I'm color fearless myself (I have a true purple sofa, for example) but too much color can be disturbing. If you want to create flow, as you say, warmer colors such as the beige that you mentioned, do the job. Splashes of color w/toss pillows, throws, window treatments, etc. create cohesion. One colorful object, such as an accent wall, create a focal point. Otherwise, your eyes won't know where to focus and a sense of chaos prevails in the room. Why not check out HGTV online? There is so much info to choose from there and you can even email the experts and ask their advice.

When you begin, totally empty the room so that you have a blank canvas, so to speak. Draw simple sketches of furniture placement and measure, measure, measure to be sure that everything fits and that you're not trying to make it all work. And I can tell you from experience, more often than not, reupholstering is more expensive than buying new. Unless you are keeping the furniture for sentimental reasons, let it go and start fresh when you're financially able. Good luck w/your project and, above all, have fun w/it. I'd love to be there w/you to be in on it. I LOVE projects like this.