I've had some very very useful suggestions from the "Home Decorating" forum and a couple of paint colors suggestions. My son's most interested in this first and eager to paint this weekend before moving in. Any more thoughts on paint color?

Nice pictures, fnmroberts! Thanks for your comments. We really, really want carpet. (Although I may come back asking about tile when we update the other part of our basement with the walkout - eventually want that to be more of a "mudroom" since it has the walkout and open stairs up to the kitchen - it's really separate from this part of the basement though) Thanks for your thoughts Jan. I thought about gold too, but wasn't sure how it would look with the furniture. Your descriptions sounds like my style though. I should clarify about the lighting - we have tons of recessed lighting down there. I don't think that needs any improvement (or really could be improved). However, I still think no matter how much lighting you have a basement is always going to have a darker or at least different feel because there is not much natural light, and I want to factor that into our decisions. Keep the ideas coming please! Any pictures anyone has to share are greatly appreciated! :-)

A vote to create an "outdoor kitchen" area with your grill -- and find or make a long table (maybe a tall counter-height one with a shelf under it for storage?) for a food prep area? The table could sit against the end of the garage (?) wall .... and could even have lights for prep too. Maybe hook up an outdoor sink for cleaning and even garden work? Try moving the table area into the middle of the patio -- and then create a sitting area on the side. Many shops will have end-of-season sales soon ... IF possible -- try running some electrical power and place a fountain (on a bed of paver stones) and herb garden in the center of the grassy area at the end of the patio (just out from the current location of the wood glider) That would make a very nice focal point for the whole area.

Joanie and CL, Thanks and you both confirm our thoughts. TV goes on the short wall to the right I am trying to decide whether a small sectional or just a sofa would be best. We will be there this weekend, so I may just tape it out on the floor and decide. I wilI probably spend more of my budget on comfortable seating and then economize on the rest. We're planning to build out there in a few years when we retire and may be able to use some of it in the basement when we do and give away anything that won't work - just don't want to spend so much that we feel like we're stuck with it down the road. Will have to check out the gel fireplace - might be fun. Fur - I had to grin when I saw that because with four dogs (two huskies) we already have a lot of that -- but I know what you mean and will keep my eye out for something. DD and I will have a good time shopping -- we love having a project going on!