You can use squares of carpeting. It comes in squares and it's patterned, so it looks like a seamless wall to wall. If you spill anything on it, etc you can just pull up the square and put another one down. A really good idea because of the dogs.
We just sheetrocked the walls. Come by and take a look to see if you like the carpet idea. You also have some carpenters for any questions and materials at your disposal!
After your done I would suggest a bar and a pool table to finish it off.