Nighttime Cityscape Basement

Newlyweds and new homeowners Sara and Ryan Firestone need some serious help in their basement. The awkwardly shaped room has a red pole in the center, hideous pink carpet and Ryan's beloved college couch. They're at a loss for what to do, so they welcome student designer Beth Schmelick, who restyles the space, drawing inspiration from the nighttime skyline of nearby Columbus, Ohio. Her challenge is to convert a cold basement into a cool hangout.

Ryan has dreams of a masculine, club type of space, but the current layout and pink carpet are in the way — not to mention a bright red pole in the middle of it all. The mismatched furnishings include a tan couch from his college days that he's not ready to part with. The Firestones have done some work to finish the basement such as installing a drop-down ceiling and walling-off the washer/dryer and furnace, but they're at a loss for what to do next.

For all available product information, click on the After photo(s) of the room.