A rug, ottoman(s) under the coffee table, wall art filling the empty spaces in your TV stand?

A rug is a good suggestion. ...and maybe use one wall as accent wall with a matching red or orange shade. be bold! you're off to a good start.

Put a mirror up over the credenza

Varying shades of red in different textures would work really well with your natural/neutral pieces, perhaps lifted by a contrasting shade - flashes of lime green maybe, or duck-egg blue? I would start with some cushions on the sofa, a persian rug for some pattern and variety, and red shades on some table lamps. If you can paint, I would paint the wall behind the television a good, strong berry shade of red (i.e. a pinky shade rather than veering towards orange).

Good luck!

pictures! Do an art wall to add visual interest as well as lots of color!

http://i3.squidoocdn.com/resize/squidoo_images/590/draft_lens17935701module150107221photo_1306769582Art_wall.JPG

Thirding the rug. Personally I'd go for red accessories rather than orange, because orange is close to brown and the natural wood also already has orange undertones, so I'd be worried that the overal picture would be a little bland. Plus I love the way that red vase pops out in the background. But it would probably only work for accents, so as part of the rug and for knick-knacks in your tv cabinet. I don't think it would work on a wall plus I guess for most people red is not a calming color.

Paint the walls grey-blue. I had the exact same colours in my old place - mostly beige and browns. By painting the walls a soft grey-blue, you can incorporate some other pops of colour (red looks amazing, i.e. some red sofa cushions or an area rug that has some red in it) and it looks beautiful.

Another vote for a fun, colorful rug and painting at least one accent wall light blue.

you didn't mention what colors you want to add.

You seriously need some artwork or posters!

center the credenza on the wall. hang that piece of art above it. put the plant on the credenza on the right side. put a throw on the back of the sofa, under the back cushions, so you see it on entering the room. i don't know why you need more throw pillows. you have to have room to sit down. i'd just cover those two that match the couch.

put a piece of art on the wall in that blank space on the wall unit. , and maybe one above the tv.

add an area rug under the entire couch and coffee table.

add window treatments that reach the floor. at least enough panels to frame the windows.

You're off to a great start! I see that you've already booked some books by color on your media stand. You might put some larger books out and stick with one accent color stacked vertically to add some visual interest. You can break up the shelves with pictures, vases, other pieces - just pick an accent color and keep weaving it in. (if you do go away from the red family, I'm a huge fan of greens with chocolate, but that's just me.

Not sure what the pillows look like, but a good throw can add a lot of color to the sofa - and I echo all of the rug comments. Good luck!

I have this same problem it seems every time I move. It's just all brown everywhere. I have an orange ottoman, white rugs, and green curtains. Definitely add some colorful art or storage (hooks, shelves) to the walls. I think shelves would allow you to add even more colorful things. I'm going to use my grandmother's paintings.

I agree with the suggestions for art and a rug. One additional possibility for color from textiles would be to add curtains.

It looks like the room has lots of height. Why not find a clear vase with a similar shape to your existing red one. Spray paint branches red or orange, and group it with some large scale art or a mirror with a color frame, and it would be a nice vignette.

Adding some curtains and a rug, one in a bold print and the other in a solid maybe, would bring in 80% of the color you need right away. Then you can wait a little longer to find some art you really love for over the credenza.

You definitely need a colorful rug. I would be careful not to go all red and orange because they are close to brown. I would use red and another contrasting color like teal, light blue, or bright green. Other than that, art and a variety of throw pillows are easy ways to add color. Shop thrift stores for vases, storage boxes, trinkets, and books that bring in the colors you want that will fill in those blank spaces you have. You don't have to spend a lot to get a great look.

A large colorful rug. Easy to transform a room with something as simple as that.

As you add colorful art and accessories consider contrast. I love tomato-red and coral contrasted with pops of turquoise, teal, emerald green.

Hi Molly!

I agree you should hang a mirror over the credenza but only if you center both the credenza & mirror on the wall & move the plant to to the empty area near the window (there is photo there now). Make sure the mirror is oversized and hung horizontally in order to catch light from your window and reflect it inside=naturally brighter.

As for colored accessories, try bright versions of orange & green as your primary colors, then highlight with darker blues, purples, or pinks. Your throw pillows have prints so look for a rug with a lot of visiual texture texture or a modern, border rug (prints on outside/solid inside). don't forget to add a few colored pieces on your credenza & TV shelf.

Also maybe consider moving the bar cart. It's being overshadowed by the TV shelf/display. Show off that stocked bar! Put it in another nook and consider placing it in "caddy-corned" & adding some hieght (move liquor to the front & add a tall flower/vase in the back).

Lastly, try finding two medium to large-sized prints (abstract or photos) and flank them on the side of the TV display. Don't worry about finding two sister prints, just make sure to use the same size frame. If you use photos, consider converting them to sepia (brown & cream) for uniformity & a change in what people are used to seeing.

Your place is already beautiful but I hope this helps! Good luck!

BTW: I wish AT had a "Good Questions Follow-up" post so we could see how things turn out. *hint, hint, nudge* :)

I say use a white or ivory rug to lighten things up and contrast with the sofa and floor, and bring out a lot of color in your art, pillows & throws, etc. A big, bold mirror or print over the credenza with a red frame (or black/white/other frame with a red matte or lots of red in the print) would make a big impression and add the color you want. It looks like you have a lot of muddy/rusty red going on with the pillow, vase, and maybe bar cart (can't tell for sure because of image quality), which I think blend in pretty unnoticeably with the brown--I might brighten it up with some real fire engine/tomato red accents. A little bit will go a long way, but will definitely make a statement and alleviate the brownness (what? that's totally a word). Curtains with a bold pattern would be nice, too--I'm seeing maybe a crisp navy or an apple or kelly green. Good luck!

Oh, and blue grey is probably my favorite wall color, but I don't like the thought of it here with the brown. I'd keep a warm white on the walls, personally.

Y'all, I had NO idea I'd typed such a long comment. I got a little carried away. *blushes*

I think turquoise would look amazing against all that neutral...and would work with the red that you want to bring. Since everyone has already mentioned a rug, I'd get a nice throw blanket for the couch to break up the see of brown (maybe in a graphic even). Fresh flowers would add a pop of color too.

first, i would change the wall color. perhaps to benjamin moore's saratoga springs (http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/for-architects-and-designers/color-gallery?cd=1669&col=CC).
i would also add a rug. maybe a light blue chevron rug (http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Alexa-Chevron-Vibe-Zebra-Rug-8-x-10/5725628/product.html?sec_iid=38648) to add some texture.
since your furniture leans towards mid-century, i'd check out some local thrift stores for color glass vases, color ceramics, art books for the shelves and some colorful artwork that you can frame. i think you're safe combining any number of primary colors: blues, greens, reds since the room's palate will remain fairly neutral.

Throw pillows: perhaps a couple in different colors/styles. I'd say avoid matching pillows to give it a more fun, colorful look.

A throw rug, even if it's just a solid color. Dark teal, red, creamy white, kelly green, etc. Big enough to cover the front of your couch.

Perhaps consider painting your coffee tables, or just the legs. Or even mod podging pretty patterned paper on it.

A large, abstract piece of art or photography framed over the credenza.

On your tv stand, the huge empty gap next to the tv could use some simple artwork or framed photos that just leans against the wall. Perhaps a large vase or focal piece.

Curtains, the kind that are so long they bunch up at the bottom.

Good luck! I'm also trying to get out of the too much brown in my apartment thing.

Anthropologie has amazing colour and patterned drappery, and Urban outfitters has graphic and bold floor rugs. You should also consider getting a nice crochet throw (which come multi-coloured) from ETSY.COM - no one has better selection than this website. If you want to save money and not buy a new coffee table(s) paint and refinish them in bold colours - blue and yellow, orange and green both go well together. Again Urban outfitters also has colourful floor lamps on offer for $100 bucks and they can make your place really pop. If you're willing to change the shelving unit you're using as your entertainment centre (for your TV and what not), consider using a brightly re-finished sideboard or dresser. You'll get the storage and you'll also have a nice look which is less boxy. It also allows more room for you to put some art on your walls (which they need in my opinion.)

You need something in that room that is round or oval instead of boxy. A coffee table would be a good start. Also some natural elements - wicker, bamboo, rattan (possibly painted black to add "color" and contrast). And metal (bronze or brass for sparkle). All of your existing furniture looks pretty contemporary, so I'd add some vintage pieces, maybe some pottery, lamps, etc., in whatever color floats your boat. And then, yes, rugs and window treatments for texture.

what color are your walls? its hard to tell if they're beige or white. i agree with another commenter that i'd go with more red than orange since orange is so close to brown, i'd also add more WHITE to lighten and brighten and contrast the brown, and keep it looking so muddy.

here a 2 great rooms with brown/white/red/gray color scheme

http://pinterest.com/pin/195906652510291803/
http://pinterest.com/pin/195906652510293322/

we are going with the same color scheme in our family room, were keeping all the large pieces neutral and adding red in with art/accessories- i'd go for bright bold graphic pillows- large scale pattern (i found some great red/white white stripe chevron ones on etsy). you could also use some art/prints... and a cool vintage mirror painted red would be nice over the credenza. i dont see any lamps in the room either, a red lamp or a neutral lamp with red ribbon on the shade would be nice...

My own living room is all wood walls, floors and ceiling and a brown leather sofa. I made it work with black chairs, a natural white carpet, black and white pillows and an orange throw. Tons of books on the shelves, and the art I've collected also add interest and bits of color. Use what you have and don't bother painting a bold color if you are a renter.

As others have already suggested, adding color with a rug or throws or pillow is a good way to have some warmth in the room without being something too permanent. If you decide later, in a few years, to lighten things, you don't have to spend a fortune to change the color scheme.

Right now is a great time to search the sales (in your area and online) for warm reds and yellows since they are often associated with fall and you can probably find some good deals on these colors. A few pillows, a throw or some vases or decorative accessories can go a long way to adding color into this room. It's a good neutral space right now and any direction you go is going to be good, I think.

My only other suggestion is that a little bit of blue always looks nice with brown and you can integrate that well with the other colors you're looking for. Have fun!

What about pink? You could go really bold or pale pink on the walls.
Then varying shades- corals, deep red pinks, etc.

I think a cream rug (flokati rug) would be a good start to lighten every thing up.

Center the credenza as mentioned, need some height there try moving that plant on top of the credenza and a big mirror for that wall. .

Art takes time to collect, get what you love not what will match the furniture.

In the mean time painting walls a nice color would help. Drapes and pillows are needed and will help a a lot. Add lamps. Don't be afraid of going bigger, big lamps and a statement piece instead of a bunch of small knack knacks and standard size lamps. I love to see at least one lamp with either a black shade or deep color like deep pink or deep orange on a vintage or brass lamp, then two matching lighting is important.

Add more texture is needed. Maybe adding Moroccan, tribal and other interesting pieces with scale.

Here are some random brown and pink combos-
http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=85373

http://www.heatherpetersondesign.com/2011_10_01_archive.html

I mean gotta love that lamp
http://www.flickr.com/photos/44713708@N00/5730611395/in/photostream

Here is a very subtle pink, but see the lamp this is what I mean by adding a nice large lamp-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/44713708@N00/5730610943/in/photostream

Paint the walls.

Green goes very well with browns, woods and neutrals. But if you're thinking of red accents, a friendly shade of blue might be better. A light, duck egg sort of blue is a classic combination with beige, cream and chocolate brown. A richer blue might be nice too, if it's offset with a bit of white or cream in the colour scheme.

Paint the library wall in light banana-yellow.
Add pillows in different shades of yellow-orange-red and choose some bright posters for the walls.
Also add a carpet with the same color scheme (stripes?) and some little colorful accessories around the room.
have fun!

My very favorite color combo is brown and purple. Sexy!

I would maybe paint the wall behind the tv red. Above the credenza, I would put a large mirror with a red frame. Another idea is adding wall decals to the wall. You can find a large selection on etsy and normally you have a choice of color as well.(ex. http://www.etsy.com/listing/64103314/2-cherry-blossom-branch-6-birds-vinyl?ga_search_query=red&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5303902 )

Add colour... Buy some paint