Turning a Cramped Living Room into a Modern, Contemporary Living Space

So I'm back, and guess what? It's been one day and I'm already inspired! I was reading one of my good friend's, Gina Miller's blog, and was so inspired by her interior design that I wanted to do the same. However, there is a set back-- I don't have the money, or the house as she does to renovate since I am so young; but if there is a will, there is a way. I have always taken an interest in real estate and so giving people on how to stage their home can be just as important to interior design! So here we go!!



So here is what the owner can do to help make this living room appear cleaner, warmer, and more enjoyable. (Sorry that picture is blurry, I tried my best) But if you can't see, there is a bookshelf, telescope, lamp and DVD rack to the left of the couch...and in order to sell, or even to help you personally with design-- the clutter needs to go! I actually think the red couch will work (just center it against the wall) I would then paint the walls a soft gray such as this:



This gray is going to work great with the red couch, because, since the red couch is such a bold color, the gray is easy on the eyes, and allows the couch to be the focal point, and not have competition between the walls. Also, to break up the honey colored floors, I would suggest a cream area- something warm, but not overwhelming...This Surya Area Rug, Mystique M-83 Cream is at Macy's--



Also I would take the dark tray off the ottoman and take all the clutter off that as well...Try and match it with the rug, so the room is beginning to look cohesive, instead of mix-matchy. So try a natural grass tray and put a small arrangement of flowers (soft element) or maybe even a few hardcover, and neutral books; Tip #2: Make things seen in a room functional! Design can be functional too! There isn't a lot of seating, so I would suggest getting a low, open chair such as this chair:



And for all those books and DVDs! I would flank the couch with identical bookshelves...and look for something more contemporary and not too traditional. Also, use white photo boxes to help hide all those DVDs. As Giana Miller's blog says-- to make a bookshelf sing try this:

1/3 books, 1/3 collectibles, 1/3 empty space




Lastly, I would find pillows that take most of the colors shown in the room such as the white, red, and cream, and mix them with solid color pillows of those same colors. and for behind the couch, I would take the previous existing newspaper clippings, put them in black frames ('cause everything looks better in black) and hang them, centered, between the two bookshelves and leave about 1-2 inches of space between each one, or make it look that it fills that whole space. I hope this helps!! And remember, design doesn't have to just look good, it also has to be functional and have an ease of use