THE PROBLEM
Dreary basement family room had wood-paneled walls, outmoded fireplace and uncomfortable seating.
THE SOLUTION
The design scheme from the rest of the house -- a traditional feel with neutral palette and a few black accents -- was brought to the basement, but Olson cranked up the black accents to add much-needed sophistication.
HOW IT HAPPENED
A new ceiling was installed, the room rewired and a mysterious door that didn't open was replaced with a wall of windows.
The walls were painted a tranquil cream, with white wainscoting on the bottom. Plank-style brown cork floor completed the soft, neutral backdrop for the black accents.
Olson created an L-shaped seating area along two adjoining walls, brought in two beige chenille-covered sofas and added black and black-accented pillows. These sofas share a charcoal ottoman, a round side table and an area rug with a black and neutral pattern that is echoed in the new black-and-gold floral drapes.
She created a fireside lounge on another wall with two black chairs and a black side table. The room's stone fireplace was a bit of an eyesore, so she built up the mantel, painted it white and retrofitted it with a gas insert.
No matter where you sit, there's a good view of a new 54-inch television, flanked by black-and-white framed photographs.
BEST TRICKS
When designing with black, lighting is especially important, Olson says. In addition to recessed lights, she installed a crystal drop pendant outlined in black, two fireplace sconces, a bronze table lamp and a photographer's tripod lamp.
