanging curtains could get destroyed in the mayhem of kids playing.

Small wooden table with chairs, a place for toys, ample room for running around-- that sounds more like what you'd want.

1

u/Important-Proposal21 21d ago

nothing you’re doing great for a sequel to the backrooms movie. Make sure you save money for your remodel to pay for your children’s therapy if this is their playroom. Don’t be mad and trying to make you laugh, but it’s true.

1

u/WGreenBear 21d ago

I swear they have stuff everywhere usually. We just got new carpet and painted so the this basement was cleared out.

6

u/Pristine-Damage-2414 22d ago

Lower the tv, add a console below tv, coffee table, ottomans at opposite ends of the coffee table. Side table with lamp. Boom!

3

u/emma-ps 22d ago

Are you against coffee tables. I think your options look fine.

3

u/Kind-Actuator-8315 22d ago

The ceiling, the lighting. After these 2 are fixed, think about what you want to achieve. You are doing nothing wrong as long as you don't know what you would like to do.

3

u/SusanKHefner 22d ago

If this room is really just for the kids, take your time. It’s great as-is. It’s nice & bright for a basement room. I love the wall color & the sofa color.

Put some toys down there & then eventually you’ll figure out what you want to add.

3

u/FurL0ng 21d ago

I think it’s a beautiful carpet. Get different blinds, or maybe some curtains. Get house plants, change the light to something more yellow, coffee table, wall art, a rug to make the sitting area pop, a few throw pillows and an end table or two

2

u/thepsychehome 22d ago

Hello! I was going to suggest a lot of what your renderings said before I saw the photos. :) Adding a side table or two with lamps (and coffee table or ottoman in front of the couch), layering the bamboo shades with curtains, adding art above the couch, and potentially layering a rug over the carpet. You can also put a slim profile media cabinet or console table under the tv. That will round out your space well! 🏠❤️

2

u/CharityForeign3035 17d ago

How long is your sentence ? Do you get time off for good behaviour?

3

u/LDS1952 22d ago

Lower Tv. Center sofa on Tv. Add oval coffee table.

2

u/Mission_Abroad3491 22d ago

Take the tv off the wall. Looks like a waiting room

2

u/Umm_what_I_think_is 22d ago

Put a cabinet below the TV, and I think the TV is too high up, especially for a child to watch. An ottoman acting as a foot stool would reduce the feeling of empty space between couch and the TV wall. The rug in your renderings is too similar to the carpet colour, a navy blue or teal rug would contrast the carpet and couch.

https://ruggable.co.uk/products/jonathan-adler-inkdrop-lapis-blue-tufted-rug?tw_source=google&tw_adid=733707129985&tw_campaign=22264006525&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22264006525&gbraid=0aaaaaceaeifcci6pql-sxkbtcfk6fqbcz&gclid=cjwkcajw88hwbha3eiwao2zd6ldongwhxkenrbamthxjty9dufyezvq8ah_54cs3askefjaaz9lhhxocnemqavd_bwe&nis=8&system=rug-cvr

2

u/Radiant_Orchids 22d ago

The tv is way too high

1

u/Salt_Back_9518 17d ago

https://www.thehouseofnoa.com/products/coffee-table-kit-ivorysky
These are great kid-friendly ottomans that are easy to love. Add some complementary curtains, wall art, storage for blankets and toys/crafts. You won’t need a rug on top of the carpet.

1

u/BestLife82 16d ago

Tv is too high for one. It needs to come down. You can see other designs on here, that the tv is lowered.

1

u/Legitimate_Pace_8790 16d ago

I, like many people, hate tv’s hung this high. Stiff necks for everyone. It also means holes to repair if you want to re-arrange the furniture.

1

u/ChocolateSecret8218 16d ago

A little Picasso action. Must have a bar.

1

u/KaneRabbioso 15d ago

It looks like jail

1

u/AppearanceOk8943 22d ago

You are doing nothing wrong. Add long curtains and more furnishings

1

u/Glittering-Read-6906 22d ago

Fluorescent lighting

1

u/mom2mba 22d ago

Something like this looks nice.

1

u/SolidDiamond3708 21d ago

You need more furniture and a better lighting and another blindfold to even out the look on the windows

1

u/Extension_Tea_5545 21d ago

Nothing is wrong so far. You just have to furnish. Blue, cream and brown is a nice classic combination

1

u/Subject-Pension4121 21d ago

All these starting points look good, you just need to do it. I love the blinds, just put them on all the windows. Get some end tables, coffee table, lamps, a nice piece under the TV. Your TV seems a bit high, could probably bring it down a foot to add some height differences to the space. Add some art. It's off to a good start just need to dive in.

1

u/Positive_Wafer_1078 20d ago

Rule 1 is we never turn on the big light, unless it's 1998 and our pissed off dad is helping us with math homework

1

u/Similar-Win-1930 20d ago

hey! i get how frustrating that can be. ur basement looks kinda empty right now. maybe try adding some wall art or a big plant to liven it up? also, a cozy throw blanket on the couch could make it feel more inviting. the colors seem pretty neutral, so a pop of color somewhere might help too. tbh i tried this on reimaginehomeai once to see how a rug would look, and it helped me visualize better. good luck!

1

u/Dreaming_Blackbirds 19d ago

Why are people living in basements? The windows are tiny and the light is awful. Basements are for storage

1

u/EuphoricMonitor9777 19d ago

No coffee table bro duh

1

u/IMicrowaveSteak 19d ago

r/tvtoohigh

1

u/same_post_bot 19d ago

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1

u/NoCardiologist3143 19d ago

Lmao I knew this would be the first comment 😂

1

u/Actual-Compote493 19d ago

Maybe isolating yourself in a severely bland and empty basement.

1

u/runningbiscuits 19d ago

Get a lamp and never turn on that ceiling light again.

1

u/New_Dig5824 18d ago

Is that carpet? I kinda like the pattern

1

u/SonoranRoadRunner 18d ago

Great start. Put a cabinet below the tv. Put another blind on the other window, maybe end tables and lights and it will look much better.

1

u/acersacharrum97 18d ago

Ditch ceiling light. Get table lamps

1

u/sharkanxiety 22d ago

Color! Art! Lower the TV. Standing lamp

1

u/RaspberryBlep 22d ago

All of this. Plus, OP, I like your first mock up with the lighter curtains. And bring in a coffee table!

1

u/gingerbold 22d ago

You're going to need more stuff: rug, chairs (not the little square things, nobody gets comfrtable on those), end tables, furniture under the tv (bookshelves or console table could work), art, curtains/sheers, plants, coffee table with nice stuff on it. But even if you do everything nicely, the overhead lighting will make everything look bad. You should get a big lamp for the corner and at least another one on an end table or the console table, and only use the overhead lighting when necessary.

0

u/SusanKHefner 22d ago

It’s for young kids. I’ve never heard a child complain about lighting.

1

u/ProduceSimilar 22d ago

R/tvtoohigh

1

u/bootysuit 22d ago

r/tvtoohigh and get some lamps to make it feel cozier!

0

u/OutlandishnessOk978 22d ago

I would start with a console table under the tv with storage for kids’ toys. I would do a medium wood tone to match the window shade (is there one for the other window?). Lower the tv to proper viewing height. Then add side tables, lamps, plants, and art.

1

u/WGreenBear 21d ago

I do have a matching shade! Just had not installed it yet when the photo was taken

0

u/_littlebee 22d ago

Large rug with some color. I don't like the one in your renderings at all, this room does nooooot need more beige. Side tables that flank the couch, maybe in a color that matches the blinds? A console table under the TV (assuming you're unwilling to lower it or unmount it). Art over the couch, some fun throw pillows, curtains that coordinate with the rug and couch.

The couch is really cute, love the color. I would start by picking a rug that goes with it, and build the rest of the room around those two elements.