THE PROBLEM Homeowners wanted to use an awkwardly angled basement for entertaining.

THE SOLUTION Minimize architecture; enlarge and warm through color, fabric.

HOW IT HAPPENED • Wrapped room in neutral shades of cream, tan, gray and chocolate; painted walls champagne to smooth bad angles. • Divided space into zones for lounging and a "feature" wall. • Warmed lounge area with electric fireplace; added mantel, storage in chocolate. • Flanked fireplace with sophisticated smoky-gray banquettes.

• Installed black micro-fiber couch with cream damask pillows; pair of light-colored chairs and accent pillows in steely blue and chocolate.

• "Resized" small window by hanging an 8-foot curtain rod, dummy panels, sheers.

• Used corporate pattern from owner's business to create patterned panels.

Home and Garden Television, Star Tribune
Before: The big beige box of a basement had bad angles, low ceilings and several bulkheads. The challenge was to turn it into a space fit for a cosmopolitan couple who entertain frequently, one of whom owns a luxury-chocolate business.

• Installed bench beneath panels; added wine and clothes storage (not pictured).

• Placed track lighting over the fireplace, a crystal chandelier in the lounge area and pendant lights near the feature wall.

BEST TRICK Added cabinetry to column to house media equipment and TV.

Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service. Interior decorator Candice Olson hosts "Divine Design," which appears Thursdays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 9:30 p.m.