apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Pull out the carpet and or sofas - too much beige! I'd choose the carpet, since it will probably be cheaper to finish the floor than buy new sofas. Cleaner too. Add colored pillows and a new area rug.

Paint your walls - a warm light blue or crisp cream.

Get some other lights - the overhead is a killer for space.

Good luck.

at first i thought that this was a joke. but just in case you are serious:

for starters...rip up that carpet and paint the walls a light color that has some life in it. THEN, I would replace the furniture. good luck on your complete makeover!

well, it's all mashed potato in there, isn't it? I think two out of the three elements must change, since walls, floor and furniture are all in clashing beiges. Since I'm guessing the furniture will stay for a while, that leaves you with walls and floor. Evict the carpet and pray for dark wood floors beneath. Then add silver grey walls and bright white trim-- and put your bookshelves in the center of the wall-- the books are a great spot of anchoring color. It looks weird to stick them in the corner. Good luck-- I think you can do it. At least you don't have clutter! As far as I can tell, most of the cure involves telling people to clean up their messes. You've done that-- now liven it up!

Hey folks, put your comments about the room on the actual thread, so the Chicago reader can see your tips! There's only seven or so comments over there... you know we can do better than that, this opinionated lot!! :)