Living Room Re-Do (HELP!)

I have taken a MAJOR hiatus from decorating these last few years. I have been thinking about why I may have temporarily given up one of the things I love and here are the reasons:

1. I left all my decorations in San Diego when I moved.

2. When I lived with roommates they could care less what our apartment looked like, so I refrained.

3. When I moved into Jared’s condo he already had curtains up and pictures hung, so I just let it be. Plus, I didn’t mind what he had done to the place.

4. I thought I would wait until we moved into a house to buy new decor so that it would fit perfectly with the house.

Now that I am home all day with Luke, I have been looking around the house and I might have been bit by the decorating bug again. Our place just needs a little extra kick in the pants.

I think that I have it in my mind that this is ONLY Jared’s house, not mine yet. I think by bringing in my style it will make me feel that it is OUR place.

I instantly started scouring the place for decorations to add here or there, when I realized I didn’t have anything.

Today I went to a couple of regular stores & thrift shops and I came up empty handed. What is wrong with me, I never am empty handed? I have never had such a decorating block before (maybe it is due to the  hiatus).  I just don’t have a vision yet. Maybe it is because I don’t want to go overboard because I am waiting until we get in a house, but I also want to enjoy where I live now.

Here is where you come in.

I need some suggestions. I am starting by re-doing our living room/dining room. I want to add a little color, without having to paint walls (too much work for this condo) Tan, black and white are getting a little dull. I was thinking of adding red or teal blue. Thoughts?

I am thinking of adding throw pillows in a color and maybe switching out the curtains. I also want to replace the two painting hanging on the walls. I was thinking of doing a three picture frame arrangement of family photos on one wall, but I can’t think of what to do on the other?

We also have 8 shelves that line the entertainment center. Any cool ideas for accessories to go on these shelves?

Any ideas are appreciated. Again, I want things that are simple, but will make a huge change. Low cost would be great too, since it might not fit into the new house’s decor.

Here are some pictures to help you visualize.

Yes, I know the light in the dining room is very dated.

Jared is making end tables that match the coffee table he built

The tan couches

The entertainment center with shelves

HELP!!!!