If you go with those curtains and remove the blue chair, that room is going to become blah very quickly. Everything is pretty neutral, and can handle some infusion of color. Take a cue from how much life the throw on the ottoman is giving the room - I'd go for some pattern and color for the curtains, and I'd keep the chair, unless there was another reason you were going to get rid of it.

I like your rug, it's pretty. I would warm up this room, but how exactly you do that depends on your taste. I would add some dark orange or red Provencal type fabric curtains, some warmer colored sofa pillows, maybe vary the shapes, small bolsters at the ends. And I'd lose those neutral throws. There are pretty inexpensive quilts also in Provencal or Indian prints that would keep your knees warm but add some color to the room. You may not like this look, but to me that's what this room needs--some warmth to balance the blues & grays.

I used to have this same issue with my living room. I'm still working hard to combat it. It looks like some of your smaller accessories work with the blue from the chair, but since that is only temporary I agree with Charlotte. I would use some warm colors. I have some dark wine/burgundy curtains that would actually look fantastic. They have a bit of an enlarged/modernized damask pattern to them and they are heavy, so they do add a lot of warmth and pop to the room. If you are wary of pattern because of the rug you could go with something like this: http://www.target.com/Home-Thermal-Faux-Silk-Panel/dp/B002KUXMSK/ref=br_1_30?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&qid=1276086491&searchView=grid5&sr=1-30&node=14111301&searchRank=pmrank&searchPage=1&rh=&searchSize=30&id=Home%20Thermal%20Faux%20Silk%20Panel&searchBinNameList=purchasing_channel%2Csubjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin from Target. The faux silk adds a nice shine and they are VERY affordable. I think they would look gorgeous in your room. Best of luck to you!

If the chair is comfortable and you can live with the style, since you can sew, why not re-cover it? Some community colleges have classes where you work on the chair and finish it by the end of the 6 or 8 weeks. I think the throws look very utilitarian, I wouldn't consider them part of the overall look. (If you don't actually use them, I'm not a big fan of them just hanging out in the room.) I think some curtains or other window treatments would really pull the room together and warm it up. Bring home some fabric swatches and see what you think. Sometimes you just have to take a chance. You could also ask a creative friend their feedback on some of your fabric choices, or if they would go shopping with you.

Hi there...figured I'd chime in a few additional thoughts (the living room above is mine)...

I have a four month old, so taking on a chair seems a little daunting. I do love patterned chairs, though. So, thanks for that idea. Something to keep in mind.

I'm definitely NOT wary of adding a pattern...in fact, I'd prefer that the curtains have a pattern and bring in additional colors. I'm just not sure what kind of pattern or design would look the best. Specific suggestions would be very much appreciated!

Thanks for the comments thus far!

Ok, I just did a little searching, and it turns out colorful curtains that look nice are not the easiest thing to find... Here's a couple that stood out for your room.

This might match too well, but it adds pattern for sure:
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/audrey-drape/?pkey=x|4|1||10|curtains||0&cm_src=SCH

If you keep the blue chair, this would work in blue/chocolate :
http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Seville-Rod-Pocket-Curtain-Panel-55-in.-x-96-in./4155100/product.html

I like the curtains you plan to choose. You will need some pops of color to liven up the room though but it shouldn't need to break your budget for just accessories. I don't like the chair though I do love the color - it's a little big for the space. I'd use the end table by it as a coffee table and try to bring in a smaller chair for that corner.

i am not a design expert by any means, but i agree that some warm colors might look really nice. i really like deep burnt orange colors and they would contrast with the chair (if you decide to keep it) and blue vases. i like the wall color (what paint color is it?) and the rug you have chosen already.

how about this for some patterned curtains, in the Persimmon color?

http://www.ballarddesigns.com/Linens-Fabrics/Panels-Draperies/Window-Treatments/Firenze-Embroidered-Panel/p/11796?path=1%2C2%2C1465%2C1513%2C2223&iProductID=11796

i also like the pottery barn curtains above, it just depends on what kind of look/scheme you are going for.

TBH it seems to me that you want more colour but are a little nervous of committing yourself, and if that's the case then curtains are too big an area for you to experiement on, because they are too big a potential mistake. And the curtains you are thinking of will just make your room look even more in need of colour than it currently does.

I think the best way would actually be to first get rid of your "neutral" (i.e. beige) accessories - that throw and the two cushion covers. Then focus on bringing in new coloured fabrics in small areas - with new cushions (you have plenty of room for more than two) and new cushion covers. You say you can sew, and cushion covers are easy to sew and not too big a project. It would be a great way to experiment with different colours and textures without breaking the bank or getting too stressed. Also you might feel more comfortable taking a risk on a fabric on such a small item.

I also think a coloured tray on the ottomon where you lovely coloured throw is now would take the edge off all that chocolate brown.

I agree with the other posters who suggested you pick up that orangy color from the throw in the curtains. A geometric print in that color would be bold and very cool.

tigermilk, I LOVE your recommendation. It would add some color and pattern without being too overwhelming. And I think persimmon would be a great color to bring into the room. The only thing is the cost. I forgot to mention that there is a second window in the room (opposite the shelf and chair) that I'd like hang the same curtains on. At $180 per panel, that is just not in our budget. I wonder if I could find a similar fabric elsewhere. Also, the paint is by Edgecomb Grey by Benjamin Moore.

home body, I like the PB recommendation as well. I wonder if something like that would go well as a cushion to coordinate with something like tigermilk suggested...?

idontdobeige, I have been on the lookout for a tray and completely agree that that would be a good addition.

I think that the problem is less with what you do have (nice pieces, individually and not washed-out in color at all) and more with the arrangement of furniture. The sofa in front of the window, in particular, does not feel right. The window needs to "breathe," and I would suggest placing the sofa against the wall (leave a few inches behind it) with the blue chair on the other side of the window. You can place a side table underneath the window so that it will serve the sofa and the blue chair. I would also have a coffee table in front of the sofa. You should play around with the leaning desk.

It's hard to tell exactly how the furniture should function in the room without other photos, but I think that you should move the furniture around and play with the pieces until you achieve a look that works.

I just saw these drapes here on AT. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/dc/good-questions/sources-for-perfect-curtainsor-fabric-to-make-my-own-good-questions--118900
I think they could bring interest and warmth. They would tie in with lamp shades and some of the lighter wood tones. Works well with the chocolate brown too. I also think the blue chair works in this space.

Why not purchase/make a fitted cover for your wing chair. With lots of patterned fabrics to choose from you may be a little more inspired to tackle window treatments and such. I've seen fitted covers that start @ 100.00 not bad I think.
And those little fingers will soon be covered with sticky stuff. You'd be able to throw that cover right in the washer. A good investment.

I'm sorry to tell you but a curtain is not going to solve this.

You really need to commit to change and color... if not, it's just going to be another bland item in your room, no matter how "lively" it is.

I found this fabric at Ballard Designs as well. It could make a great pillow fabric.

http://www.ballarddesigns.com/Linens-Fabrics/Fabric-by-the-Yard/Patterns/Luisa-Fabric-by-the-Yard/p/10264?path=1%2C2%2C1465%2C1517%2C1640&iProductID=10264

What a nice space! You have the most important and expensive stuff already in place, it just wants a little tweaking. I think what may be bugging you more than color in the room is scale. How about swapping the sofa and chair, so the window feels complete? Then either remove the shelves or put fewer but bigger pieces on them, and go with something bigger and bolder for artwork. If you get something that goes "wow" for the artwork on that wall, the curtains can be pretty neutral. It doesn't have to be expensive - I have a 1920's anatomy chart on my dining room wall that cost $75 but packs a punch. Just look around for something big and interesting.

I agree with others that pillows and other easily changeable bits of color are better than curtains for bringing buzz into a room. More easy/cheap to change.

Have fun!

oh yes, i totally understand the curtains are pricey -- just meant as sort of a design inspiration. since you can sew (i wish i could! or least find the time to learn) i might try to find some similarly-patterned fabric (maybe with a little brown and/or blue to tie things together) and make them yourself. if you can find the time, that is. =)

i also agree with the previous posters about trying to rearrange the furniture a bit, putting the sofa on the wall and opening up the window.

I third the Pottery Barn suggestion.

Even if you don't keep the blue chair I think curtains that pull in blue accents would be lovely with all the neutral browns you have going on.

I have the same trouble as you... it's easy to see what you like and so hard to put it into practice when it's your own house! Good luck.

dcirene's comments about the room's arrangement are great. Right now the window feels very blocked off by the couch.

The neutral items you currently have are lovely, but adding neutral curtains would start to bring the room toward the bland end of the spectrum.

Rather than take a stab in the dark and advise you about what colors I would like to see, I encourage you to start very actively accumulating inspiration to get a better idea of what you would truly like.

It sounds like you know what you like when you see it, but hesitate when it's time to do it for yourself (me too!), so start by making a collection of what you like when you see it. When you see a great room in a magazine, tear it out and file it away. When you see great rooms online, print them out and file them away.

Wait until you've accumulated a decent amount before you reexamine them. Take note of your overall favorite rooms, your favorite color/pattern combinations, and what rooms incorporate the same browns and beiges as your room. The standouts will naturally rise to the top and help direct your own search.

For me, the wall color and the matchy-matchy brown furniture (including picture frames) seem to clash. I would consider changing out one or the other. I love the wall color you have chosen, but painting the walls a new color would, of course, be the less expensive way to go. Also, consider recovering chair (e.g., inexpensive wingback slipcover from Surefit) and getting lampshades in another color besides (again) brown.

If you added a set of eggplant purple curtains, you'll be made in the shade.

I absolutely agree with dcirene that it's not really going to work until you get the placement right. I would move the furniture the way that dcirene suggested and if you're going to use your pictures - add one more if it's in your budget, and put them above the couch all at the same level to make it balance properly.

So I read through the comments ... here are my thoughts ...

I think opening the window will do wonders to the room. I think that you can caddy corner the blue chair and make a bit of a "reading nook" ... as one suggestion. If space doesn't allow for that, though, I think I'd still maybe try to open the window.

I agree experimenting w/color can be a lot. I think the PB curtains (Audrey drape) are nice for your space, but they seem like they don't quite fit in w/your current design.

I think the pictures you have on the wall now fit w/the current look of the room. It sounds like you want to "spice it up" a bit. Add some pop. I think changing them out for a more bold picture will give you what you're looking for.
This picture from overstock is relatively neutral, but b/c it is metal art I think it would add more visual interest than just a picture.
http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Cherry-Blossom-Wall-Sculpture/3314083/product.html
or
http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Balanced-Sequence-II-Gallery-Wrapped-Art/2472725/product.html?IID=prod2472725

As far as curtains - you could do a valence w/ a bold color instead of panels and then have wooden blinds ...I think panels would look nice. But my thought w/the valence is that it would be a smaller piece of fabric and may make you feel more comfortable w/a bold choice.

I haven't read all the comments above, but the first thing that comes to mind is "That is one brown room!" I say KEEP the chair, throw in some bright pillows and a large COLORFUL geometric curtain. I love your simple uncluttered look, but you are in some major need of color! Maybe pick up the color of the blue chair or the coral in that throw or at least the chevron pattern in the chair throw. The simple styling could carry boldness in the color department very well!

how about pulling the coral from the throw on the ottoman, and incorporating it into a print curtain.

it's glaringly bare and that would really bring in some warmth to the room. contrasting the blue chair and the white walls.

Lovely couch, lovely wall color. But I agree entirely with whoever first suggested moving the couch to the other wall (opening the window). I also agree that the proportions with the framed pictures and the leaning shelf aren't quite working.

Personally, I love fabric and color, so I would pile the couch and chair with a wild assortment of different sized and shaped pillows. But then, that's probably not your preferred style. It would be helpful to see examples of rooms you like. Right now I can't really tell what your taste is. Rooms that are layered in textile patterns usually have a sense of fun, or at least a sense of history. Right now the room isn't showing who you are, where you've been, what patterns or styles you find beautiful.

Eclectic! - I'm in the Detroit area...

To all of you who commented on the arrangement - we've tried every arrangement we could think of given the furniture we have. This seemed to work the best, but once I have curtains up, I may try what you've suggested. What you can't see is that the living room is also where the main entrance is. The front door is on the wall adjacent to that taller piece of furniture with the lamp on it. Then, the second window is to the left of the door. So, whatever arrangement we go with needs to work with those details, too. The dining room is pretty much part of the living room as well - I was standing in the dining room to take the picture.

I know it needs color...that's why I'm asking for help! :) And I do appreciate everyone's help...thank you!

I have one more comment to add that no one else has mentioned. I think if you invest in a large vibrant painting that you love (that maybe picks up that light blue but definitely adds some reds and oranges), you will see this room spring to life. What you currently have on the wall seems to disappear. You will be amazed at how much life this room will take on with some fantastic original artwork.

Moving the couch away from the window is a great idea! Any sort of curtains would be cut off by the couch. With all of the light from your two windows, I think your room could be livened up with a few plants in fun, colorful containers. Minimal investment -- nice impact. Just make sure they're non-toxic in case they end up in a little mouth.

I think you need to pull the rug out away from the walls a bit. I've heard that you should have at least the front two legs of your chair/couch on the rug, but the entire thing doesn't need to sit on it. It looks a little bit crammed into the corner right now and makes the space feel crowded as a result. It's such a pretty rug so you should show it off more!

Whatever fabric you choose for your curtains, I'd recommend that the pattern contain elements of the rest of the room -

ie: some blue from the chair, some brown from the sofa and rug and some taupe from the walls and rug.

If the chair is temporary, then just include the browns and taupes in your fabric selection, and whatever other color that's in the fabric should be the jumping-off point for the color of your chair and accessories - then consider getting extra yardage of your drapery fabric choice for throw pillows and to upholster an ottoman, etc.

not this brash- this time though....
you're trying to hard.
move the sofa to the wall with the blue chair or do you really need to see everyone as they walk into the room?
The blue chair is nice but i'm guessing that's where you make the guest sit. Move it to the winow side of the room and maybe you'll find that it's actully comfortable and you'll read more since you'll be sitting in it in order to watch people walk into the room. Box soe table into the corner inthe center of the photo. The book case thingy isn't doing anything- loose it and get creative with storage (think found objects-like wine crates stacked on the side and the sort). and get rid of the leather "coffee table". Get something that is shaped or colored to something in the room that you want to get a bit more attention, like I don't know maybe that cool lamp??? Last but not least update the art or the frames, they are the easiest and cheapest wood to change-don't go back to exposed wood, think paint or metallic. and good luck!

Can you rearrange the furniture in the room? I keep looking at your couch and thinking about how it draws a lot of attention to your single window. If you put the couch on one of the adjacent walls, then the arm chair would accent the window.

I have the same bookcase and I am constantly rearranging items on it to get the right balance. (I actually have two, one is finally complete, but the other still needs help). I've found that adding some items with more height to them help fill in the empty space of the shelves, while still feeling airy. Your top shelf looks great, but the two below it could use more pop - maybe a nice plant or some picture frames?

You could also paint the legs of the arm chair to match the dark wood of the ottoman and the bookcase - that would help tie it all in. A fabric with the same color blue as your chair and some tan or chocolate brown would look really pretty as a window treatment. If the curtains end up being any sort of geometric pattern, you can select a complementing warmer pattern to make pillows for the sofa. I love the color of the chair and don't want to see it go!

I would re-cover JUST the seat of the chair. Find a funky print to incorporate that blue, and paint the legs black. Colors i'm thinking are navy, red (but not a hot red.. more orangey), and cream/grey. I would swap out the frames or accessories - everything looks just a little sterile. If you have little kids, why not have them help you make something bright and colorful?

I might also change the arrangement to put the sofa on the big wall, and the chair nearer to the window and floor lamp. If you move the ottoman, too, you're going to need a coffee table - you could find an inexpensive one and paint it red to match some of the colors in the seat fabric i suggested. I'm thinking a vibe like a bohemian pottery barn, haha.

For me, the problem here isn't a lack of colorful curtains - it's the rug. You say you want to bring in multiple textures/patterns that work well together, and this is a great thing to do. However! If you look at the main colors in the room - sofa, bookcase, artwork frames, lamp, coffee table/ottoman, lampshades - all are dark brown or brown.

The rug is dark brown and beige. The rug would have been an excellent place to add color which you could use to pick up elsewhere in the room. Now any addition of color (especially in the form of another pattern) is going to clash with the rug, and it will never look just "right."

Basically - I would scrap the rug. Use it somewhere else where the issue of Too. Much. BROWN. isn't a problem. From there, I would get something completely colorful, like the Georgina from Pottery Barn:

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/georgina-rug/?pkey=cstriped-patterned-rugs

Pick up the colors in the rug for accent pillows/drapes/and objects for the bookcase. Slipcover the blue chair.

I agree with the poster who suggested that you move the sofa to the other wall (where the bookcase and blue chair currently sit). I don't see how the rearrangement would interfere with the entryway door being on the opposite side of the room.

First, I agree with everyone who said that the sofa wants to go against the long wall. Second, I agree with everyone who recommending bringing in a shade or shades of orange - but I actually think all the colors in the striped throw are great together - looks like moss green, slate blue, baby blue., light gray, and orange. I would take all your color cues from this palette. Third, you definitely should get some curtains and - I didn't see this in the responses above but somebody may have said it - I would suggest getting a rod that is wider than the window by at least a foot on each side, so that when open, the curtains would mostly hang over the wall and not the window. This will give the illusion of a much bigger window. I would definitely consider a double rod with white sheers underneath heavier drapes. Good luck!

Firstly, that throw looks like hand crochet or knit.

Since there are 2 in the room, I'm guessing you made it yourself? The reason it works so well is that there are darks, lights, and saturated color, mixed with neutrals.

It's beautiful. Use this same principle in your decorating as well. The room looks off because it is too careful right down to the dainty items on the leaning shelf.

OK, I know this idea won't be popular, but that room isn't large. I think adding much color to the windows will make it feel smaller.

Instead, I'd choose a yummy textured monochromatic fabric that matches either the wall color or the trim color (gray or white) and make floor-to-ceiling drapes that hang off the sides of the windows, so when opened make the windows seem bigger. TEXTURED. As three dimensional as possible. You can find patterned fabrics that are tone on tone that do this, and if budget is an issue, I'd locate discount decorator fabric stores... One near me sometimes has 72 inch fabric for under $4 per yard! Then I'd add color (corals, maybe) in toss pillows and possibly you new chair/slipcover.

(Or paint the walls a great color and then make the textured drapes match that color...)

I like the suggestion above for a great and large piece of art, too. (In which case, choose accent colors from the painting.)

Just following up on some of the recent comments...

Eclectic! - The walls are grey...trim is off white...ceiling is white (the white of the ceiling actually comes down onto the walls a little because of the 1940's rounded cove feature which can't be seen in the photo). Your invitation sounds lovely...wish I lived closer!

The rug isn't as bland as the photo makes it look. It has a few colors in it - terra cotta, light blue and moss green. And, it's too big to not have right up against the wall. In fact, we have it rolled under a bit so it doesn't extend past the door way behind the chair.

Melissa_B - I really like the idea of covering just the seat of the chair cushion.

I'm stuck on adding curtains. I've wanted curtains on the windows ever since we moved in. I agree that the rod should extend past the window itself. The curtains will probably stay open all the time and I like the effect of making the windows look larger than they really are.

If I thought picking curtains was difficult, art is a whole other story! But, I agree and hear what you're saying. The current art work was done by my husband's grandmother. So, I'd like to use it somewhere and the brown/blue color scheme we kind of have going on in the living room made sense.

The afgan was made by my husband's other grandmother, but does not need to stay in that room. The throw is from IKEA.

Thanks again for your suggestions...they're giving me lots of ideas. Now I just need to find the right (and cheap) fabric!

I think you can make the rug and sofa work, but overall I think you are suffering from brown-out. Depth and texture and shape are also all very static.

Your sofa is the dark, heavy piece in the room--it's the "bottom note." I'd start by removing pieces that compete with it--the ottoman, the side table, and the bookcase. If you're keeping the bookcase, see if you can group it with the sofa so that they occupy related visual spaces. It's kind of awkward as a stand-alone item anyway. You could also swap it out for an etagere with a more dynamic shape. Moving the sofa to the long wall where it doesn't block the window would be a very good move. I'd keep the window treatments very plain and light-filtering. Move the chair nearer the window instead. Consider replacing it with something a bit more low-slung--the high back adds to the room's stiffness.

Ignore the rug when decorating the room. I'm sure it has colors in it, but it reads as a neutral. Don't leave the blue from the rug and the throw on your ottoman out there by itself--combine it with the ochrey green from the throw to make it more crisp. Some gloss or shine would help too--silver or lucite or glass objects or accent furniture.

I think the picture frames could be hurting the room most--not only are they dark and heavy, they're right in the middle of a serene expanse of mist-gray wall, and they're very formal. Along with the mats, they make the artwork a bit ponderous. Narrow silver or acrylic floating frames would be much more sleek.

As to texture and depth, the lampshade is an opportunity. Pick something translucent that will allow light and color to move through it rather than around it. Pull the lamp out more from the wall so that it can share more of its light with the room. Throw pillows are a good place to add pattern and texture--maybe a larger pale sheepskin pillow and then a small one with a pattern that uses one or both of your accent colors has some movement.

Finally, I think you could use a plant. Not a ficus or an orchid--something humble, like a fern or Swedish ivy.

Hey Chaseygal... I don't think you're WAY off with your selections so far, but I will say that everything seems to be very "safe". I'm craving some contrast... good suggestions about colors so far (paint is CHEAP and easy to re-do if you're not thrilled)

I have both a general recommendation for an approach to design and a specific recommendation for your question re: curtains.

First the specific: consider finding a cool pattern of bed linens in the bargain bin @ Bed, Bath and Beyond or another such store. You might be surprised at what you find there for next to nothing! Buy a rod with matching rings/hooks to clip onto the top of the sheet (spacing them about every 8-9 inches gives a pretty good pleat at the top) The cotton generally hangs very nicely, you can "line" them with a white sheet behind so the sun doesn't fade the color/print. Voila - curtains that you can't find in a Pottery Barn catalog - i.e. your best friend, neighbor or cousin isn't going to end up with the same thing!

Now the general: Just buy whatever you like without concern for whether the color/pattern are going to match or even just blend with the surrounding items. IMHO, a room should represent you. ALL of you. We all have different moods, emotions, likes, dislikes... I'm a big proponent of the thought that any item you like fulfills a need and/or a void in your life. SOMEHOW it will all look good...

Because the rug has a busy pattern, I would choose curtains with a bold pattern, like wide vertical stripes. I would choose curtains that are primarily blue. And I would ditch the lean-to bookcase.

ok, here's my totally weird-but-could-really-work idea:

To improve the room's flow, move the couch to the long wall, center and level the two pictures above it and use that cube/stool shown to the right of the blue chair as a side table. This was the long wall and the long side of the rug match the long side of the couch for better balance in the space. Now for the weird idea: place the bookcase leaning in front of the window, leaving the tall lamp in the corner. Then move the blue chair next to the dresser and put the tall ottoman on legs in between the two. Bonus: now you don't need curtains!

Detailwise, a pop of persimmon in a new throw blanket and pillows would really make the room feel smashing with the new arrangement...and be more affordable since you can DIY them!

I'd love to see pics if you try this arrangment! Things like this idea either wow or flop...and you don't know til you try!

OOPS:"This was the long"
Err...I meant to say: 'This WAY the long'

Sorry, I did proof before posting! Can I claim long day at work-itis?

I think a chocolate brown and cream thick stripe fabric would work nicely here. It's warm and would add a modern touch to your space. How darling would your chair look covered in such a fabric? Or, if you're looking for a small change, adding curtains in this strip?

I think you might also be able to liven up this room with new artwork.

Deep reds might work nicely, too!

Just a few inexpensive changes and you won't recognize this room! You've got a surplus of neutrals on your hands and the blue accents simply aren't enough contrast to pop out. They're almost just another neutral shade in the colors you've chosen. But the coral/orange on the afghan just keeps catching my eye - you've got a great opportunity to introduce a few small items and make a huge difference!

To start, I'd agree with others on swapping the furniture around. Move the bookshelf to the left of the window and move the blue chair next to it, just slightly in front of the window. Leave the tall lamp where it is, but pull it out from the wall a bit. Rotate the rug 90 degrees (if possible) and pull it more to the center of the room - let that beautiful floor show around the edges of the room. Center the couch on the long wall and take down the two framed pictures you have there currently.

Bringing in the color:

1. You've picked out cute curtains for the room, but they need a little "oomph" or they'll add more bland to the room. It would be great if you could add an rich coral or orange trim border to the centers of each panel - they'd add a vertical element to your room (highlighting the tall bookshelf and floor lamp) and make the window look taller.

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?CATID=cat2574&PRODID=xprd581551
http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?CATID=cat2574&PRODID=xprd581727
http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?CATID=cat2574&PRODID=prd62295

You could just do it to the inside edge of the curtains (and bottom of edge of a valance, if you choose one) like the first image on this page:

http://openhouse.homegoods.com/index.php/2008/07/13/more-drapery-details

Be sure to mount your curtain rod just below the ceiling and wider than the window - create the illusion of a bigger window - and buy floor-length curtains. You could also custom-paint a white roller-blind (can't tell if you already have one installed or not) to go underneath. A subtle brown, khaki and blue pattern would be nice - nothing that competes with the curtains, but connects to the brown of the couch across the room. Just a bit of it would show (unless you close the blind) and this pattern is pretty:

http://www.blindsgalore.com/media/trt/swc/0706545l0.jpg

2. Replace your throw pillows with something brigher and in a more interesting fabric. These caught my eye and are cheap - the three would be a nice combination!

http://www.worldmarket.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3902946
http://www.worldmarket.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3902931 (the orange and the blue ones)

3. Consider replacing your lampshades and adding some orange accents to them. Maybe a white/ivory lampshade with a VERY subtle orange/blue pinstriping?

4. Move the two framed prints to behind the dresser/lamp (between the door and window?). Buy and/or create a large piece of art (or combination of pieces) that brings in the accent color and matches the scale of that couch. Something like these:

http://www.worldmarket.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3727911
http://www.worldmarket.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3706950
http://www.worldmarket.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3904652

5. Vary the height and color of your accent items on the bookshelf. Decorating in threes is a great idea, but your little candles (?) are all the same size/color and they don't really catch the eye in that arrangement. Try a tighter grouping of three similar but differently sized/colored vases in blues, oranges, and brown/neutrals like these:

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1390&f=36614
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1390&f=35635
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1390&f=36556
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1390&f=31885
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1390&f=35255
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1390&f=35601

6. Put away the khaki/white afghan and replace it with the orange one. You could put a small tray on the ottoman and bring in yet another small dose of warmth and color:

This tray: http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=14180&f=36209
With this inside: http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=12600&f=36848

mcintyree - wow! thanks for all of the links!

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. If nothing else, you've motivated me to get a move on the living room decor. Stay tuned...I'll definitely send in photos once it's finished.

I would rearrange the room before putting up curtains. The couch in front of the small window makes the window hide. I can't tell what's going on to the left of the photo, but I would move the couch on the left side of this area to face the wall on the right, or set it against the right wall. This allows the window area to be freed up. Put the chair next to the window. This will also allow the full lenght of the curtain to be seen. Then center up the pictures to the couch and place the shelf and lamp accordingly. I also think the rug would work better if the length was running the other way, from the left and right of the photo. As for curtains, I would keep them on the neutral side with a pattern that has a few pops of color in it, such as the blue! Good luck!

Lots of good suggestions. I'd also consider using a throw on the chair to carry more color throughout the room (and to snuggle up under when reading to your tot). I have found the tips for combining colors, patterns, and textures at

http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-mix-fabrics

to be good guidelines in helping to put a room together. And there are a lot of pictures too.