The Best Colour Palettes to Brighten a Basement

Splashy artwork punches up this all-white basement that gets a dose of natural light from a nearby window – pro tip: if your basement windows are old and dingy, replacing them makes a huge difference. The teak bed also adds warmth to the space; warm elements in cool spaces are an easy way to bring life down below.

Most basements aren’t huge, so a unified colour palette (in this case black and white), built-ins and low-slung furniture keeps the sightlines open and the vibe spacious. A cute contemporary fireplace never hurts, either.

Who needs to live upstairs when you’ve got this gorgeous basement bedroom? Stippled potlights, pale floors, cozy rattan accents and a contemporary fireplace are inviting choices.

Basement bathrooms get no respect. The danger in that is that you get a cold, boring loo and who needs that? In this clean, stylish loo the designer opted for matte black plumbing and cabinet pulls, as well as a full-sized tub – yes, full size – for a knockout space that rivals the upstairs.

A basement apartment is both functional and welcoming now that the clutter of shoes is gone from the entryway. Thank you, simple built-in shoe compartment and closet. And the mirror not only brightens the digs, but has an enlarging effect.

Because it’s not always the warmest space in the house, cushy is the way to go when you’re designing a basement. Pile on the pillows and shop for quality duvets and a fabric headboard to invite warmth. A neon heart and wall-mounted lights are gentle light sources where you need them most.

A jolt of vivid turquoise in the backsplash and seat cushions has eye-catching appeal. But don’t stop there – bring in complementary colours such as orange and grey – and you’ve got a winner. To keep the space from feeling loud, opt for a neutral backdrop.

A modular Missoni sofa isn’t the cheapest piece of furniture on the block, but it sure is ravishing. In this spectacular space, the fun hues play against the wood ceiling detail, making it feel almost earthy. A walk-out to the backyard features glass-panelled doors to bring in the light.

This super-cute basement play area has everything: a fun tent bed built on a platform, drawers with lots of storage and a wood wall treatment. The happy mix of colours is perfect for kids. The Clearspring Green walls are by Benjamin Moore. Ditto the Billowy Gown drawers and the ceiling and tent in Cotton Balls.