I wouldn't add color at all except perhaps in artwork on the walls.

I'd stick to all neutrals in various textures and medium-toned woods (oak or walnut) with perhaps a touch of silver, gold and black for your lamps, frames and accessories.

I agree with bepsf. I had a similar vanilla apartment, I used gold tones, browns, and blues. It was warm, inviting and elegant. I own a house now so I can paint freely but I still miss that apartment!

what do you like? elephants? owls? the color green? france? edward gorey? i mean, just incorporate things you like and search it out, man.

I love the simplicity of your apartment! Like bepsf, I agree that you shouldn't add much color. A rug in a muted color would tie your living room area together nicely and add a bit of color.

Also, I love your little plant! He might want some friends. It looks like you have wonderful light for that. And plants are a nice natural way to add a bit of color and personality.

I think a rug under that coffee table (royal blue? Green or maybe eggplant purple? Don't mind me I love colours :)) would be fabulous... just not so big as to cover up your gorgeous floors.

I wouldn't worry about colour until you get some art up on those walls. Find a really great painting or poster you like, and pull from that.

If you can't afford art, you can always find a colourful fabric you like, and stretch it like a canvas. Its cheap, and a great starting point.

it sounds like you know what it needs, you just don't know what you want. buy some art for the walls and base your color scheme off of it. and get more houseplants.

Given it's a rental, you probably can't or don't want to paint. Try bringing in some color with accessories, such as throw pillows. Pick two colors that you like and get things in those shades. If you can't change those white blinds, try hanging sheers in your chosen color over them or a simple treatment like a scarf valance. If you're storing DVDs under your TV, put them in colored or metallic boxes. If you're going for neutral tones, having some reflective surfaces helps brighten the room.

A large area rug under the sofa and coffee table could introduce a bit of color. Try overstock.com for inexpensive ones. Pillows and a throw for the sofa. Perhaps a one-row Expedit under the window topped with a cushion and books stored underneath.

Teshi-I don't know if you are a guy or a gal, so It's hard to know in which direction to go.

A huge world map above the couch would look nice. Ikea has a version right now. Add some solid navy throw pillows on the couch and perhaps another pillow with a pattern of your choice (anything.)
Also, while you are at Ikea, get a rug for under the coffee table (5'x8'.) Then add some curtains, floor length, to soften up the look of the bare walls. They too can be solid or with a cool geometric pattern.
The tiny plant on the tiny table by the window isn't doing anything for the room. Go to Home Depot and by a large floor plant and put it inside a decorative pot from Ikea. Put the smaller plant in the bathroom, bedroom or kitchen.
As for accessories, they aren't that necessary and just collect dust. Don't go out and buy "stuff" just to fill spaces. Put out a few personal photos, and search your own stuff for some interesting collectibles (a musical instrument, a small statue, a mask etc..)

Here's some ideas:
World Map:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70119430

Rugs:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90185645

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10177885

Pillows:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40142804

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40151681

Have fun with it. Don't be afraid of a little color!

you know that white is lovely. tell you what, think small, but bright. objects in bright clean colors, whatever colors appeal, but really bright. dot them around. to begin with even a cushion might be too big. think of it as a tasting menu off colors. dot them around. play with greens and oranges and blues and reds. let the objects be really powerful little design stars. look at the MOMA catalogue. you might also be into shapes and silhouettes and textures. snoop around swap meets and little junk/antique stores. only pick up whjat you're attracted to, without worrying about whether it'll fit in or go with.

urban outfitters is a great place to go play with hopusehold furnishings, really jolly stuff, and light hearted. stuff I've bought there ona whim is still following me around from move to move after more than ten years some of them.

wearing my bad glasses forgive typing.

You have a very nice apartment! I'm downright envious of the lack of clutter.

You can do a lot without changing the basics at all. What's even more fun is that because you don't have a great deal of "extra" stuff, you can make this a gradual process rather than an all-at-once endeavor. Figure out what colors you like (green, blue, red, etc), or choose items that are attractive to you -- rather than simply things you feel you have to have for decor reasons -- and use these things as a starting point.

Since people have mentioned Ikea: they have affordable rugs, and you can choose a solid color or a multi-colored rug (kilim, for example) that works with other accessories. Or you might come across a work of art that you really like, and base your rug/pillow choices on the colors in the work.

most artwork I have are pieces that I've purchased because really liked them, and I've done this over a period of time.

that's such a lovely apartment! i would say some pictures, a few vases, plants, a great throw. that way you can add and subtract as needed.

What about curtains or a valence with a subtle pattern? And accent pillows for the couch, perhaps in the same pattern.

Sage green is a good accent color for those people who don't like bright colors. I also like the idea of an area rug - easy to change up!

Use this as an excuse to explore Boston's local art! There's some great local artists in Somerville (Unfortunately you just missed Artbeat). And I highly recommend First Fridays SOWA open studios. As for the recommendation of a map, WardMaps (in Cambridge) has an amazing collection of original maps from the turn of the century and they do a wonderful framing job. Have fun!

I think you could get inspiration from this post from yesterday
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/dc/the-power-of-accessories-3-looks-for-one-beige-room-country-living--128860
I think if you did something similar to the first picture, and to add colour, invest is a very nice set of fake flowers(replacing real ones are very expensive) or get a coloured orchid. Also add a throw blanket in a rich colour.

First you have to decore it (it can't be done by itself). 2nd You need to buy paintings or drawings or whatever to decorate the walls. 3rd There's a lot of work to be done by you that nobody can do for you

When you move to another place you have to think how to decorate it and you must have the financial resources to do it. Nobody can tell you how to do it unless you hire a professional decorator because you, only you, know the space and your own taste.

I'd stay clear of painting the walls and find warm accessories. A nice rug and a large painting (think prints or heck just a pretty tapestry) behind the sofa would do wonders. Don't get new if you are wanting to go cheap - hit up craigslist and some thrift stores.

I like the neutral of this room as well. You can add some patterns and textures with a hint of color. I think curtains would be nice and a rug, pillows and find some art you like or the mirror idea would be nice too.

I like these rooms they have a similar feel to yours with layering i
From Lonny magazine
see drapes-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/44713708@N00/5060587562/

See moroccan table and pillows, and a gold lamp-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/44713708@N00/5060586986/

I have this rug and very happy with it- it has gold/yellow, cream and navy..which would be a nice color scheme, just a hint of color but keeping it neutral- ALVINE RUTA
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50168285

I like the ottoman adds some pattern and works with the other suggestions-
http://www2.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=17cd86d&DeptID=70752&CatID=70827&SO=0&SelDim=4294957900%7e&CatSel=4294953305%7cottomans&Ne=4294957900+5+586+1031+877+580+838+966+8+18+904+949+833&x5view=1&N=4294953305&Nao=21&PSO=0&CmCatId=70752|70827

Source for the table-
as a side table-
http://www.moracoimports.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=24_39&products_id=30&osCsid=ac4302bc8276e5af7aeab10b6abf1cbd

Source for=
throw pillow that would work great with the Ikea ALVINE RUTA rug
http://www.westelm.com/products/handloomed-ikat-pillow-cover-r876/?pkey=cpillows-throws

Source for drapery fabric
Fabric for pillows or drapes
http://www.calicocorners.com/product/designer+fabrics+for+the+home/shop+fabrics+by+color/blue/kalah+blue.do?search=basic&keyword=kalah&sortby=priceAscend&page=1

If you don't find art that you like these papers framed could work-
http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/paper/12x12-paper.html

Mirror-
http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Paris_Mansion_Antiqued_Gold_Wall_Mirror/530/
lamps
http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Eclipse_Floor_Lamp/210/
http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Manno_Floor_Lamp/535/

Blood-red drapes.

Definitely add art. That's all you need. In Boston, there is the Fort Point Open Studios coming up as well as the Museum School's December Sale right after Thanksgiving. There are loads of good artists in Boston. Check out www.artspecifier.com for a whole slew of them to choose from...

What's the point of posting a post asking for a help you already don't like.

Trust me, you'll end up with a brown throw on your couch.

Thanks for the wonderful ideas guys :-) I appreciate it.

Priorities:
Rug
Pillows for sofa
Window Treatments (Curtains)

I'm surprised by how many people say to leave it as is, but when house tours come up on AT with rooms that are loaded with colour (tastefully), readers go nuts with "best tour I've ever seen", etc. Me, I'd go with colour on the walls. You have some beautiful daylight so it won't get too dark.

Something that's really helped me 'discover' my style: I keep a Microsoft Word document where I past copies of all the photos I like on AT, whether it's a rug or a wall hanging or a wall colour, a bedspread, some curtains, anything. I look at all the house tours and just copy photos here and there that really attract me. I've got hundreds of photos now (over a couple of years, mind you). If I view the document at a very small percentage (ie. I can see 10 pages at once on my screen), suddenly I notice that there's a pattern! I keep choosing pictures with reds and yellows in them. I've started to decorate my living room with pops of yellow and red and am soooo happy with it! If I could paint the walls, I would - a dark teal perhaps.

I wonder if that would work for anyone else.

Happy decorating... it's such a cute apartment!

Considering how clean and fresh your apartment looks as is, I second Lisa Hunter's post.

Something that is pretty awesome to do - dye the slipcovers on that ikea sofa. I did that with mine and it turned out great. You can do it in the washing machine, just remember to add a cup of salt and let it agitate for 45 minutes or so. And you can get any color you want.
http://www.ritdye.com/colorit_color_formula_guide
And I agree, leave the walls as is, and put nice pops of color with furniture and artwork. Good luck!

This room needs texture if it needs anything. The color palette itself is already rather unified and I find it rather appealing. Beautiful floors. Clean lines. Just add a few strokes of color with some pieces that add texture and you're all set. In that vein I would put art (a framed poster, etc) on the wall above the sofa, not a mirror.

I agree! something must be done. Its looks like a wonderful space but the furniture is a couple of pieces of standard ikea wares! but not to worry, a nice splash of color and unique items will spruce the place right up. as other may have said, I don't know you. I don't know what colors you like and what themes to suggest. I would suggest that you look through your wardrobe and see what color clothing you have and if you have any colors what colors? And as Michael Scott says K.I.S.S. (keep it simple, stupid) and just pick a single color and run with it!

but the best advice i have is: NO MORE IKEA. there are plenty of places to get decent items from, especially in a place like boston.

:D

Thank you guys! As for my favorite colors, I love all blues, greens and browns. I love the pillows that b77 suggested above. I am a big fan of clean lines and I am hoping to incorporate that in to most of my decor.

You need HUGE stero.

I am moving to Florida. I originally am from Chicago, so I like urban, but very clean and neat like the above apartment. I am working hard, mentally, and also searching for ideas to put in my miniapartment. I don't want anyone's ideas, mainly because I am an independent sort, and It is Great Fun...all the ideas from all the people are sufficient. I don't dare add to them. I like Pepe's comments best...sincerely Mary

There can always be an affordable side of the story. All you have to do is decide what you really want for yourself. Do you want a more lasting change? If so, just decide on the color that best suits you and release you inner artist. If you want something easily removable, choose a wall tatoo or decal.
http://www.adesignerspot.com/interior_design_ideas/ This site shares some ideas that you could use to personalize your room. Good luck!

You've pretty much already answered your own problem - you want to " bring some color in to the living room using pillows, rugs, artwork, accessories etc." so go do that!

Just go buy things!

If you love it, it'll work.

A decorator once told me a good place to start is a painting, with colors you like. I was surprised at the variety at my local thrift store. I'd start there.

Then pull two major and one or two minor colors out of the painting that you like the best. Use that as your palette to add things to your apartment.

I received an original Japanese flower painting as a house warming gift when I bought my first house. I literally took it into stores searching for the right shades of color. It's over my sofa, and I still use it as a guide when buying for my home.