Our new construction home was purchased with the walls already painted a variety of colors chosen by the designer, none of which I would have had the courage to pick but all of which look great. Our basement came painted Benjamin Moore Pearl Harbor. On the chip, I despise the color but it looks good in the room. We also have a berber rug. The room is cheerful and the color must reflect a lot of light because it is not dark at all down there. There is only one door that lets in natural light. It's very neutral but doesn't look bland at all.

Ben Moore's Camoflage (a pale sagey green) or Ben Moore's Shaker Beige (a perfect tan/khaki color) are good choices. Not too dark for a basement, but just dark enough to contrast nicely against white trim. IMHO bold colors are best added with the accessories, not on the walls. That way, you can easily change them out when you get tired. Plus, neutrals have better resale value because most buyers feel they're easy to live with so the home is move in ready.

I'm an off-white person. Lighter colors really brighten up a basement. I love the picture above where the colors are in the accents not the walls. Our basement is winds breath by BM. We have lots of bright pictures hanging, and the kids toys are organized in bright colored containers from the Land of Nod. There is tons of color down there, but it's still bright and light.