Basement leaks. Sanitred?

I am remodeling an already finished family room in my basement. I am looking for suggestions to lighten/brighten the room. Two walls are underground, I am having the walk out cut to put a french door out to a patio, and cutting a window in a room off the family room to use as a bedroom. But I am just void of what to do to lighten the main room. recessed lighting already installed/ three galsss block windows on the east wall. I am thinking about white ceramic tile/with a wall of white cabinets built in to lighten. Looking for suggestions. The room is rectangular, with a "L" off the north east corner leading to the walk out. ANy websites with decorating ideas for low light rooms??

About how much per square feet does it typically cost to finish a basement if I do it myself? If I hire a contractor? The basement would have 1 bedroom, 1 family room and one bathroom (about 1000 sq feet).