Retro Musicians' Basement

The couple just adores music and wants to use their basement as a rehearsal space for Aaron's folk rock band as well as just a place to relax, entertain guests and work. There is just one problem: With a baby on the way, funds are tight, so their redesign plans will have to adhere to a strict budget. I decided to keep the retro vibe of the place going (sans lava lamp and wave machine), but update it in a way that would rock Marla and Aaron's world but not break the bank.

I got rid of everything in the room and started this redesign from scratch. I pulled down the wood paneling and put up new walls in a crisp shade of birch white. I uprooted the shag rug and put down a durable, low-pile, rich caramel-colored carpet. I also carved out a new doorway to lead into this soon-to-be gorgeous room.

I then divided up the space into different, functional zones: a section for band jamming, a place for "chilling" by the fireplace, and a little nook for office work.

I made the fireplace the focal point in the relaxation area. I covered up the existing brick and built a fireplace elevation in one continuous slab of cut stone veneer from floor to ceiling. I then installed cabinetry on either side of the fireplace for CD (and toy) storage. Because this area is all about relaxation, I installed a variety of seating in a color scheme of earthy browns, dreamy oranges and rock-and-roll charcoals. All of these colors speak back to the tones in the fireplace.

Next, I got busy on the rehearsal space, where I installed a few sofas, some tables, white retro swivel chairs and some rustic stools for the band. I then gave the whole area a twist by putting a vinyl-backed photographic mural of a birch tree forest along one entire wall. In the old space this mural would have looked tacky, but blended with the new wood-toned furniture, updates and finishes, it looks right at home — and even adds a bit of depth to the room.

Nestled between the lounge and jam spaces I created a small office space with a mobile desk unit and some additional storage for the couple.

To lighten the space, I put up recessed lighting, including some lights above the fireplace to make the whole area pop. I then added a bit of whimsy with a few new funky retro light fixtures.

After a few final accents — colored throw pillows, cool vases and stylish artwork — Marla and Aaron's hip and happening lounge space was done. By blending the best of the '50s, '60s and '70s, with some modern (but inexpensive) touches, this basement is now the perfect space for folksy jamming — or baby lullabies.

(Interior decorator Candice Olson is host of Home & Garden Television's Divine Design. Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service.)