Nice space. I have about 1700 sq feet in my basement that needs to be refinished. I will be doing it myself over time but love seeing what others have done. My ceilings are low also so I might do the same. Mine are just tall enough though to raise my playfields so I haven't decided yet if I want to remove the drop ceiling.
That carpet on the stairs, how far does it go? In your pics you can only see it on the stairs and the landing, is that the extent of it? I currently have carpet with a thick pad and love the warmth. The previous owners (company that flipped the house) used a really crappy grade carpet. It stains really easy and is hard to keep clean. I have kids (8&9) and 2 dogs + 2 cats so it's a bear to keep clean. I am thinking vinyl plank flooring. What kind of flooring did they use in there?