Blank slate perfect for rustic-chic look

I just bought my home and there's no money left for updating right now. This living room is from the 1970s with paneling, super-padded carpet (the curio cabinet can't stand up straight because of the carpeting), vinyl wallpaper and dark wood trim.

Right now, the space is housing my dining room and other assorted furniture because I don't have any living room furniture or lights. It's got great natural light from the big picture window - but, boy, it NEEDS updating. It's really a blank slate just waiting for the right touch.

Design by Steinhafels

Expert: Interior designer Andrea Odishoo, Vernon Hills store, www.steinhafels.com.

Budget: $2,500 to $5,000

The dominant feature in this room - the white painted brick fireplace - definitely dictates the room's style direction. A casual, rustic-chic style would be a perfect look for this room.

Suggestions

• A deep cushioned sofa, a large scale coffee table and comfortable accent chairs in a fun patterned fabric will be key pieces for this look. A large iron clock on the fireplace front is in order.

• The long, brick fireplace hearth can be softened by using a few rectangular box cushions on it for extra seating around the coffee table, as well as comfort, color and added dimensional interest.

• A large piece of artwork or a set of two or three panels on the wall behind the sofa will be a nice counterpart to the iron clock. Use a console table behind the sofa table to display decor and provide a place to add a decorative table lamp.

• I suggest changing the wall color to something new, such as Benjamin Moore's Edgecomb Gray, to add some contrast to the white brick and the light-colored carpeting. An area rug can also be added on top of the carpet for more contrast, dimension and drama.