THE PROBLEMThe basement had potential as a large family room, but still had insulation-exposed walls.
THE SOLUTIONThe space was divided into two practical zones -- a family lounge and a crafts/sewing area, with a place for the kids to do homework.
HOW IT HAPPENED•The lounge has a big-screen television and a new raised gas fireplace, with cabinetry above and below. The family can watch the TV from the comfort of a huge sectional sofa in warm wheat chenille, a perfect backdrop for a host of accent pillows in rich velvets and silks in blue, caramel and decorative paisley. A rich wood coffee table, a dark-leather chair and a light area rug round out the lounge area.
•A large, U-shaped crafts area features creamy storage cabinets around the perimeter, and floating dark-wood shelves above sand-speckled quartz countertops. A modern sewing machine sits at desk level; above is a special nook for a family heirloom antique sewing machine.
BEST TRICK
A whole wall of the owners' favorite botanical prints -- 14 in total -- form a lovely picture gallery punctuated by wall sconces.
Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service. Interior decorator Candice Olson hosts "Divine Design," now in reruns, and her new show, "Candice Tells All," which airs Saturdays at 7 p.m. Find a full program schedule at www.hgtv.com.
