Remove clutter, reveal character

The space: A formal living room in a west Bloomington home.

What works: Fresh, neutral paint in a pale willow green complemented the space.

What didn't: Too many furnishings and accessories made the room feel small and cramped; formal furnishings made the space feel like it was never really used.

Expert opinion: "Since this is a large family-style home, we wanted to give the room a more spacious and family-friendly feel," said Lori Matzke of Centerstagehome.com.

Boxing up small accessories on the tabletops and wall gives the room a lighter, airy feel.

Exchanging two white loveseats and a formal side chair for a more casual leather sofa from the family room helps center the space and make it feel more user-friendly.

A large painting in a gold frame at midlevel of the wall above the sofa pulls the buyer's eye into the room.

A wingback chair that had been visually blocking the path to the dining area was pulled farther back into the corner. Matzke positioned a small side table next to the chair and put a large floor lamp behind it, to balance the light.

In the dining room, two dining chairs that flanked the china cabinet were removed to give the space some breathing room. A decorative grapevine with silk flowers draped over the cabinet drew too much attention, so it was also removed.

Open-house tip: Leaving the chandelier on for showings lights up the space and pulls the buyer in.

Greenery adds a nice touch of color and keeps the eye moving through the space.