SFGate

Oakwood Veneer I am thinking that some red 50's style chrome seats would look cool. Also, since I am partial, you could put in a nice darker veneered bar.

decoenthusiaste Here's a direction I like.

Sterling Kitchen & Bath Dynasty Cabinetry has horizontal cabinets very similar to those pictured, you could do glass inserts in the bottom ones, they also have black and red finishes and so many different door styles. As far as counter top, look into quartz, like Zodiaq or CeaserStone, they both have some pretty cool colors. If you like that retro kind of look I'm sure there are a ton of diner looking bar stools you can go with!

Aggie Purvinska I agree! Go all out with the 50s Diner Theme, glossy silver formica, Bistro tables, Red Vinyl Upholstery, and some Robins Egg Blue!

[houzz=Private residence]

[houzz=Lower Level kitchen]

lauren beyda what does the rest of your house look like? a balance would be nice
I am not sure about a retro look- it may look like a diner.
I have 2 suggestions
both leaning toward contemporary-- its not going to be too sleek or scary.
add textiles and textures like glass (there are some cool textured ones out there for insert) or wood cabinet.
black whites creams and brown http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Modern-Walnut-Wood-Chrome-Hydraulic-Bar-Stool/5548949/product.html
behind you can do an area rug- and can even go with a black and white pattern don't be afraid of it! a stripe or curve can be cool. A round table--I'm thinking- with lucite chairs!
or black white and a pop of color or 2. You can even do a green and a shade lighter or darker with it.
http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Tabouret-30-inch-Limeade-Metal-Bar-Stools-Set-of-2/6751362/product.html
The countertop can be that color too.
mix and match have fun.

jaynan Thanks all! I appreciate the great ideas!

Matteo Dezigns Below i have added a few pictures of overall 'looks' that i would consider. The right combination of colors, materials and textures will really bring your basement to life!

Matteo Dezigns One more photo look!
www.matteodezigns.com

Harrut Decoenthusiaste:-
That's a brilliant room you have chosen to extoll the virtues of. Fantastic.