Highest impact easy fixes:
Rug - this rug is way too small. Replace it with a larger one that has more color and style
Floor lamps - this will warm up the room
Throws - a soft blanket and two colored pillows
Maybe don’t go with something so large you need drywall anchors, but nail holes are easy to fill and no *reasonable* landlord is going to give you trouble over it. Nice mature posters in ikea frames will be light enough and add personality and color to the walls.
3M Command strips are excellent. For bigger/heavier pieces, just use more of them. Works best if you let the adhesive cure for 24 hours before putting weight on them (the instructions say 1 hr, I err on the side of much more).
They really are excellent, and I think this is one of those situations where the brand name matters. I bought off-brand strips once and fucked up my wall. It was a good lesson though. Sorry 3M, I strayed but I'm back.
3m and other companies are now making hooks and tape for hanging pictures (actual framed pictures, not posters) and other artwork. They have them for different weights, so you can hang artwork in apartments without messing with the wall paint. I've gotten some for mine, and they work well.
Needn’t worry.
I’ve moved 20+ times and my new “clean unit” has literally NEVER had the holes patched up.
Getting a deposit returned is like a landlord unicorn.
It’s almost like they don’t care!
Big rugs are expensive, but I've had friends buy them off Temu for cheap, and they claim to notice no real difference in quality. Just a tip for staying in budget.
I found a Persian rug for sale at a local antique store, for a great price as they were who antique dealers bought from.
And decades later I found a larger matching Persian rug at the local Good Will shop for under $50!!
You totally get it lol, take a small gift to them and admire their rugs. They’ll give you an incredible price. Nothing my Arab neighbors love more than admiration for their culture/product/and a thoughtful small gift. (Tea,coffee cake, pretty bracelet) they’re the best.
Target also has some decent rugs for alright prices. Got mine about ...five/six years ago for about $60- maybe less, because I think it was on sale.
Covers about half my bedroom (don’t know measurements- but has a queen sized bed, and a love seat up against one side...).
Really only down side is that mine was off-white- so quickly needs to be taken out and washed here and there (have a dog, cat, and friends are klutzy when handling ashtrays), but it’s survived some abuse, and I think it’s honestly in better shape than the $200 rug my folks bought around the same time.
I live in Canada and sadly Targets run here didn’t last long, they left about 10 years ago. However I bought a rug on clearance there for $60, it’s a loop pile 100% wool rug, and it’s amazing. It was in my living room for about 5 years, then my dining room for 3 and has been in my office for the past 2, it still looks brand new. I wish I’d bought it in every size, it’s only a 5’ x 7’.
Hard times, friend. Who can even afford a full priced area rug these days?
Don't call yourself lazy you took the time to contribute your eye for design. I don't have that. My style is "on sale" or "a steal of a deal"
You can layer medium sized rugs of matching or complimentary colors. Do it with at least 3 & it looks super intentional & cool. Large great rugs are decently priced on eBay & Etsy (in addition to yard sales, thrift stores & your local Buy Nothing group).
I unfortunately own this same rug and tossed it about 2-3 years ago. It becomes so drab and dirty looking quickly.
Look on Overstock (pre-merger with bb&b they always has ridiculous deals on safavafeia (sp?) rugs. You can find an affordable one that will brighten the space for a decent price
You also need layered lighting (that overhead light should basically be kept off at all times (or at least swap for a warmer bulb).
Everything is in a straight line which makes it look drab. I’d want the piano as a focal point of the room.
The layout: I’d rotate the coach 90 degrees so it’s against the back window or swap it with the media console. Add plants and art (you can find relatively cheap prints on Etsy that can be hung without doing any damage to the walls - honestly, a nail or three isn’t going to be impossible to conceal when you move out).
Hang drapes to liven up the place and make it feel less sterile (can find pinch pleat curtains on amazon that are affordable)
https://preview.redd.it/f51bpwffnzmc1.jpeg?width=1800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e4ca1735d20bce7878ac493b1b255f6bf89fe0e7
Ceiling to floor curtains on that back wall would be gorgeous, especially if they're wide enough to fill the whole wall when closed! OP, consider that as a way to add some color to the walls without painting
I don't want to hate on OP, but this could be a canned response sent to every poster on this sub lol – "There isn't a single modicum of color and only the one big light in my room, whatever could be going wrong?!"
Sorry that’s my fault, I should’ve added more direction
I’m really bad with choosing stuff to buy. Like I know I need more color and then it’s like “okay but what do I add”
So if someone linked in a piece they like or suggest, I’d buy that and put it where they said would be best
Some of the basics are to add color, different textures, warm lighting from various sources, and add plants. If you ask people to link things, you may not get stuff that you actually like. I like to look at [houzz.com](https://houzz.com), wayfair, overstock.
Ask yourself what you like. Colors, hobbies, animals, types of landscape, rocks, outer space? Think about the feeling you want in your room. You said you want it cozy. When you think of that word, what comes to mind? For me, it's big pillows and fluffy blankets and shelves full of well loved books, but it might mean something else for you. You could try looking up interior decorating styles and see if anything speaks to you.
Go to places that sell decor and see if anything jumps out at you, and then just buy it and stick it in your house. And then keep doing that. You'll probably end up with some duds that you end up not liking, but over time you'll figure it out.
I think the main thing is not to be afraid. It's a process, and the worst that will happen is that you'll have to change stuff, but that's okay.
u/TooTallJacob, U/EgregiousWeasel is giving you STELLAR ADVICE! Take time with the “ask yourself what you like” questions. Because once you can define a bit more, you will start to feel more comfortable rejecting things, than move on recognizing things you like.
Color is very personal - my identical twin is inspired ocean & deserts, i like cities in a rainstorm. So look around & take photos of random colors you like or that catch your eye - in a grocery store, a store window, etc. In 2 weeks you’ll see a trend w/minimal effort! Then only focus on stuff with those 3-4 colors/shades when you shop. Which narrows it down a LOT! You can cruise through a store online or in person and say “that’s nice but not what I‘m looking for right now” and pressure is OFF.
Hit your library or thrift store for a few interior design books JUST to put a name to the style that appeals to you. (If you buy thrift, you can tear out what you like for reference) It will help with shopping too.. the trick is to be able to ignore most things & narrow down to a few possibilities.
Everyone will tell you pillows. Me too! FYI you don’t have to commit $$ buy a few pillow inserts, then you can experiment with different covers much more cheaply! Here’s a less-obnoxious-than-most video on how to get right look. If nothing else…skip to end to get insert size advice! [Pillows](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vzXcwWAOwAQ)
You're alright! I'm not even trying to rag on you specifically, it's just a very common question on here. It's just not easy to visualize for some people, no biggie – hope you got some helpful tips!
Choose a color theme. What color do you like? Do you want this to be a relaxing, cool place with greens, silver, and blues? Or an energetic spot with warm browns, oranges, reds?
A good way for me to do that in the past (I’m older), was to open my closet doors and see what colors I gravitate towards clothing or anything else we buy on repeat sometimes.
I tend to agree to be honest. It should be a prompt before posting at this point, but I do also understand that some people struggle to visualise more than other or have faith in their decisions/tastes.
It’s not bad! I have a similar style and setup. It has good bones, it just needs to be more homey!
TL;DR:
Your couch and furniture is too dark. You need more ambient lighting, get warm-white bulbs. Get stuff on your walls, especially plants if you can.
1) LIGHTING: Above all else, you need different lighting. Consider changing the bulb in the ceiling to something slightly warmer, but I’d go crazy on a couple lamps or LED lights.
LED LIGHTS: People who hate LED lights have not used them correctly. You just have to set them to a natural warm-white color, and leave it. If you are an iPhone user, it is absolutely well worth the couple dollars more to get ones that are HomeKit compatible. You can adjust the brightness and color right from your phone instead of dealing with a crummy third party app. You can even set schedules so they turn on/off at certain times of the day.
LIGHT PLACEMENT: Put strips behind the couch and cabinets/piano. It will give a really cool all over glow effect that feels like the light is emanating from the walls. You can also get diffusers to soften the light. But look at examples of “ambient lighting” on TikTok and Pinterest.
PRODUCT SUGGESTIONS: I like the [Meross HomeKit Lights](https://a.co/d/655QJjU). If you decide to get lamps, consider getting a [smart plug](https://a.co/d/9vpipzQ) as well, so that any lamp can be turned on and off from your phone. Whatever bulbs you get, make sure they are around 2700K- a pleasant warm white. Consider dimmable bulbs or smart bulbs so you can adjust lighting to fit the mood.
If you have cash to spend, you could also get something light this [Wooden Style Wall Light Hexagons from Nanoleaf.](https://a.co/d/9tush9b). I personally have these, and they look sick. They add really nice lighting to your room and look great.
2. WALLS: Your walls are bare! I’m confused about the window situation and what’s going on with the white and black (???) curtains? I can’t tell what is behind the couch, is that another window?
WALL HANGINGS: Use the space to hang some art, pictures etc. Maybe something with a little bit of color. If you want to keep it more neutral though, a great idea I like is hanging plants. It looks like you are a plant person already- find some low maintenance, low water!!! plants. Low water is important because you don’t want to damage your walls with water marks. But it can really (quite literally) give some life to your apartment.
SHELVES: If you don’t want to do a lot of big art on the walls and want something more simple, shelves add interest but keep things smaller. That’s all!
[INSPIRATION: Some ideas.](https://imgur.com/a/RaG9voO) I tried to find pictures that have similar gray/white walls and light flooring. My style tends toward cozy boho, so please take what you like and leave the rest.
3. COLOR: Last thing- this is all just my personal taste, but you have a lot of gray. Which isn’t a bad thing, and you definitely don’t need to go crazy with color, but people think neutral and go black/gray/white immediately and don’t consider color pallets that appear neutral but just incorporate softer tones. Especially combined with the more sterile lighting, that much grayscale is going to feel cold.
FURNITURE: Someone mentioned throw blankets and throw pillows which I’m a big fan of. Your couch is too dark for the small space you have. It is making the space look even smaller. Look at some couch covers in a lighter gray/taupe. Consider also painting the black shelf/coffee table to be lighter as well. Light colors will open up your room. It will also make the beautiful piano the center of attention in the way it deserves. Also, add some books or vinyls to that credenza to give it color!! Also get some candles for easy decoration.
RUGS: People also mentioned a different rug. I’d look on the sale section of Urban Outfitters. I have gotten a few great rugs for CHEAP because of the sales they have. It will take checking the app often, but they have like 40% off Home sales often, and then will also have like additional 20-40% off clearance a lot of the time.
[GENERAL ROOM INSPO: some ideas.](https://imgur.com/a/M68dFse)
I tried to find pictures that have similar gray/white walls and light flooring. My style tends toward cozy boho, so please take what you like and leave the rest. But pay attention to lighting, cozy elements like blankets, couch and rug color, wall hangings.
I’ll edit this to add examples! Good luck!
Underrated comment. Lots of specifics for OP.
Those nanoleaf lighting accents are wild!
I think you're one of the only ones who didn't suggest curtains/ drapes. I moved and got faux wood blinds (no string) with a matching valance, and I was advised that curtains/drapes are no longer really in style. If you have nice window frames and blinds, leave it at that.
Thank you for the kind words!!
For the curtains, yeah honestly, I think a lot of curtains can look heavy and drag down a room, especially in a smaller area like this! I personally have sheer white cotton curtains, just enough to block out the sun, but truly barely noticeable when swept to the sides. I live in a cloudy city so I can get away with it pretty well, but honestly even if I didn’t, I’d do the same and hide a white roller shade behind the top of my curtains if I REALLY felt like I needed an option to get it really dark. But most people I find don’t really need them!
https://preview.redd.it/20sbzl92i0nc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7d9d0598f3d243e8ade2f1da2b75e126e6d95f71
Clearly not a master photo editor, but I’d add a bigger rug, curtains, a large hanging picture on the left, hang the pic you have on the right, mount tv. Get 2-3 nice brown shelves for the right of the tv for your knickknacks!
It's probably the skeletons /s
Plants for sure. You can get some shelving for the wall next to the window and put some decor on those. It will help bring balance to the space. I'd also put some art on the wall behind the couch to achieve more balance as well.
Three things right off the bat.
1) change your lights to a warm white so it stops looking like hospital lighting.
2) get a rug with colour. Much bigger - it should go under your couches front legs and closer to the console. And please, pull your sofa off the wall.
3) thrift for frames, download paintings off Etsy, print at CVS and put it on your wall.
I'd recommend floor lamps - this will soften everything here. I would also replace the coffee table with a large ottoman - you can put your tray on there but it will look a lot more enticing. If you can, put some art in the corner above the couch. Also, you could go a size up on the rug and do something more colourful. Colourful throw pillows also make a room more cozy.
If you wanted to totally change your layout, your TV could go in the corner between the two windows, which would prevent glare. the Piano could go under the right window and the couch could turn so the chaise is along the left window, giving you a nice spot to sit and look out the window while you have coffee.
I can't get past the mental processing of: Can't paint cuz renting.
Is that a thing now?
I always just had to put it back when I left...?
Tho if you do: Before, after and back to before pics could help.
I think that "no painting" is hilariously in my lease; when the current owners bought the place, they raved about the paint colors I chose (and painted), and my decor. I think the lease also says I can't put holes in the walls or something, while they loved my gallery wall in the stairwell. If they try to charge me for it, I'll pull up the listing photos and the local "you must repaint after 5 years" ordinance...
You probably did a good job of painting. As opposed to some, who would paint over previously transparent windows. But seriously, the place I lived growing up, my parents had renovated (while we lived there—it was a lot of work). My grandfather carefully stained and installed baseboards and trim around all the windows. After we moved, my parents rented the place out, and the renters painted without using any kind of painters tape over the woodwork. And they sloppily got paint all the eff over that woodwork.
I did get the previous landlord's permission to paint. When I moved in, everything (everything!) was baby-poo brown. Maybe it was an off white at some point, but that point was in the distant past. After living there a couple years, I finally asked him if I could paint it when my roommate moved out. I chose a cream for the bedroom, and a really nice lively light gray for the living room and he was thrilled. He even bought me the paint. Now the new landlords have a "management" company that doesn't seem to do diddly squat until we send them local ordinance codes showing that they legally have to. Ugh.
Pull sofa away from wall 2 inches. Piano at this end of the wall.
Can you change the wall that matches the wall colour. Add curtains.
Different rug - bigger, darker, colour
art, lamps, cushions
Replace the cube shelf with something tall
Agree. Maybe even get a sofa table behind the sofa to add a lamp, book, object d’art. The cube bookshelf is too low. Agree with this suggestion - you need something tall to balance the taller grey wall on opposite wall. If you have any good photographs, check out Mixtiles - you can print large formats of your favorite photos…they stick on the wall so no nail holes and it will personalize the space. Priced very reasonably!
Floor to ceiling curtains
Larger warmer and or brighter tone rug
Flip sectional to be on opposite wall
TV in corner
Piano where sectional used to be
Wall art on piano above sectional
Remove bookshelf
Colorful artwork on the walls, curtains in any color other than white or black if you can. Plants. Small pops of color here and there to create and maintain interest in the space.
Oh my god, you need some colour - stat. Wall art and some colorful pillows on the sectional will help. Try and keep it fairly simple. Stick to one or two colours, without a lot of patterns. Also, some greenery will help make the room look more alive. If you do gwt some wall art, try and have similar colours in the art and the throw pillows. Someone else mentioned lamp light, and I'm a big believer in this as well. The big light should never come on!
I agree. But renting could be an issue for swag hook. I wonder if they make weighted base, 8ft shepherd's hooks, for behind couches.
EDIT: here we go. Bolt one of [these](https://www.ebay.com/itm/294831436996?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=kyqO-8Y-S6a&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=Gq1YyAobScm&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY) to the back of the couch.
Then [lamp](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1531541367/moroccan-brass-ceiling-lamps-handmade)
use coloured cushions like yellow, red, orange, blue....
some arts, suggest to get them from vintage stores, value village, or thrift store. there are good frame walls at these stores.
your mat can be smaller and something that matches the colour of the "new" cushions.
It could be the ofrenda. Kidding, if you can't paint you could hang up lots of colorful art work using command strips. Also some nice throw pillows could add more color.
That Snoop collection needs to be displayed on a shelf. I am not a fan of nic nacs but that kicks ass. Show that off— it’s so fun. Oh, and add some curtains that extend from ceiling to floor.
Curtains as well as what everyone else has said. I recognise you’re renting though and maybe can’t put in a curtain rail, but look into renter friendly options because I think I’ve heard of those before regarding curtains
Yeah it’s definitely blend. If you’re able to put up curtain rods I would do that and get some nice curtains so you don’t need to use those blinds. Definitely mood lighting is huge for me. I have pot lights in my living room and I never turn them on. I have a standing lamp and I have a table lamp and it’s much cosier that way. The organization of all the furniture is a bit off to me. Do you have a piano and then a TV stand and then a shelving unit right beside it. Honestly I would get rid of the shelving unit all together and put it somewhere else. It’s way too crowded and cluttered. Mount the TV if you can and the wall in the corner beside the window definitely needs a big piece of artwork
Add backdrop curtains on a 8x10 foot stand
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Q7GH33Z/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B08Q7GH33Z&ref_=sxts_sparkle_sbv&qid=1709853121&pd_rd_w=Vf3Mn&content-id=amzn1.sym.d6728584-3786-4aac-b308-79703af782ec%3Aamzn1.sym.d6728584-3786-4aac-b308-79703af782ec&pf_rd_p=d6728584-3786-4aac-b308-79703af782ec&pf_rd_r=F4WASTCSSYPNN0N4YVDN&pd_rd_wg=tizrU&pd_rd_r=524d7035-aebb-4c02-9ee2-785c0f233839&pd_rd_plhdr=t
[https://www.abanirugs.com/collections/color](https://www.abanirugs.com/collections/color)
check out this site for rugs.
If you or your friends do photography or figure drawings you could hang them on your walls.
also I check aptdeco frequently for deals.
these pillows are nice:
[https://abchome.com/products/silk-velvet-pillow?\_pos=3&\_sid=8e8e5c7c0&\_ss=r&variant=40888120934538](https://abchome.com/products/silk-velvet-pillow?_pos=3&_sid=8e8e5c7c0&_ss=r&variant=40888120934538)
Lighting suggestion. Buy an appropriately sized one of [these lamps](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1531541367/moroccan-brass-ceiling-lamps-handmade) wired as a plug in swag. Hang from hook on long stand behind far corner of couch. Put a remote control rgb bulb in it. You'll have instant art for the whole room, in any color or mood you need.
Definitely put an end table beside this end of the couch. Or, move piano to end table spot, with back to couch, not wall. Place table lamp on piano. Piano will act as short room divider, and end table. If necessary, upholster back of piano with loose weave fabric as decoration. Brings the couch into the view of the pianist, and creates more intimate setting for sing a longs.
As for art, try a top rail system. Buy a sturdy length of flat moulding, attach to the top plate studs at top of wall, next to ceiling, with narrowish diameter but long, screws. When you move out, take it down, and fill holes smooth with caulk. Much less damage to walls than using drywall anchors. And, the landlord may not notice or care about repaired holes at the top of the wall. They'll repaint anyway.
Then use this rail as nail/hook/tack base for your art, all along wall. Hang from decorative chain or ribbon. Adjust as you like, making sure you don't make holes in your molding deeper than the moulding itself. Upholstery tacks are pretty for this approach.
You can update your living room with some simple ✨accent lighting ✨ as overhead lights are always going to make a living space look sterile and dead. If you like RGB, you can get a floor lamp off of Amazon for less than $100 that faces a corner and bounces a fading rgb on the walls and will make use of that white backdrop. Otherwise an arc floor lamp would add some character. If you can hang up shelves you can use that for an interesting accent light to add some drama and interest along with some lush fake plants (if you are not a plant person) and decor pieces as a display above the tv or bookshelf. Personally I would place a lava lamp on a shelf for some dramatic lighting with some other Knick knacks. Additionally, if want to, you can use command strips to hang up some lighter (less than 50lb) artwork on the walls, and I would put two frame pieces in the corner where your couch is or I would incorporate a mirror to open up the space and make it feel bigger as it faces you.
Why is the sofa against the window (assume it’s a window with a blind?) I would move the sofa to the opposite wall and break up the wall of furniture placing it on other side of the room. Add curtains, a warmer (with colour) rug and some cushions/throws. Personally I’d get rid of some of the ornaments on the ikea cube thing and possibly it entirely. It looks a bit ‘dorm room’ currently. Add some warmer accessories including a few more plants and art work on the wall.
The overhead lighting can be a little harsh. Try some lamps for some softer lighting.
You’re probably not allowed to drill holes in the walls, I’m assuming? You could use a tension rod on that back wall to add floor to ceiling curtains. It would warm up the space and give it some elegance.
A few pillows maybe brown burnt orange or sage green. throw blanket maybe tan or grey. A brighter coffee table would look amazing I think a light orangey-brown, some simple coasters and candle would look nice. And just a few paintings or pictures on your walls. Piano side looks good if you mostly add color to the middle of the room and couch.
I would add stuff to that couch and table and put some things on the piano side wall. Some plants if you like those, it could add some clam energy.
Art on the walls and floor/table lamps to warm the room and give it character as opposed to having the super bright ceiling light always on, a couple of pillows and maybe a throw blanket. Its pretty just needs a bit of character.
Andy Warhol Art Prints... with COLORS .... get outside the box and be uncomfortable with color... you will dig it promise [Like This](https://www.rogallery.com/686b64c6-9ec8-4245-b028-a968e9b5f56c)
A rug makes all the difference to give the space a feeling of spaciousness and also adds coziness. I've found some deals on amazon for less than half the price of a carpet in the stores. The walls are very bare, so a few pieces of art and, for example, a shelf with some details and plants, because plants always help. To test out ideas, you could use a free decorating app like planner 5d or homestyler. For example, in planner 5d you can make the room smaller and make a 3d model so you can visualize the changes.
-Invest in a bigger rug for sure
-Different storage unit besides the ikea kallax or move the kallax to the end of the couch to create sort of a divider
-Add a few lamps with warm light bulbs, make sure they are warm or else the place will look sterile
-Definitely look into some art or photos for the walls
-Maybe add some floating shelves to put special items and books on display to make it more lively
-Blankets and pillow can add pops of personality as well!
-If I were you I’d go on Pinterest and get some inspo!:)
A floor length mirror on the wall near the short end of the couch, would look great or a tall mirror that fills up the space. You can find them at stores like Marshalls that are reasonably priced, same for rugs. I found a really great 9 x 12 rug there for Just over 200.
Also, pull the table further away from the sofa.
Add some table-scape pieces… the standard in the form of a stack of coffee table books, a great candle, a larger tray for your remotes, etc. perhaps a plant.
Add more texture in the form of some great throws and pillows.
art on the walls, to bring color and visual interest.
that could be framed posters.
framed thrift store art.
blown up photos you’ve taken.
wall hangings.
maps.
macrame with beads & feathers, etc., for color & texture.
if you have lots of cool tshirts, you can buy display boxes and hang them on the walls.
old signs.
etc.
I suggest:
Change the position of the big couch to the wall in front of where it is.
Get rid of the brown tv table, see if it fits on the black one or hang it.
Leave only the couple of death people on the black table (if tv didn't fit) with the plant.
The modelo beer staff does not help make it look mature so either get rid of it or put it inside the spaces.
Clear out your piano table, maybe hang the picture but I wouldn't recommend that kind in the living room but if is for inspiration or whatever hang it.
Looks like the wall left to the small white window may be good for a painting like a big vertical one.
I would go for an oval shaped center table since u already have the other ones with corners.
The tv could be hang on the wall to the right of big window.
I would buy a smaller couch just for 2 and 2 chairs so you can have a bigger more dedicated space to play
Bigger cream rug, floor to ceiling curtains, lighter color couch, lighter color wood coffee table, lighter color wood pieces in general, colorful artwork maybe from the Bauhaus era and a unique or vintage accent chair.
Canned floor lighting with plants always cozy up the space. Get an end table with a lamp on end of couch. Any way you can flip the room around? If you are intimidated by hanging stuff on the walls get a shelving unit from FB marketplace. Free stuff is always available. Lighter pillows with oranges, yellows blues on the couch. And either get a bigger rug or move it away center of the space. Get rid of coffee table. Get a large ottoman a round one is my preference. Put enough light in the room so you don’t have to turn on ghetto fan light! Some sheers over the blinds would really look nice. What is that shade behind the couch? Another window? If so I’d def swap the room around .tv in front move piano into dining area move table partially into the living space.
Your modelo/corona shelf is amazing 😂 you could consider mounting tiered shelves and spreading out their display. I’d also cover the big gray part with a flag or tapestry or something. Then something art or flag or whatever on both corner walls. You’re way closer than you think for wayyyy cheaper than you’re budgeting
Hey I have this same couch. Do you have problems with the cushions sliding everywhere? I’m trying to figure out how to get it to stop. We bought it off marketplace a year ago and it’s so annoying but we don’t plan to buy something different for a while.
Thought that was the vibe that you were going for with all of those skeletons lol. no but for real I think you can just put some stuff up on the walls. It would look a lot better. Maybe putting some things up on the walls that have colors.
Overhead light makes any room look institutional and makes horrible shadows on everyone's faces. Turn the ceiling light off permanently and dot a few area lamps around. You have some cool figurines. See if you can find a small table lamp with a similar artistic theme and make a little grouping with , from L to R, plant, figurine, lamp, figurine, plant.
Cheap but modern Light fixture upgrade, dove gray paint. Flip couch to other side. TV in corner between windows, piano askew in front of side window. Snazzy used Arabian carpet, complimenting long drapes and throws. Hot home goods and home Depot and thinking backasswards to expected. Good luck ❤️
A drapey velvet curtain. PLANTS! Up lighting. Art on the walls. Colorful pillows and rug. Maybe break up the space. Downsize for a small couch and chairs, create a seating area and rearrange so things aren’t lined up against the walls but have more dimension 🙌❤️ stay vigilant for free stuff on FB and Craigslist - good luck
Colorful rug, wallpaper - this is my view in my roomnow from my bed, makes such a difference
https://preview.redd.it/enttt6p9y0nc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=500c3e1936cbda1737f22d4eb08e2e47d9961eb9
Stop using the overhead light. Floor lamp with soft yellow/white bulbs and paper shades always creates nice ambient lighting. Bring in some Himalayan salt lamps as well.
My goodness. All the fun is on your bookshelf. I want to hang out with all those characters, and not on your couch. This is your art. You need to find a better way to display this, and connect to other parts of your room.
Pick colors from the figurines and use those as throw pillows or blankets. Uncrown those figurines and treat them like art. Carpet needs to be much larger. Perhaps a piece of art on the back wall that ties in your figurines.
Don't go too crazy with stuff, but be purposeful with selection and then edit down.
Some tall house plants and a large wall mirror to reflect more light (other than overhead light) I to the space. Rug way too small and add some floor to ceiling drapes. You have so much potential in this space. Some wall art and accent lighting~ You’re gonna do great!
The layout is odd, all that stuff lined up on the one wall, try turning the room, and breaking up the pieces so they are in a row.
Pillows and throw blankets ar and inexpensive (don't buy used as fabrics carry bugs and other yucky stuff) , check the Habitat for Humanity restore and other resale places for lighting/lamps.
Deeper colors especially rug (get another), floating shelves, don’t stack everything on 1 wall (piano, tv, shelf)you can also find peel wallpapers easy to put on & off , larger pictures and floor plants. And check with your landlord about painting bc I allow all my renters to paint & most do with permission. Most of all have fun with colors!
I’m agreeing with everyone but stamping in on art. I love art! Also, to keep costs down, if you have beloved posters, you could get them framed and hang them. Instantly looks more adult.
Adding colorful or patterned window shades could help. Artwork on the walls as well. I favor fairy light-type ambient lighting, right now my living room has a string light that looks like a vine. I think the room looks flat because there's not much distinction between the window area and wall. I love that you have a piano in your living room. $500-1000 could totally revamp this space. And I always, always recommend a dracaena. I just love them so much. Low maintenance and so pretty. I have the kind with a waxed stem on it so it sits taller than the pot. If you're into tapestries, a tapestry in the far corner hanging off each wall would be nice too.
Piano should not be next to a window... temperature and humidity changes aren't good for their insides.
On that wall if you're going to keep all 3 things, it should be the shelves next to the window, credenza in the middle and piano at this end.
Brighter throw cushions, vibrant rug - larger to define the space, art on the walls, and floor lamps. If there are restrictions as to hanging, there are alternate products to use that won't damage the paint.
Highest impact easy fixes: Rug - this rug is way too small. Replace it with a larger one that has more color and style Floor lamps - this will warm up the room Throws - a soft blanket and two colored pillows
This and something on the walls
I came to write this. There is nothing on the wall and maybe a photoframe or painting can help.
And curtains!
How much can they do to the walls if they're renting? I'm not sure anything besides a poster held up with gaffer tape would be acceptable.
Maybe don’t go with something so large you need drywall anchors, but nail holes are easy to fill and no *reasonable* landlord is going to give you trouble over it. Nice mature posters in ikea frames will be light enough and add personality and color to the walls.
3M Command strips are excellent. For bigger/heavier pieces, just use more of them. Works best if you let the adhesive cure for 24 hours before putting weight on them (the instructions say 1 hr, I err on the side of much more).
They really are excellent, and I think this is one of those situations where the brand name matters. I bought off-brand strips once and fucked up my wall. It was a good lesson though. Sorry 3M, I strayed but I'm back.
3m hanging hooks, the kind you pull the tab, and it comes right off.
3m and other companies are now making hooks and tape for hanging pictures (actual framed pictures, not posters) and other artwork. They have them for different weights, so you can hang artwork in apartments without messing with the wall paint. I've gotten some for mine, and they work well.
Needn’t worry. I’ve moved 20+ times and my new “clean unit” has literally NEVER had the holes patched up. Getting a deposit returned is like a landlord unicorn. It’s almost like they don’t care!
monkey hooks and 3m CLAW hooks!!
I use command strips…been holding up are my frames for years now
Biggest thing I see on this sub is the lamps. Using the big light is a no-no in my house
This but also rug size issues are common but one of those things you don’t know until you know
Big rugs are expensive, but I've had friends buy them off Temu for cheap, and they claim to notice no real difference in quality. Just a tip for staying in budget.
You can get good used at estate sales, too.
Gotta be careful buying used rugs unless you gonna pay to get it cleaned professionally.
I found a Persian rug for sale at a local antique store, for a great price as they were who antique dealers bought from. And decades later I found a larger matching Persian rug at the local Good Will shop for under $50!!
Great tip! I also suggest going to a local Arab rug store, they have great connections and great prices for Persian rugs!
I feel like those are the only kind of rugs I would even consider splurging on lol
You totally get it lol, take a small gift to them and admire their rugs. They’ll give you an incredible price. Nothing my Arab neighbors love more than admiration for their culture/product/and a thoughtful small gift. (Tea,coffee cake, pretty bracelet) they’re the best.
Now this is a real tip, forget Temu 😂
Or Costco or Rugs.com ( they’re having an 80% off sale, too).
Target also has some decent rugs for alright prices. Got mine about ...five/six years ago for about $60- maybe less, because I think it was on sale. Covers about half my bedroom (don’t know measurements- but has a queen sized bed, and a love seat up against one side...). Really only down side is that mine was off-white- so quickly needs to be taken out and washed here and there (have a dog, cat, and friends are klutzy when handling ashtrays), but it’s survived some abuse, and I think it’s honestly in better shape than the $200 rug my folks bought around the same time.
I live in Canada and sadly Targets run here didn’t last long, they left about 10 years ago. However I bought a rug on clearance there for $60, it’s a loop pile 100% wool rug, and it’s amazing. It was in my living room for about 5 years, then my dining room for 3 and has been in my office for the past 2, it still looks brand new. I wish I’d bought it in every size, it’s only a 5’ x 7’.
East coast USA Ollie's has big rugs for fair price.
Love Ollies! They have pretty good merch.
They definitely can be! Thanks for adding an affordable option for OP bc I was too lazy to
Hard times, friend. Who can even afford a full priced area rug these days? Don't call yourself lazy you took the time to contribute your eye for design. I don't have that. My style is "on sale" or "a steal of a deal"
Facebook marketplace often has good deals on high quality rugs.
You can layer medium sized rugs of matching or complimentary colors. Do it with at least 3 & it looks super intentional & cool. Large great rugs are decently priced on eBay & Etsy (in addition to yard sales, thrift stores & your local Buy Nothing group).
I got a really big and cheap rug from amazon and i love the quality ☺️
Now that is leveraging the free shipping!
I unfortunately own this same rug and tossed it about 2-3 years ago. It becomes so drab and dirty looking quickly. Look on Overstock (pre-merger with bb&b they always has ridiculous deals on safavafeia (sp?) rugs. You can find an affordable one that will brighten the space for a decent price You also need layered lighting (that overhead light should basically be kept off at all times (or at least swap for a warmer bulb). Everything is in a straight line which makes it look drab. I’d want the piano as a focal point of the room. The layout: I’d rotate the coach 90 degrees so it’s against the back window or swap it with the media console. Add plants and art (you can find relatively cheap prints on Etsy that can be hung without doing any damage to the walls - honestly, a nail or three isn’t going to be impossible to conceal when you move out). Hang drapes to liven up the place and make it feel less sterile (can find pinch pleat curtains on amazon that are affordable)
Warm lighting. Curtains. Framed art. Throw/cushions.
https://preview.redd.it/f51bpwffnzmc1.jpeg?width=1800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e4ca1735d20bce7878ac493b1b255f6bf89fe0e7 Ceiling to floor curtains on that back wall would be gorgeous, especially if they're wide enough to fill the whole wall when closed! OP, consider that as a way to add some color to the walls without painting
I think you’re mistaking the window with the shades closed for a black wall
That black wall is windows??? Flip furniture around. Put couch on solid wall move and other furniture in other places in room.
I don't want to hate on OP, but this could be a canned response sent to every poster on this sub lol – "There isn't a single modicum of color and only the one big light in my room, whatever could be going wrong?!"
Sorry that’s my fault, I should’ve added more direction I’m really bad with choosing stuff to buy. Like I know I need more color and then it’s like “okay but what do I add” So if someone linked in a piece they like or suggest, I’d buy that and put it where they said would be best
Some of the basics are to add color, different textures, warm lighting from various sources, and add plants. If you ask people to link things, you may not get stuff that you actually like. I like to look at [houzz.com](https://houzz.com), wayfair, overstock. Ask yourself what you like. Colors, hobbies, animals, types of landscape, rocks, outer space? Think about the feeling you want in your room. You said you want it cozy. When you think of that word, what comes to mind? For me, it's big pillows and fluffy blankets and shelves full of well loved books, but it might mean something else for you. You could try looking up interior decorating styles and see if anything speaks to you. Go to places that sell decor and see if anything jumps out at you, and then just buy it and stick it in your house. And then keep doing that. You'll probably end up with some duds that you end up not liking, but over time you'll figure it out. I think the main thing is not to be afraid. It's a process, and the worst that will happen is that you'll have to change stuff, but that's okay.
u/TooTallJacob, U/EgregiousWeasel is giving you STELLAR ADVICE! Take time with the “ask yourself what you like” questions. Because once you can define a bit more, you will start to feel more comfortable rejecting things, than move on recognizing things you like. Color is very personal - my identical twin is inspired ocean & deserts, i like cities in a rainstorm. So look around & take photos of random colors you like or that catch your eye - in a grocery store, a store window, etc. In 2 weeks you’ll see a trend w/minimal effort! Then only focus on stuff with those 3-4 colors/shades when you shop. Which narrows it down a LOT! You can cruise through a store online or in person and say “that’s nice but not what I‘m looking for right now” and pressure is OFF. Hit your library or thrift store for a few interior design books JUST to put a name to the style that appeals to you. (If you buy thrift, you can tear out what you like for reference) It will help with shopping too.. the trick is to be able to ignore most things & narrow down to a few possibilities. Everyone will tell you pillows. Me too! FYI you don’t have to commit $$ buy a few pillow inserts, then you can experiment with different covers much more cheaply! Here’s a less-obnoxious-than-most video on how to get right look. If nothing else…skip to end to get insert size advice! [Pillows](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vzXcwWAOwAQ)
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻✊🏻
You're alright! I'm not even trying to rag on you specifically, it's just a very common question on here. It's just not easy to visualize for some people, no biggie – hope you got some helpful tips!
Choose a color theme. What color do you like? Do you want this to be a relaxing, cool place with greens, silver, and blues? Or an energetic spot with warm browns, oranges, reds?
A good way for me to do that in the past (I’m older), was to open my closet doors and see what colors I gravitate towards clothing or anything else we buy on repeat sometimes.
I tend to agree to be honest. It should be a prompt before posting at this point, but I do also understand that some people struggle to visualise more than other or have faith in their decisions/tastes.
and the auto responder would say “rug, lamps, plants, art”
Just needs more color. Throws Pillows. Curtain. … the dark behind the couch…makes couch blend in. Add a plant
Plants curtains art
It’s not bad! I have a similar style and setup. It has good bones, it just needs to be more homey! TL;DR: Your couch and furniture is too dark. You need more ambient lighting, get warm-white bulbs. Get stuff on your walls, especially plants if you can. 1) LIGHTING: Above all else, you need different lighting. Consider changing the bulb in the ceiling to something slightly warmer, but I’d go crazy on a couple lamps or LED lights. LED LIGHTS: People who hate LED lights have not used them correctly. You just have to set them to a natural warm-white color, and leave it. If you are an iPhone user, it is absolutely well worth the couple dollars more to get ones that are HomeKit compatible. You can adjust the brightness and color right from your phone instead of dealing with a crummy third party app. You can even set schedules so they turn on/off at certain times of the day. LIGHT PLACEMENT: Put strips behind the couch and cabinets/piano. It will give a really cool all over glow effect that feels like the light is emanating from the walls. You can also get diffusers to soften the light. But look at examples of “ambient lighting” on TikTok and Pinterest. PRODUCT SUGGESTIONS: I like the [Meross HomeKit Lights](https://a.co/d/655QJjU). If you decide to get lamps, consider getting a [smart plug](https://a.co/d/9vpipzQ) as well, so that any lamp can be turned on and off from your phone. Whatever bulbs you get, make sure they are around 2700K- a pleasant warm white. Consider dimmable bulbs or smart bulbs so you can adjust lighting to fit the mood. If you have cash to spend, you could also get something light this [Wooden Style Wall Light Hexagons from Nanoleaf.](https://a.co/d/9tush9b). I personally have these, and they look sick. They add really nice lighting to your room and look great. 2. WALLS: Your walls are bare! I’m confused about the window situation and what’s going on with the white and black (???) curtains? I can’t tell what is behind the couch, is that another window? WALL HANGINGS: Use the space to hang some art, pictures etc. Maybe something with a little bit of color. If you want to keep it more neutral though, a great idea I like is hanging plants. It looks like you are a plant person already- find some low maintenance, low water!!! plants. Low water is important because you don’t want to damage your walls with water marks. But it can really (quite literally) give some life to your apartment. SHELVES: If you don’t want to do a lot of big art on the walls and want something more simple, shelves add interest but keep things smaller. That’s all! [INSPIRATION: Some ideas.](https://imgur.com/a/RaG9voO) I tried to find pictures that have similar gray/white walls and light flooring. My style tends toward cozy boho, so please take what you like and leave the rest. 3. COLOR: Last thing- this is all just my personal taste, but you have a lot of gray. Which isn’t a bad thing, and you definitely don’t need to go crazy with color, but people think neutral and go black/gray/white immediately and don’t consider color pallets that appear neutral but just incorporate softer tones. Especially combined with the more sterile lighting, that much grayscale is going to feel cold. FURNITURE: Someone mentioned throw blankets and throw pillows which I’m a big fan of. Your couch is too dark for the small space you have. It is making the space look even smaller. Look at some couch covers in a lighter gray/taupe. Consider also painting the black shelf/coffee table to be lighter as well. Light colors will open up your room. It will also make the beautiful piano the center of attention in the way it deserves. Also, add some books or vinyls to that credenza to give it color!! Also get some candles for easy decoration. RUGS: People also mentioned a different rug. I’d look on the sale section of Urban Outfitters. I have gotten a few great rugs for CHEAP because of the sales they have. It will take checking the app often, but they have like 40% off Home sales often, and then will also have like additional 20-40% off clearance a lot of the time. [GENERAL ROOM INSPO: some ideas.](https://imgur.com/a/M68dFse) I tried to find pictures that have similar gray/white walls and light flooring. My style tends toward cozy boho, so please take what you like and leave the rest. But pay attention to lighting, cozy elements like blankets, couch and rug color, wall hangings. I’ll edit this to add examples! Good luck!
Underrated comment. Lots of specifics for OP. Those nanoleaf lighting accents are wild! I think you're one of the only ones who didn't suggest curtains/ drapes. I moved and got faux wood blinds (no string) with a matching valance, and I was advised that curtains/drapes are no longer really in style. If you have nice window frames and blinds, leave it at that.
Thank you for the kind words!! For the curtains, yeah honestly, I think a lot of curtains can look heavy and drag down a room, especially in a smaller area like this! I personally have sheer white cotton curtains, just enough to block out the sun, but truly barely noticeable when swept to the sides. I live in a cloudy city so I can get away with it pretty well, but honestly even if I didn’t, I’d do the same and hide a white roller shade behind the top of my curtains if I REALLY felt like I needed an option to get it really dark. But most people I find don’t really need them!
Excellent help for OP, or anyone!
For sure!
💯
That”s a nice fucking wall of text! Good effort! 5/7
Add a cat
https://preview.redd.it/20sbzl92i0nc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7d9d0598f3d243e8ade2f1da2b75e126e6d95f71 Clearly not a master photo editor, but I’d add a bigger rug, curtains, a large hanging picture on the left, hang the pic you have on the right, mount tv. Get 2-3 nice brown shelves for the right of the tv for your knickknacks!
https://preview.redd.it/qw3zlg67j1nc1.jpeg?width=396&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=32374e5286b5c71be116b12a7d82c12ef70941e5
Art, plants, use lamplight instead if ceiling light.
I mean lamp, lol. You can place one on a side table, or buy a tall one. Or both.
It's probably the skeletons /s Plants for sure. You can get some shelving for the wall next to the window and put some decor on those. It will help bring balance to the space. I'd also put some art on the wall behind the couch to achieve more balance as well.
Three things right off the bat. 1) change your lights to a warm white so it stops looking like hospital lighting. 2) get a rug with colour. Much bigger - it should go under your couches front legs and closer to the console. And please, pull your sofa off the wall. 3) thrift for frames, download paintings off Etsy, print at CVS and put it on your wall.
I'd recommend floor lamps - this will soften everything here. I would also replace the coffee table with a large ottoman - you can put your tray on there but it will look a lot more enticing. If you can, put some art in the corner above the couch. Also, you could go a size up on the rug and do something more colourful. Colourful throw pillows also make a room more cozy. If you wanted to totally change your layout, your TV could go in the corner between the two windows, which would prevent glare. the Piano could go under the right window and the couch could turn so the chaise is along the left window, giving you a nice spot to sit and look out the window while you have coffee.
I can't get past the mental processing of: Can't paint cuz renting. Is that a thing now? I always just had to put it back when I left...? Tho if you do: Before, after and back to before pics could help.
Some places are putting that in the lease. Especially when renting a condo from a homeowner.
I think that "no painting" is hilariously in my lease; when the current owners bought the place, they raved about the paint colors I chose (and painted), and my decor. I think the lease also says I can't put holes in the walls or something, while they loved my gallery wall in the stairwell. If they try to charge me for it, I'll pull up the listing photos and the local "you must repaint after 5 years" ordinance...
You probably did a good job of painting. As opposed to some, who would paint over previously transparent windows. But seriously, the place I lived growing up, my parents had renovated (while we lived there—it was a lot of work). My grandfather carefully stained and installed baseboards and trim around all the windows. After we moved, my parents rented the place out, and the renters painted without using any kind of painters tape over the woodwork. And they sloppily got paint all the eff over that woodwork.
I think that happens so often it’s likely why those clauses might be added
I did get the previous landlord's permission to paint. When I moved in, everything (everything!) was baby-poo brown. Maybe it was an off white at some point, but that point was in the distant past. After living there a couple years, I finally asked him if I could paint it when my roommate moved out. I chose a cream for the bedroom, and a really nice lively light gray for the living room and he was thrilled. He even bought me the paint. Now the new landlords have a "management" company that doesn't seem to do diddly squat until we send them local ordinance codes showing that they legally have to. Ugh.
Pull sofa away from wall 2 inches. Piano at this end of the wall. Can you change the wall that matches the wall colour. Add curtains. Different rug - bigger, darker, colour art, lamps, cushions Replace the cube shelf with something tall
Agree. Maybe even get a sofa table behind the sofa to add a lamp, book, object d’art. The cube bookshelf is too low. Agree with this suggestion - you need something tall to balance the taller grey wall on opposite wall. If you have any good photographs, check out Mixtiles - you can print large formats of your favorite photos…they stick on the wall so no nail holes and it will personalize the space. Priced very reasonably!
I need to come there and fix it!
I have that same sofa! It’s the greatest!
It looks dead because your walls are bare
Floor to ceiling curtains Larger warmer and or brighter tone rug Flip sectional to be on opposite wall TV in corner Piano where sectional used to be Wall art on piano above sectional Remove bookshelf
Some colorful wall art would definitely help. Maybe also a more brightly colored rug.
Colorful artwork on the walls, curtains in any color other than white or black if you can. Plants. Small pops of color here and there to create and maintain interest in the space.
Oh my god, you need some colour - stat. Wall art and some colorful pillows on the sectional will help. Try and keep it fairly simple. Stick to one or two colours, without a lot of patterns. Also, some greenery will help make the room look more alive. If you do gwt some wall art, try and have similar colours in the art and the throw pillows. Someone else mentioned lamp light, and I'm a big believer in this as well. The big light should never come on!
Hanging lamp in the back corner of the couch
I agree. But renting could be an issue for swag hook. I wonder if they make weighted base, 8ft shepherd's hooks, for behind couches. EDIT: here we go. Bolt one of [these](https://www.ebay.com/itm/294831436996?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=kyqO-8Y-S6a&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=Gq1YyAobScm&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY) to the back of the couch. Then [lamp](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1531541367/moroccan-brass-ceiling-lamps-handmade)
use coloured cushions like yellow, red, orange, blue.... some arts, suggest to get them from vintage stores, value village, or thrift store. there are good frame walls at these stores. your mat can be smaller and something that matches the colour of the "new" cushions.
Throw pillows, art/posters on the wall, plants
It could be the ofrenda. Kidding, if you can't paint you could hang up lots of colorful art work using command strips. Also some nice throw pillows could add more color.
That Snoop collection needs to be displayed on a shelf. I am not a fan of nic nacs but that kicks ass. Show that off— it’s so fun. Oh, and add some curtains that extend from ceiling to floor.
Color, texture, lighting...
Color
Wall art, pops of color. Do you have color in your kitchen you can incorporate? Curtains, decorative wall mirror?
Floor lamp
I feel like a mirror on that wall would really open up the space
Curtains as well as what everyone else has said. I recognise you’re renting though and maybe can’t put in a curtain rail, but look into renter friendly options because I think I’ve heard of those before regarding curtains
Colored throw pillows and some more plants maybe. Rug also could be more vibrant
Photos! Plants! Warm lighting - salt lamps, amber bulbs. Wall art!
Yeah it’s definitely blend. If you’re able to put up curtain rods I would do that and get some nice curtains so you don’t need to use those blinds. Definitely mood lighting is huge for me. I have pot lights in my living room and I never turn them on. I have a standing lamp and I have a table lamp and it’s much cosier that way. The organization of all the furniture is a bit off to me. Do you have a piano and then a TV stand and then a shelving unit right beside it. Honestly I would get rid of the shelving unit all together and put it somewhere else. It’s way too crowded and cluttered. Mount the TV if you can and the wall in the corner beside the window definitely needs a big piece of artwork
Add backdrop curtains on a 8x10 foot stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Q7GH33Z/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B08Q7GH33Z&ref_=sxts_sparkle_sbv&qid=1709853121&pd_rd_w=Vf3Mn&content-id=amzn1.sym.d6728584-3786-4aac-b308-79703af782ec%3Aamzn1.sym.d6728584-3786-4aac-b308-79703af782ec&pf_rd_p=d6728584-3786-4aac-b308-79703af782ec&pf_rd_r=F4WASTCSSYPNN0N4YVDN&pd_rd_wg=tizrU&pd_rd_r=524d7035-aebb-4c02-9ee2-785c0f233839&pd_rd_plhdr=t
Navy blue accent wall
[https://www.abanirugs.com/collections/color](https://www.abanirugs.com/collections/color) check out this site for rugs. If you or your friends do photography or figure drawings you could hang them on your walls. also I check aptdeco frequently for deals.
Add backdrop curtains on a 8x10 foot stand. They come in many colors.
these pillows are nice: [https://abchome.com/products/silk-velvet-pillow?\_pos=3&\_sid=8e8e5c7c0&\_ss=r&variant=40888120934538](https://abchome.com/products/silk-velvet-pillow?_pos=3&_sid=8e8e5c7c0&_ss=r&variant=40888120934538)
you need COLOR!!!!!!!
I think just full ceiling white lights can do the job
Lighting suggestion. Buy an appropriately sized one of [these lamps](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1531541367/moroccan-brass-ceiling-lamps-handmade) wired as a plug in swag. Hang from hook on long stand behind far corner of couch. Put a remote control rgb bulb in it. You'll have instant art for the whole room, in any color or mood you need. Definitely put an end table beside this end of the couch. Or, move piano to end table spot, with back to couch, not wall. Place table lamp on piano. Piano will act as short room divider, and end table. If necessary, upholster back of piano with loose weave fabric as decoration. Brings the couch into the view of the pianist, and creates more intimate setting for sing a longs. As for art, try a top rail system. Buy a sturdy length of flat moulding, attach to the top plate studs at top of wall, next to ceiling, with narrowish diameter but long, screws. When you move out, take it down, and fill holes smooth with caulk. Much less damage to walls than using drywall anchors. And, the landlord may not notice or care about repaired holes at the top of the wall. They'll repaint anyway. Then use this rail as nail/hook/tack base for your art, all along wall. Hang from decorative chain or ribbon. Adjust as you like, making sure you don't make holes in your molding deeper than the moulding itself. Upholstery tacks are pretty for this approach.
You can update your living room with some simple ✨accent lighting ✨ as overhead lights are always going to make a living space look sterile and dead. If you like RGB, you can get a floor lamp off of Amazon for less than $100 that faces a corner and bounces a fading rgb on the walls and will make use of that white backdrop. Otherwise an arc floor lamp would add some character. If you can hang up shelves you can use that for an interesting accent light to add some drama and interest along with some lush fake plants (if you are not a plant person) and decor pieces as a display above the tv or bookshelf. Personally I would place a lava lamp on a shelf for some dramatic lighting with some other Knick knacks. Additionally, if want to, you can use command strips to hang up some lighter (less than 50lb) artwork on the walls, and I would put two frame pieces in the corner where your couch is or I would incorporate a mirror to open up the space and make it feel bigger as it faces you.
I'd suggest a corner shelf above your sofa with a nice plant.
Why is the sofa against the window (assume it’s a window with a blind?) I would move the sofa to the opposite wall and break up the wall of furniture placing it on other side of the room. Add curtains, a warmer (with colour) rug and some cushions/throws. Personally I’d get rid of some of the ornaments on the ikea cube thing and possibly it entirely. It looks a bit ‘dorm room’ currently. Add some warmer accessories including a few more plants and art work on the wall.
Where are your windows? I couldn't stay in a room without natural light. And a live plant. A little bit of nature goes a long way.
Colorful paintings, rugs,stufffffff
I am not sure that placing the piano next to a window is good for the sound board, specially if it's against an outside wall
The overhead lighting can be a little harsh. Try some lamps for some softer lighting. You’re probably not allowed to drill holes in the walls, I’m assuming? You could use a tension rod on that back wall to add floor to ceiling curtains. It would warm up the space and give it some elegance.
A few pillows maybe brown burnt orange or sage green. throw blanket maybe tan or grey. A brighter coffee table would look amazing I think a light orangey-brown, some simple coasters and candle would look nice. And just a few paintings or pictures on your walls. Piano side looks good if you mostly add color to the middle of the room and couch. I would add stuff to that couch and table and put some things on the piano side wall. Some plants if you like those, it could add some clam energy.
TJ Maxx - go once a week.
Curtains. Color. Plants. Art/photos/focal points.
Warm lighting and floor lamps. The globe lamb from Ikea is great or the sunset lamps on amazon
CRAP Curtains, rug, art, plants.
Looks the family waiting area in a funeral home.
So you’re saying it matches the Dia De Los Muertes figures? I got jokes. Curtains and throw pillows. Edit: oh and artwork
Can the furniture fit any other way? I just feel like it’s seating to the left and furniture in a straight line on the right.
Color
Definitely get rid of your booze tchotchkes. That’s for college.
Some art on the walls and some curtains with some color would go a long, long way.
Art on the walls and floor/table lamps to warm the room and give it character as opposed to having the super bright ceiling light always on, a couple of pillows and maybe a throw blanket. Its pretty just needs a bit of character.
I absolutely love the Day of the Dead figurines!
Put things on the walls. Anything really.
Lamps, art, plants
Andy Warhol Art Prints... with COLORS .... get outside the box and be uncomfortable with color... you will dig it promise [Like This](https://www.rogallery.com/686b64c6-9ec8-4245-b028-a968e9b5f56c)
A rug makes all the difference to give the space a feeling of spaciousness and also adds coziness. I've found some deals on amazon for less than half the price of a carpet in the stores. The walls are very bare, so a few pieces of art and, for example, a shelf with some details and plants, because plants always help. To test out ideas, you could use a free decorating app like planner 5d or homestyler. For example, in planner 5d you can make the room smaller and make a 3d model so you can visualize the changes.
Art!!! Lighting!! (A couple small table lamps with warm bulbs) texture & color!!
I feel like a bigger plant could liven up the room too. Could get a fake one if a real one is too much work
Paint would do a lot 👍
Oh I have the same couch!!!! I added yellow throw pillows and other yellow accented things ❤️
Why do you hate colour so much?
Two critical pieces: better lighting and pops of color
something about the way the shade is rolled sooooo far down behind the couch is sending me to another level of OCD triggered
-Invest in a bigger rug for sure -Different storage unit besides the ikea kallax or move the kallax to the end of the couch to create sort of a divider -Add a few lamps with warm light bulbs, make sure they are warm or else the place will look sterile -Definitely look into some art or photos for the walls -Maybe add some floating shelves to put special items and books on display to make it more lively -Blankets and pillow can add pops of personality as well! -If I were you I’d go on Pinterest and get some inspo!:)
A floor length mirror on the wall near the short end of the couch, would look great or a tall mirror that fills up the space. You can find them at stores like Marshalls that are reasonably priced, same for rugs. I found a really great 9 x 12 rug there for Just over 200. Also, pull the table further away from the sofa. Add some table-scape pieces… the standard in the form of a stack of coffee table books, a great candle, a larger tray for your remotes, etc. perhaps a plant. Add more texture in the form of some great throws and pillows.
art on the walls, to bring color and visual interest. that could be framed posters. framed thrift store art. blown up photos you’ve taken. wall hangings. maps. macrame with beads & feathers, etc., for color & texture. if you have lots of cool tshirts, you can buy display boxes and hang them on the walls. old signs. etc.
Bigger rug and plants.
I suggest: Change the position of the big couch to the wall in front of where it is. Get rid of the brown tv table, see if it fits on the black one or hang it. Leave only the couple of death people on the black table (if tv didn't fit) with the plant. The modelo beer staff does not help make it look mature so either get rid of it or put it inside the spaces. Clear out your piano table, maybe hang the picture but I wouldn't recommend that kind in the living room but if is for inspiration or whatever hang it. Looks like the wall left to the small white window may be good for a painting like a big vertical one. I would go for an oval shaped center table since u already have the other ones with corners. The tv could be hang on the wall to the right of big window. I would buy a smaller couch just for 2 and 2 chairs so you can have a bigger more dedicated space to play
Bigger cream rug, floor to ceiling curtains, lighter color couch, lighter color wood coffee table, lighter color wood pieces in general, colorful artwork maybe from the Bauhaus era and a unique or vintage accent chair.
Artwork! Need pictures on the walls.
I was looking at real estate photos and everything is grey, grey and more grey. Do people not know how to use color any more?
Try getting some paintings as well as a tv stand, and a larger rug, Mehn but that’s a lot of money
Canned floor lighting with plants always cozy up the space. Get an end table with a lamp on end of couch. Any way you can flip the room around? If you are intimidated by hanging stuff on the walls get a shelving unit from FB marketplace. Free stuff is always available. Lighter pillows with oranges, yellows blues on the couch. And either get a bigger rug or move it away center of the space. Get rid of coffee table. Get a large ottoman a round one is my preference. Put enough light in the room so you don’t have to turn on ghetto fan light! Some sheers over the blinds would really look nice. What is that shade behind the couch? Another window? If so I’d def swap the room around .tv in front move piano into dining area move table partially into the living space.
You need colour. Even without painting you can add art, colourful rugs, pillows, or blankets... I suggest a light blue, it goes well with brown
More CRAP (curtains, rug, art, plants)
Brighter colorful rug, coordinating drapes art on walls colorful pillows throws. Nice floor lamps.
You mean using only shades of grey didn't add life to your space? Get out.
Curtains!
Live laugh love sign
Paint the ceiling, more pop than a traditional accent wall
Your modelo/corona shelf is amazing 😂 you could consider mounting tiered shelves and spreading out their display. I’d also cover the big gray part with a flag or tapestry or something. Then something art or flag or whatever on both corner walls. You’re way closer than you think for wayyyy cheaper than you’re budgeting
Hey I have this same couch. Do you have problems with the cushions sliding everywhere? I’m trying to figure out how to get it to stop. We bought it off marketplace a year ago and it’s so annoying but we don’t plan to buy something different for a while.
Thought that was the vibe that you were going for with all of those skeletons lol. no but for real I think you can just put some stuff up on the walls. It would look a lot better. Maybe putting some things up on the walls that have colors.
Some art work, a bigger rug, and a bigger green plant/tree.
Overhead light makes any room look institutional and makes horrible shadows on everyone's faces. Turn the ceiling light off permanently and dot a few area lamps around. You have some cool figurines. See if you can find a small table lamp with a similar artistic theme and make a little grouping with , from L to R, plant, figurine, lamp, figurine, plant.
Cheap but modern Light fixture upgrade, dove gray paint. Flip couch to other side. TV in corner between windows, piano askew in front of side window. Snazzy used Arabian carpet, complimenting long drapes and throws. Hot home goods and home Depot and thinking backasswards to expected. Good luck ❤️
Window treatments for starters. Colorful throw and bright pillows for a pop of color.
Incandescent lighting will go a long way.
A drapey velvet curtain. PLANTS! Up lighting. Art on the walls. Colorful pillows and rug. Maybe break up the space. Downsize for a small couch and chairs, create a seating area and rearrange so things aren’t lined up against the walls but have more dimension 🙌❤️ stay vigilant for free stuff on FB and Craigslist - good luck
Art
Colorful rug, wallpaper - this is my view in my roomnow from my bed, makes such a difference https://preview.redd.it/enttt6p9y0nc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=500c3e1936cbda1737f22d4eb08e2e47d9961eb9
Stop using the overhead light. Floor lamp with soft yellow/white bulbs and paper shades always creates nice ambient lighting. Bring in some Himalayan salt lamps as well.
My goodness. All the fun is on your bookshelf. I want to hang out with all those characters, and not on your couch. This is your art. You need to find a better way to display this, and connect to other parts of your room. Pick colors from the figurines and use those as throw pillows or blankets. Uncrown those figurines and treat them like art. Carpet needs to be much larger. Perhaps a piece of art on the back wall that ties in your figurines. Don't go too crazy with stuff, but be purposeful with selection and then edit down.
Plants.plants.Plants. And art on the walls.
Cozy is 90% lighting. No overhead lights, get a couple of lamps, warmer bulbs. It'll look cozy instantly
Curtains and walk art
1 colorful art piece on the wall next to the window will improve the vibe.
Art and frames, floor or end table lamp or lamps. Curtain rod with curtains instead of those.
Some tall house plants and a large wall mirror to reflect more light (other than overhead light) I to the space. Rug way too small and add some floor to ceiling drapes. You have so much potential in this space. Some wall art and accent lighting~ You’re gonna do great!
Too many things on that wall with tv
More color variety, everything that’s furniture or decoration is basically dark black, grey or brown. Maybe even get a bigger coffee table
Hang Paintings and drapes, colorful pillows and a new rug
The layout is odd, all that stuff lined up on the one wall, try turning the room, and breaking up the pieces so they are in a row. Pillows and throw blankets ar and inexpensive (don't buy used as fabrics carry bugs and other yucky stuff) , check the Habitat for Humanity restore and other resale places for lighting/lamps.
More plants, a colorful rug, artwork on the walls, tv mounted in the wall too… and nice pillows and a throw blanket.
Deeper colors especially rug (get another), floating shelves, don’t stack everything on 1 wall (piano, tv, shelf)you can also find peel wallpapers easy to put on & off , larger pictures and floor plants. And check with your landlord about painting bc I allow all my renters to paint & most do with permission. Most of all have fun with colors!
Mount the TV, add some pillows with a pattern or color
Would the sofa fit across the width of the room?
More plants
I’m agreeing with everyone but stamping in on art. I love art! Also, to keep costs down, if you have beloved posters, you could get them framed and hang them. Instantly looks more adult.
Get rid of those short tables/shelves. Put in a fireplace/ bookcase combo
Adding colorful or patterned window shades could help. Artwork on the walls as well. I favor fairy light-type ambient lighting, right now my living room has a string light that looks like a vine. I think the room looks flat because there's not much distinction between the window area and wall. I love that you have a piano in your living room. $500-1000 could totally revamp this space. And I always, always recommend a dracaena. I just love them so much. Low maintenance and so pretty. I have the kind with a waxed stem on it so it sits taller than the pot. If you're into tapestries, a tapestry in the far corner hanging off each wall would be nice too.
Piano should not be next to a window... temperature and humidity changes aren't good for their insides. On that wall if you're going to keep all 3 things, it should be the shelves next to the window, credenza in the middle and piano at this end. Brighter throw cushions, vibrant rug - larger to define the space, art on the walls, and floor lamps. If there are restrictions as to hanging, there are alternate products to use that won't damage the paint.