Black is neutral; it will go with your horrible brown carpet just fine. If you get to paint though, do it. Get rid of that very limiting gold.

What color is your other furniture? Sofa, chairs, tables?

A creamy white is neutral and goes with everything. Brown is boring, but it's a neutral and will be fine with black furniture and most colors. If you had brown wood floors, I doubt you'd have asked the question.

If you hate the brown, find a rug to stick on top of the brown rug.

After you paint, make yourself some of these super easy, incredibly cheap drop cloth curtains and the place will look great.

Step by Step Drop Cloth Curtain Tutorial · More Info

Inspiration pic to pull colors from, also you should think about putting in white led bulbs

Love Benjamin Moore Cloud White is a warm white; but White Dove or Dove White by Benjamin Moore is one of their number one paints preferred by one and all.....

I wouldn't use a white. I think it will look like you moved in and didn't paint. I'd look at something like BM Feather Down or BM Natural Wicker. It will be lighter but still have a little substance and will work with your carpet color.

BM Pale Oak. And do a nice bright white trim and ceiling.

Pale Oak is a warmer, light gray tone neutral. will go w/black and brown.

Lacey Pearl is another one

Take care with lighting in your room. That will introduce an inviting feel to the room. In top search box, put "lighting modern living room ideas in photos" (without the quotes), and see the ways they make a modern room with white walls pop.

Some rooms have white walls, but they make the room "warm" by adding warm brown and tan woods in bookcases, dining tables, or medium brown furniture along with the black. Also, your artwork will be important. They will be a conversation piece, as well as add color and individuality. Find in a local art gallery, or art.com.

I agree with white not being the best. Maybe go a little more on the creamy side to make it look homey. I love modern also, but it can look sterile if not done right.