This does not look like your parents basement!

Photo Source:  HGTV 

This blog idea was inspired by my daughter who is presently single handed  trying to make her basement a functional space (including the sheet rocking)...I love talented woman! There is one designer that is very inspirational when it comes to turning spaces into crown jewels...I'm talking about Candace Olsen .

Homeowners with an unfinished basement can transform the space into a useful room, such as an extra bedroom for a growing family or a media room to house high-tech devices and a music or movie collection. Below is a collection of photos from HGTV secrets behind CandaceOlsen’s Style

The benefits of a finishing a basement in a investment sense is that it does attract more potential buyers and it makes the home stand out.   It actually adds to the square footage in the real estate listings. 

Cozy Gathering Place

A color palette of plum, caramel, copper and cream is mixed with warm wood tones for a comfortable, homey vibe in this basement. A series of three backlit digital photos add much-needed light and give the room a personal touch.

Relaxing Basement Hangout

Rust grasscloth and buttery yellow walls set the scene for a warm, inviting basement. A deep L-shaped sectional in sage linen features tons of textured pillows in rust, gold and cream. To brighten the windowless space, Candice installs recessed lights and track lighting behind a bulkhead.

Traditional Family Basement

Multi-Functional Basement

A neutral palette is the setting for this basement that features a lounge, a media area and a workout zone. A dramatic, vertical gas fireplace boasts rustic limestone cladding and is flanked by four-foot sconces. For added pizzazz, the workout area is divided off from the rest of the basement by French doors and two cool, glassed-in waterfalls.

Spiced-Up Basement

To create a space with the energy and warmth of a Mexican cantina, Candice starts by grounding the basement with durable tile that has the look of wide-plank hardwood. Color plays a big part in this space with a chili-pepper red glass backsplash, a red and guacamole green chair and a fiery red media cabinet. To create the illusion of a large window, she hangs wall-sized translucent blinds over the tiny basement window.

Cool Teen Hangout

For this basement makeover, Candice transformed an empty basement into a hip teen bedroom that also doubles as a family hangout. In the bedroom, she uses masculine shades of brown, blue and black to create a comfy and relaxing atmosphere. Over in the family room, a big media area features a desk for homework, a beverage fridge, a big screen TV and cozy, oversized furniture. For an added bit of fun, she includes a three-in-one games system, featuring foosball, hockey and pool

Exotic Indian Lounge

To set the scene for this Indian-inspired basement, Candice covers the walls in a black-and-gold paisley wallpaper and a metallic-backed sisal wallpaper. Black-and-white carpet tiles create a chic checkerboard across the room, while luxe fabrics on the furniture and window treatments add a glam factor.

Cozy Gathering Place

A color palette of plum, caramel, copper and cream is mixed with warm wood tones for a comfortable, homey vibe in this basement. A series of three backlit digital photos add much-needed light and give the room a personal touch.

Exotic Indian Lounge

To set the scene for this Indian-inspired basement, Candice covers the walls in a black-and-gold paisley wallpaper and a metallic-backed sisal wallpaper. Black-and-white carpet tiles create a chic checkerboard across the room, while luxe fabrics on the furniture and window treatments add a glam factor.

Playful, Artistic Basement Retreat

Bright and colorful, this basement features a cozy family lounge and a fun, functional art studio. Muted green carpet compliments the sky blue walls, and slipcovered furniture is the perfect solution for this art-loving family. To create the illusion of natural illumination, Candice installs floor-to-ceiling mirrors. Whimsical vinyl transfer words add color and playfulness to the room.