Downstairs spaces often get treated as an afterthought, but for our Three Rivers project, the basement was always meant to earn its keep. For this Moodboard Monday, we’re sharing two schemes that work together: a relaxed living room with flexible seating and a kitchenette/dining area that feels casual, social, and quietly cheerful.

Basement Living Room

This scheme leans into comfort without feeling sleepy. Soft, warm white walls set a calm backdrop, letting deeper greens, inky blacks, and earthy brick tones do the heavy lifting. Clean-lined furniture and sculptural accents add just enough contrast, while a nod to California’s natural landscape gives the space a sense of place. 

Clockwise from Top Left: Benjamin Moore White Dove, Lulu and Georgia Mona Indoor/Outdoor Drink Table in Canyon Faux Travertine, Swiss Cross Cotton Wool Throw Pillow in Green/Cream available from Wayfair, Quince Shay Wool Kilim Rug in Brick, Article Adel 35″ Coffee Table in Black, Westinghouse Alta Vista 52″ 3 Blade LED Indoor Ceiling Fan available from Ferguson Home, Article Leap Sconce in Black, Spaze Cenna 3 Seat Sofa Bed in Nori, West Elm Tanner Solid Wood Console Table and Elsa Table Lamp in Green, 1938 Sequoia National Park Vintage Poster available from eBay

Basement Kitchenette/Dining Area

The kitchenette brings a little more energy into the mix while still feeling connected to the rest of the basement. Creamy, warm walls keep things light, while minty green cabinetry adds a fresh pop of color. Earthy reds and terracotta tones show up in small but impactful ways, giving the space a friendly, almost playful rhythm. 

Clockwise from Top Left: West Elm Gull Pendant, Carran Acrylic LED Flush Mount in Terra Cotta available from AllModern, Benjamin Moore Kittery Point Green and White Down, Wayfair KIBI Circular Pull Down Kitchen Faucet KKF2013MB in Matte Black, J Stone & Cabinet Nebula Gray Quartz, 20pc Stainless Steel Burlington Silverware Set in Cream available from Target, IKEA MOSSMAL Plate/Bowl Set of 3 in Dot Pattern/Light Green, Blu Dot SideBySide Chair, West Elm Chroma Restaurant Table – Round in Terracotta, Custom Buffalo Leather Bench Cushion available from Etsy

With these basement spaces, the goal was simple: make downstairs feel just as considered, and just as livable, as the floors above. Stay tuned next week as we share the final scheme from this developing project!