I looked at your photos and wondered if you are in the Southwest, and immediately thought of xeriscaping, which is creating a space that uses very little water and suits its environment and is easy to care for. In such a garden there are one or more paths and sitting areas using bricks or flagstones or cobblestones or even very fine pebbles. The rest of the area is covered with mulch (there are some attractive mulches available now, finally) in which are planted the trees, bushes, and flowers. Watering is infrequent and there is no lawn to mow. I think that it's a beautiful look that would enhance your space and inspire your creativity. We changed our dismal front yard to xeriscaping and I am so happy with it that it's a major reason why I don't ever want to move. Here are some details about creating this kind of yard, but it can be considerably easier than the article suggests, especially since yours is so small. You could paint whichever walls you like and also the door; it would contribute a modern flair and additional interest. The great thing about paint is that it's pretty easy to change the color if you tire of it. I love the idea of growing one's own mint for mojitos!

It's a great space! Have you thought about finishing the ceiling? That would certainly make it feel cozier, though I know there are lots of logistical and economic reasons that might prevent this. I'd divide the space in two and make one end into a family room/home theatre space with a big tv and comfy sofas (maybe one could be a pullout as an extra guest accommodation spot?), and keep the other end as the kids' free play area and your gym area. I'd probably get some shelving/cabinets for toy storage so the kids can use this as their space to really make a mess with toys and then have somewhere to tidy them into. In my home I need to use the basement for misc other storage (eg camping gear, tools, out of season clothes, rarely used specialty kitchen items), so if this was me I'd set up a storage area as well. As your kids grow up, a basement is a great play area and teenager zone. A perfect place for your kids to have their friends over to watch movies, hang out, eat chips, practice for a group presentation, host a rock band rehearsal, plan a sleepover... all while staying out of your main space and minimizing mess in the "nicer" areas upstairs. We have an unfinished basement and plan to dig it down and fully refinish it by the time our kids hit their teens for exactly this reason (we've got time though, I'm currently pregnant with #1). My husband and i both lived out most of our teen social lives in our own and our friends' basements, and have fond memories.

Moved in a few months before COVID initially locked us down so really wasn’t into decorating. The walls are repose gray and hardwood is a silver maple gray. Ceramic tile in foyer will also be changed. I posted some pics. Chairs will be going as well. Excited to get some ideas. Thanks everybody in advance for the help.

well closet bid came in for material.. wow... $$$$ more than I thought and that with my husband doing it. so my budget just went down. I really want the closet redone.