We have been renovating this 1950s ranch home for the last 6 years and I am finally gung ho to put some life and personality into the space. I have been trying to do this for the last several years but just cannot find a color scheme and/or décor to give the space the right feel and “functional” “small” living space. I am a minimalist when it comes to off-wall décor but right now I also have a 26-month old and an 8-month old so extra floor/table décor in the space is more no-no than ever before. We do live across the street from a large inland lake in MI so I have always been interested in a lakeside feel without going totally “beach theme”. I tend to have a very eclectic taste but don’t want to overwhelm the space either and always have a difficult time coordinating colors & decor tastefully. The walls are a slightly pastel/neutral green, and we have hardwood oak floors and dark brown furniture. I really need help putting color and coordinating the living/dining room shared space. It is challenging even more so because it is all walk-through space and in between the kitchen and the three back bedrooms, as well as the “formal” front-door entrance. I have a very small budget so while an area rug, pillows and wall décor are planned expenses, I am not really looking to buy new furniture; however, I do want to put in a chair or two to help frame the sitting area. Besides this, I have tried and tried and just cannot make the space/color schemes work for us. My husband just keeps saying, everything is brown! I really do not have the ability/time to paint the room right now either. Any help or suggestions would be wonderful and even specific product citing would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much, Houzzers!!!!