Picture a brighter living room

Caroline Brearley’s living room. (Leah L. Jones/For The Washington Post)

 

THE CHALLENGE

 

Arlington resident Caroline Brearley would like to finally hang photos in her living room, but indecision on furniture placement has kept the walls bare for six years. Brearley, who is willing to part with much of the existing furniture, wants storage solutions for two young children and a fresh coat of paint.

The solution. (Julius Goyanko/For The Washington Post)

THE SOLUTION

 

Designer Danielle Gray adds color to the neutral space and arranges new furniture for a cheerful, relaxed and kid-friendly space. Gray, of Gray Livin’ (202-681-2086, www.graylivin.com), is based in the District.

Styled with framed photos and wicker baskets, a bookshelves do double duty as toy storage and display space.

Pale gray walls unify the space and make orange and blue accents pop. Try Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl.

Define the living and dining areas with different but coordinating rugs.
The smaller sofa and recliner are better scaled to the space. A dark indigo fabric for the recliner adds extra color and can hide stains.

Dress up windows and add privacy with a neutral curtain. A wavy pattern is fun but subtle.

SHOPPING GUIDE

 

Furniture: Axis II two-seat sofa in Theater Gunsmoke ($1,899) and Wyatt 40-inch media console ($599) both from www.crateandbarrel.com; Cooper coffee table ($299,www.iometro.com); Brook recliner in indigo linen with black finish ($1,279, www.ballarddesigns.com); Ideal white chair ($80, www.cb2.com).
Accessories: Wyndham rug in silver ($324 for 5-by-8-foot rug) and Montauk rug in gray ($76 for 4-by-6-foot rug), both from www.rugsusa.com; Scribble curtain panels in Feather Gray ($49 per 96-inch panel), Gemma Orkin Afghan pillow ($24), capiz orb pendant in medium ($199) and mercury glass jug table lamp ($169), all from www.westelm.com; cheetah pillow cover in Twilight Blue ($27) and 18-inch feather insert ($14) both from www.potterybarn.com; stainless steel spheres ($15-$30, www.cb2.com); woven rectangle basket ($34 for medium, www.wisteria.com).