Help me brighten up this room!

Ale7800643
by Ale7800643
Although these pillows do match I feel like I need some color in this room... I'll add more photos of the room so you can get a better idea, along with some ideas for pillows I have.
My budget is VERY tight for this! I'm on unpaid maternity leave, so we have nearly nothing to work with.. Plus being home all the time is causing me to notice things like this! Lol help!
dog bed is not part of the decor, but she would be really upset if we move it!* also, the clock is still in question... Not sure if I should keep it or not so it's still in the packaging...
Currently acting as the TV stand, I don't hate it, but hate that the cords are all over.. One of the cable cords doesn't come far enough from the wall to hide behind the stand... And it's a large piece with 3 different wires coming off
I bought this pillow because I fell in love with it.. They literally only had one but I swore I was going to make it work. Now I'm not sure... The pattern on the curtains is busy and I feel like they clash.
Close up on the curtains, we get tons of light in this room so it's hard to tell in photos.. And when it gets darker at night it's very dark and hard to see
These are 3 different pillow options I've found that I like.. (Plus we have a gift card to BB&B and that means not spending cash) Will any of these look better than what I've got (the blue/cream one?)
  6 answers
  • Jenice Ferguson Jenice Ferguson on Jun 28, 2016
    I would suggest rearrange the furniture, so sofa has a view outside, ie - move sofa in front of the fireplace mantle, open the curtains, put television in corner. Also if you have the funds, or can find different used table lamps, go with bigger lamps to make more impact. Just my thoughts. Good luck!
    • See 1 previous
    • Ale7800643 Ale7800643 on Jun 28, 2016
      Thanks to your fabulous idea! I never thought I would like putting the couch in that spot, however, I did always hate that our fireplace is covered (I'm scared what's behind it so we haven't tackled that project yet) and the previous owner did a poor job painting and got it all over the ground... Now that's all hidden by the couch! Plus, by moving my "tv stand" to the corner I am now able to cover those awful cords! Oh my gosh, I could just hug you. Thanks so much for this idea! Now to start hanging some wall art that I've had hanging around in the spare room :)
  • Jim L Jim L on Jun 28, 2016
    Is it possible to see a diagram the plan of the room. Where are other doors and windows? Any "solid" walls? I need to know this before giving advice.
  • Med5450564 Med5450564 on Jun 28, 2016
    I think the drapes you have are too heavy. The ideal would be drapes in white or cream, preferably sheer. However, if you are on a tight budget, I know that canvas drop cloths can be used or even flat bed sheets. Another thing that helps to reflect light is a large mirror. This always looks great and I think it would look best above the mantel. I do not think that the couch should be in front of the fireplace, but should face it. Create a cozy sitting area around the fireplace. Since it is boarded up, you can always put a painting in front or other decorative items that are tall. Introduce more cream or white (depending on drape color) to give a lighter and airy feel. It does not have to be a solid white or cream. It could be tone on tone or something with a geometric pattern. It is difficult to give advice without seeing the whole room in one shot. If you can add more pictures, it would be easier to make suggestions. Hope this helps.
  • Andrea Andrea on Jun 28, 2016
    One way i have hidden cords is to twist tie them together and tape them behind the supports on the shelving. or to use a shower curtain "wrap" - available at walmart that matches my baseboards and adhere it. rearranging the furniture has made great improvement. I agree the curtains are too heavy. yard sales can have great deals in addition the the suggestions previously made.
  • Yvette Yvette on Jun 28, 2016
    Ok here's my "I'm not a professional" opinion. Too much beige. Love the milky Aqua color in your drapes. I would leave the wall with Windows the same color but paint the remaining walls the milky Aqua that's in the drapes. Love the new pillow. I'd buy 2 coordinating color pillows and gather them at only one end of the sofa. They don't have to be symmetrical. Personally I find most people sit by the arms and push the pillows to the center. So put your 3 pillows there. Be sure to post pics when you are done. PS. Lowes or Home Depot have apps where you take a picture of your room walls and you can play around with paint colors. It's fun.
  • Jenice Ferguson Jenice Ferguson on Jun 28, 2016
    I have a similar shape family room, when you have window + fire place area, and front door, all focal/potential focal areas, it is difficult, but for summer moving the sofa in front of fire place, and treating it like a sofa table/shelf gets a lot of light into the rm. I like the new photo, you can see the sun shining in. If you have a tray or large plate /charger that could be used as tray, that might look ni e on the otman. Actually looking at the room as you rearranged it - looks a like like mine. But my sofa is the light color and my tufted otman is the dark brown leather. Obviously I like your room., good luck!