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Here's a sketchup of what I see as an improved layout: http://imgur.com/2NHF2

Right now your living room looks like a place where five college students eat pizza and watch basketball. I have lived like that before. If the couches face each other, it looks like a proper home, where conversations take place and television is not the primary leisure activity. The poang could be facing the television.

Pushing the sitting area away from the wall and toward the patio door creates a passageway from one hallway to the other, without interrupting whatever conversation might be taking place on the couches. And the wall behind the couch would be the perfect place for a photo collage.

I see you have guitar(s). Showcase them, possibly in the corner between the TV and the patio door. Make them a conversation piece. Find things you love to look at, and let those things steer your color choices.

Invest in a good slipcover for the couch that is currently against the wall. Something besides navy blue.

Get an area rug for the living area. Either make it big enough that both of the couches fit or small enough that neither of them do, or possibly in between those two sizes.

Buy new matching cushions for your poang recliner and ottoman. Perhaps red. Then get throw pillows in a related red or orange (not the same red) for the couch.

Get side tables, and put table lamps on them so people can sit and read. That torchiere is doing no good in the corner.

Buy leaning bookcases to flank the television console on both sides. They are $30. Hack them to fit with the baseboard heaters.

Some helpful resources:
http://www.amazon.com/Nest-Home-Design-Handbook-personalize/dp/0307341917
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/tips/10-ways-to-customize-a-rental-092528

I really like your suggestions and omg you people are so creative :) I was going to suggest painting the shelves and the dresser as well. I love teal and lime green. They should definitely go for lighter colors. They can check Walmart for a duvet. There were very beautiful designs for back to school.

They should go for lighter color curtains and match them with the furniture and shelves or the bedspread. They can even buy some sheer curtains. They give a more fresh and light sense to any room.

I would also suggest putting away your shoes. You can put them under your bed in a box or inside your closet using a door hanging organizer

And yes, please post the results :)

1. Check out this link for some career ideas -- http://www.disd.edu/careers-interior-design.php
   
   
2. Search google for design firms in your area
   
   
3. Send out email inquiring about internships
   
   
4. Learn how to network. If you're not on the phone all the time, you're doing it wrong.
   
   
5. Get business cards and hand them out to everyone you meet
   
   
6. Read this book and this book for inspiration
   
   
   
   Build your email around this:
   
   >I'm currently a junior at a college that doesn't offer any classes in interior design and only recently had an epiphany that design is what I truly love. I'm currently following a route that's not really design or artsy (I'm taking media production) but I'm happy that I realized this now before it was really too late.
   
   PASSION -- use this word a lot, and mean it. You've got to be passionate about design, it's not a 9-5 job
   
   Don't mention middle school or high school.

Umm, actual professional AV Installer here.

1. Customers hate being told they have bad ideas.
   
2. People will think this person is nuts if they don't put the tv over the fireplace plus it's kind of a small area so, yeah, the tv's going over the fireplace.
   
3. There's a ton of room behind the top of the fireplace opening because the entire FP unit itself if made of metal and placed in to the framed out wall. The key is what's below you, is it open or finished basement? I'm assuming open or drop ceiling.
   
4. What you want to do is get your cables (including romex) down the inside of the wall just to the side of the fireplace. It looks like about 6 inches wide there. There's an decent amount of wood so you can cut a 1 1/2 inch hole through the floor (inside the wall!). It looks like the right side will have the gas feed, you'll know this by the chrome key plate on the wall, so use the other side for your cables just to be on the safe side.
   
5. Depending on the tv bracket you get (and the weight of your tv), you may need to secure a sheet of plywood to the wall first. Better yet, I would cut out a good amount of sheet rock (2x4ft) so you can stick your whole head and shoulders in the wall to see where your cables are going. Then just cover that hole up with the plywood.
   
6. I'd go with a small cabinet just below those windows there to hold your cable box, xbox, av gear, etc. It looks like there's already a cable outlet there so when you're in the basement you'll want to come up right along side that with all your cables. Bring your romex up along there too but in a different stud cavity. You want to keep a minimum of 6 inches of space between high voltage and low voltage and if they have to cross be sure it's at 90 degrees.
   
7. Buy this http://amzn.to/O53Odf or something like it to extend the electric. This will pass NEC code. Extension cords are not allowed inside the walls. Plug it in to the wall under those windows or better yet get a good surge protector.
   
8. Sorry, just realized this is a 2month old post. How did it go?! haha

I live on the second floor of a building also with huge floor to ceiling windows that look into the public courtyard and across into neighbor apartments. I bought this stuff from amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007RCX088

And used this tutorial: http://makingitfeellikehome.blogspot.com/2012/01/frosted-privacy-window.html
to create patters on my windows that let in all the light, and let me enough outside to make me happy without people being able to see inside very easily. The window film lets in a lot of light, but isn't see-thru at night (I've checked! Even standing right in front of the window with a light behind me, you can only see a vague outline, no details).

Hope you find your solution, good luck!

When I was in college (before I went to Interior Design school and got my MIA degree) I splurged on a book called The Magic of Small Spaces. It includes photos and floor plans of a lot of small houses and apartments all over the world, furnished in many different styles. It pretty much inspired me to go to design school, and showed me that you don't have to have a lot of square footage or spend a lot to develop a high-impact design. Other resources: The Domino Book of Decorating and Remodelista. The first is a fun "how-to" for curating/furnishing your own home, the second is by the editors of Remodelista.com. They all definitely include some high-dollar stuff, but also include a lot of IKEA, 2nd hand, and DIY. Hope that helps!

I use blackout curtains in addition to my wooden blinds. They block out more light and heat (when closed of course), help with energy bills, and still come in a variety of patterns/colors (depending on where you get them). They run more pricy than regular curtains but they're definitely worth it to me. They are a bit heavier, too, so make sure you use the rod recommended on the box. I've gotten them at Walmart, but here's an Amazon page to check them out. I have navy ones but I don't think colors matter as long as they have the special backing on them for the heat.

http://www.amazon.com/Best-Home-Fashion-Insulated-Blackout/dp/B001A662BE

hang a an old steel guitar with something like this? or perhaps a banjo or mandolin may even fit in with the decor better. also, is that a recessed light at the top of it? i think its a really fantastic space that, if used correctly, would really make the area "pop."

Both of Myquillyn Smith's books, for sure.

The Nesting Place: It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310337909/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_a9kBCb9AG7FF9

Part memoir, part interior design inspo, she tells about how she went about making her many houses (13 all told, most of them rentals) into homes over the past 18 years. Practical, down to earth, and encouraging for those of us who don't yet have our dream house or dream budget but still want a pretty home.

Cozy Minimalist Home: More Style, Less Stuff https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310350913/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_29kBCbP4RSR2V

Almost no "decluttering" dictates, unless you find honing your home's purpose and, in turn, its decor, releases you to purge what no longer serves the design of your home. This book is like Interior Design 101, explaining scale, light, texture, etc. and then instructing how to apply it room by room in your home. Don't expect tips on how to store your record collection, do expect to go get a bigger rug.

I think the trouble is whites/creams aren't as inherently light blocking as darker colors so they're not as popular as blackout, more popular as sheers / voile.

Try searching also for "offwhite", "ivory" and "ecru" and just pay attention to reviews mentioning how the color looks IRL

"Offwhite": http://www.amazon.com/Exclusive-Home-Thermal-Grommet-Off-white/dp/B00G24T1WQ/

"Ivory": http://www.amazon.com/Siena-Home-Fashions-Blackout-Curtain/dp/B00LXGUFGY/

"Ecru" : http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Sherry-Kline-Faux-Silk-Grommet-Top-96-inch-Blackout-Curtain-Panel-Pair/8890935/product.html?searchidx=2

FWIW I have these in beige, but they're a true beige not a cream. They block light pretty well. http://www.amazon.com/Best-Home-Fashion-Insulated-Blackout/dp/B003S6O7A2

While there are tons and tons of books to go through I recommend starting with something basic. I have a copy of the Nest Home Design Handbook and it covers how to merge styles and gives you a lot of things to consider when moving to a new home with a spouse. Their website may also have some articles that could be useful. While it's nice to think about objects and furniture to buy and whatnot ultimately the biggest thing to focus on is how to communicate your design priorities and find ways to make compromises if you disagree on layouts or colors or anything.

Hope that helps!

Others have already posted to look into "color theory" and some great books. Some other items for your tool box:

A color wheel - basic one here. The back of this wheel shows basic color schemes (like complementary, triadic, tetradic) that can be a first step to selecting a pallette for your designs.

Go to Sherwin-Williams if you have one near you and buy their color fan deck. Theirs is well organized and having all the choices at once will help you guage whether a specific blue, for example, is warmer or coolor than you want. Even if you don't purchase SW paint, many paint retailers can match from the SW color code. If you really want to splurge, you can get a Pantone color fan, but just starting out it's probably overkill.

I would get a smaller couch, then move that black chair to sit next to it at an angle. Once you do that, you’ll have some space to move that lamp out from the corner a bit.

Speaking of, what does that blue cord go to? The lamp? I assume there isn’t a plug in the corner, so I’d recommend getting some white raceways to hide the cable running over there. (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015EDVVU)

Paint the frame around the AC white, and clean it!

Then, plants in pots and open the blinds. Let that natural light in. :)

If you want to mount it above the fireplace, you could get a wall mount that pulls down for a better viewing angle, like this one.

I'm not a big fan of that setup. I'd probably put the couch against the windows and the TV in one of the opposite corners. I'd at least consider making that small office room into a snug tv room. You might have better window and wall placements. And it would leave your formal living room to have a lot of seating for your big dinners. But, it depends on how you use the spaces.

Something like this:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015EDVVU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Or for other jobs needing more width for more cables/cords:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015EA3NO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You can then paint them to match the wall color. I have both of these products in my home right now and they're great.

Yeah, it's cool. I just did it to my TV. Adds a nice indirect glow. These are the ones I used if you're interested.

You'd get some better responses if you provide a link. Are you talking about something like this?

I really like this book http://www.amazon.ca/Domino-Decorating-room---room-creating/dp/1416575464/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413311164&sr=8-1&keywords=domino+book.

And then yes, I would pick up any decorating magazines at the store as they always have tips and rules, etc. (Once you've been buying them long enough, you see that they repeat themselves.)

Then beyond that, I just love looking through a professional decorator's book (ie: http://www.amazon.ca/Mary-McDonald-Interiors-Allure-Style/dp/0847833933/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413311318&sr=8-1&keywords=mary+mcdonald) There's usually not a lot of info, but if you study the rooms, you can sort of learn what to do and what not to do.

I've attached an Amazon link to the physical one I use for everything.
You can also use an app like color harmony(free in the play store) or just use a Google images result.

Cox 133343 Color Wheel 9-1/4"- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I1TFMK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_YyD7CbDZBJFAS

Domino: The Book of Decorating

This book is fairly basic and straightforward. It's intended for the non professional, and does a good introductory job of guiding you through different styles.

Understanding different styles is something you are able to do through time and experience. Read everything you can, browse other designers portfolios, check out design books from your library. The more visual information you take in, the more your eye will be able to distinguish between styles. Take note of the types of furniture used, the lines of the furniture, the types of fabrics (as well as the patterns and prints on the fabric), the architecture of the room, etc.

Would something like this or this work? I do not need blackout curtains though because all of the houses around here have rolladens. So if there were something cheaper it would be fine.

I was in a similar situation (parking lot instead of a street). I got some of this stuff and have lightweight curtains over them. Plenty of light and privacy. Easy to install.

I'd highly recommend Holly Becker's book Decorate.

http://www.amazon.com/Decorate-Design-Ideas-Every-Room/dp/0811877892/ref=la_B004D1J1HK_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347398529&sr=1-1

It's clean and tidy,the wall over the bed hang this maybe look artistic

Yeah, maybe get a few of these

And get that White Falcon on display!

Agree that this is probably the only usable layout and TV can only go above fireplace. But you want to do that cleanly with no visible cords.

If wall above fireplace is not hollow, I would build out the wall on top of the fireplace the minimum amount needed to run power and cable down (check with electrician). Then have electrician run power and data chase to the middle of it. Then install one of these pull down TV mounts: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GSRRIVM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_yCJSzbPBANRF5

entrance

I'll tell you what. They sell things that cover those, made for just your situation.

http://www.amazon.com/Wiremold-CMK30-Screen-Television-Cover/dp/B0015EA3NO

Bam! Look, a product to buy! Paint it the color of your wall and follow manufacturer installation instructions.

I think it depends a lot on how how you write on it. To that end, I would consider using chalkboard markers, like they do for restaurant menus, rather than chalk, which can look faint and messy on non-slate chalkboard surfaces.

10 minutes! I'll call 911. http://www.amazon.com/Woodtek-164228-Hardware-Folding-Mechanism-L/dp/B0097EVIOM/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1382642592&sr=1-1&keywords=lift+top+coffee+table+hinges

Found something.. http://www.amazon.com/Woodtek-164228-Hardware-Folding-Mechanism-L/dp/B0097EVIOM/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1382642592&sr=1-1&keywords=lift+top+coffee+table+hinges

Instead of chalk, you can use chalk ink pens!

please hide your tv wires!!

Do you have room on the back of the door to hang something like this?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D58DRVC/ref=psdc_11601917011_t1_B000IXOH7G

It doesnt give you more counter space but at least it provides storage.


Another potential option would be really tall shower tension caddy that you can place in the corner:

https://www.amazon.com/Zenna-2130NN-Tension-Corner-Nickel/dp/B004EPXKKE/ref=sr_1_5?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1491227346&sr=1-5&keywords=shower+caddy