Step 1

First we need an image that is well-arranged and well shot. For this tutorial we’ll use this image:

Step 2

After opening this image, create a Curves adjustment layer by clicking the button to the left of the new layer button on the layers palette or by going to Layer>New Adjustment Layer>Curves. The goal of this step is to lighten the mood in the room a bit and bring up a little brightness and some better contrast in colors. Use the following settings:

Step 3

Now select your original layer with the image and create a Selective Color adjustment layer. We’re going to try and bring out a little of the brown in the leather and the wall. Use the following settings:

Step 4

Select your original layer again and create a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer. Make sure Colorize is not selected and turn the saturation all the way down and apply the settings:

Step 5

Now get a hard 30px brush out and change the foreground color in the tools palette to black. Make sure the Hue/Saturation adjustment layer is selected and start to brush carefully over both of the couches. This creates a nice selective effect:

Step 6

Now with your Hue/Saturation adjustment level still selected, change the opacity to 75% to not completely single out the couches:

Step 7

This is one of the most significant steps. Duplicate your original layer with your image and then use Filter>Blur>Gaussian Blur at these settings:

Step 8

Now change the opacity of your new layer to 68%. This will create a dreamy effect on the image.

Step 9

We don’t want the couches to be too blurred, so now take your eraser and use a soft 30px brush at 60% opacity and 100% flow to brush over the couches.

Step 10

You now have your final perfected image. These basic touchup steps can be applied to any image and will boost the quality of any photo. I added some text to my final image and here is my result: