Color details in my livingroom?

Question

I am trying to figure out how to redecorate my livingroom. The color scheme is mostly khaki, chocolate and expresso; the walls are brown paneling (yuck, but I can't paint over them) and the carpet is white with flecks of tan and brown. I have a couple of bamboo plants in vases, a bamboo runner on my coffee table, cool green and some tan printed materials on my speakers and tables. Most of the things I have are I guess you'd say from other cultures: India, China, etc. But how do I incorporate that into a contemporary livingroom without making it feel like it's mismatched? Also, when I'm grouping objects, do they all need to be in the same color family? I have a cool orange vase and a green one that I thought I might try to incorporate into the room, but the rest of my things don't seem to go with those colors. I thought I might try teal or bright colored drapes and a large wooden bowl with artificial lemons on my coffee table to help add color to the room? Any suggestions I might use to make my livingroom look better? Thanks!

Answer 1

If you spread color throughout the room, it will be easier on the eye. Artificial fruit always makes me laugh because guests try to eat it =P

maybe hang art from asia on the wall [a big piece] and it will tie in your splashes of color and you contemp. old world feel =]

Answer 2

If there's a window, try green drapes or with a similar bamboo pattern as your runner.  Throw pillows for the sofa should be shades of green, yellow, red, and / or orange.

Answer 3

I would pick one bright accent color to offset the neutral tones in your living room.  Orange, lemon or bright green would work, use multiple accent pieces (vases, throw pillows, etc.) all in the same color your choose.  It will look more unified that way.  I've recently painted my kitchen a sage green and am planning on using a bright redish orange as an accent color to unify the space.  Good luck!

Answer 4

Not sure if you said you're not able to paint walls because of money or someone told you that.  (Or maybe you rent?) Because you can paint paneling.  Just paint with Kilz first & then paint.  Anyway, as for the rest, always buy what you love & it will look good together.