A finished basement painted wall to ceiling, trim to stair, in Bedminster, NJ

This Bedminster basement had been framed and finished into one long living area with shiplap accent walls, wrapped support columns, a built-in cabinet, a powder room and a new staircase.

With that much trim and detail in one space, the paint had to be clean and consistent so the room reads as finished rather than busy.

Before any paint came out, we covered the floors with heavy floor protection and taped the edges. Walls and ceilings were patched, sanded and spot primed so the final coats would lay flat under the recessed lights.

Ceilings went flat white to keep the low basement bright. Walls and the shiplap got a soft warm white, and every baseboard, door casing and column was finished in semi-gloss so it wipes clean.

The stair got the most hand work: white risers, stringers, balusters and a paneled newel post cut in cleanly against the wood treads and handrail. The powder room got a soft grey that sets off the navy vanity and brass fixtures.