apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

What about also changing the curtains to compliment the pillows/add visual pop?

Once you've placed your larger colour elements (rugs, curtains, etc) you could also add a few more pops of colour with plant pots, lamp bases/shades, picture frames, cut flowers, a carefully placed mirror (to reflect larger elements), etc. Other textures might also introduce "warmth" without adding colour: maybe something in wood-tone, stained a medium cherry or teak tone, or maybe something in rattan (although it might be tough mixing rattan with such sleek, smooth surfaces).

How about a throw for the sofa?
And a coordinated cloth (thai silk?) runner under the components on your AV bench?

I'd also consider moving your existing artwork closer together. Personally, I feel that grouping things closely makes things feel warmer (even if they are cool-toned pieces).

Inexpensive lamps throughout your space can warm things up, too. Much better than one or two indirect light sources.

Good luck!

Minimalist and cheap are not synonyms, btw!

I think to get warmth through minimalism, texture (not necessarily color) is your friend. Natural textures like nubby weaves and burlaps will go a long way.

I also think small doses of your accent color in an otherwise neutral scheme will keep the look fresh and modern, which is where your taste seems to lie.

And as you start out, resist the temptation to spread things out to fill space. Cluster your stuff and you'll get much more mileage out of it.

The entertainment unit seems a little bear. Perhaps larger vase (or a group of them) or a plant.

I agree with moving the artwork closer. That was the first thing that stuck out when I saw the photos.

Besides what everyone else has said I'd invent in some colorful window treatments. White curtains with white walls just looks bland to me. Maybe you could find some inexpensive sari's in this color and fashion them into curtains of some sort?

ack, INVEST not invent.

Why not just buy the cerise sheers from IKEA to go with the pillows? They aren't an exact match, they're vibrant, cheap, very long and easily alterable with sew-on tape. And you could just buy sari patterend ribbin to accent them.

I refer you to this dear girl's IKEA South Asian redec: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adventuressheart/sets/72157594454474574/

I'd go with a really young, vibrant rug that brings in color and then add accessories....these might not be your colors (it is hard to judge on a screen, but you get the idea)
http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/control/prod/~pid=137MA18810-P/~color=8637
http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/control/prod/~pid=137MA05440-P/~showb=Y

I would add...in addition to bringing the artwork closer together, move it down some...lowering your artwork to eye level makes the room design look more cohesive.

funny but when I see your room, I want to go with less colors and emphasize textures instead. At most maybe bring out some of the bluish greys in the painting but even that would only be a second choice. I would work with whites, greys and blacks only.

PS: I don't see those pillows working in that room with the current furniture or artwork.

Call it Modern Moroccan.

Thanks everyone for the nice suggestions! Will post updates on my Flickr page!

polkadot, those rugs are 100% Nylon. Can you spell out crap?

A rug in a nice warm colour would do alot for the space, as well as I would definately get some great potted plants to add interest and colour.
Some interesting artwork would work well, or a great wooden frame mirror. I think you should try and bring more dark woods and textures in.
Everything that is in the space right now (except for the pillow) is so bland, so try not to buy anything else that isn't saturated in warm colours.
Can't wait to see what you do.

Your art is hung too high and too spread out. Bring it down closer to the furniture and group the pieces that are roughly over the sofa. Bring your furniture away from the walls if possible, so it forms a welcoming and coherent group. Don't spread your accessories evenly -- group them in vignettes with some variety of height and texture, and don't be afraid to have a clear table in order to group accessories elsewhere.

If your objects are clustered and interacting with one another, the room will feel cozier, even if it's stark white.

After you've grouped things, then think about adding a throw or a rug or more pillows.

Have you absolutely ruled out painting? Paint is relatively inexpensive, and you get a lot of bang for your buck. And you don't have to do all 4 walls, or even all of one wall. I gave my last apartment a jolt by painting part of a wall the same color as your pillows, and I loved it.

I'm with Sprite - painting could really brighten the place, and is quite cheap, either the whole room, an accent wall, or perhaps some kind of pattern. There was an artist from san fran i think featured on some design site a couple of months ago who had painted just one wall wall with large moorish looking window arches in brown...looked very cool...couldnt find the link just now though so i guess thats not much help!