Warming up a cold basement family room

Basement: Before

A corner fireplace and built-in bar were in original condition, and the space offered plenty of seating for extended family gatherings. But the tile floors and uninviting layout felt a little too cold for showings.

Last update: October 23, 2008 - 3:43 PM

The lower level of this three-bedroom midcentury modern home near Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis had not changed much over the years. A corner fireplace and built-in bar were in original condition, and the space offered plenty of seating for extended family gatherings. But the tile floors and uninviting layout felt a little too cold for showings. "The tile was original, but tile is not the warmest flooring to attract buyers," said Lori Matzke of Centerstagehome.com. "We needed to overcompensate for the cold floors by playing up the other features and making the space feel totally family-friendly, while warming it up with light and color." Here's what Matzke did:

Removed several side chairs to open the space and used other furnishings to help create a more inviting layout. She also removed a small bookshelf and other excess items.

Positioned the area rug and the sofa at an angle to give the room a more spacious feel and draw the buyer's eye through the entire length of the space. Repositioning the rug and sofa also helped turn the fireplace into a focal point instead of an afterthought.

Moved the piano, which had been blocking the entry point of the room on an incoming wall (not shown in the before photo), and angled it in the far corner, topped with a bright green plant, to attract a buyer's attention.

Grouped a table and chairs on a rug with the piano, creating a place to gather and entertain in the most distant part of the room.

Brought more light into the space by removing dated drapes and adding lighting, including a combination lamp/side table, ensuring that the room will be well-lit during showings.

Showing tip: Leave all the lights on in the normally dark lower level. It creates a soft warm glow throughout the room.

Colorful modern artwork brightens the walls and makes the space feel more fun.

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