Tell me how to make flat scene look magnificent!

[angle of view]

I've been working on some architectural photography, and have had some great success. I don't have any extra lighting equipment, aside from my speedlite. I normally (for interiors) set the exposure to a small aperture, which give me a long shutter speed, and I get a great exposure full of color.
Well, I was asked to do a job of an interior, and when I got there the subject had nothing that popped. It was flat, it was dull, it was nothing but neutral, and beige. I took the photos as usual and ended up feeling really disappointed. my client wasn't thrilled neither. So, if I had had more lighting set up, would this have made a big difference? Any other suggestions are welcome. I do plan to buy extra lighting eventually. Also, can any one suggest the best lighting kit on a budget?

 

[Garbz]

Photography is nothing more than the control of light. To make things pop in an architectural scene you just need some lighting equipment.

That said you mentioned you use a long shutter speed, so since you don't need a flash if you have a tripod and the time to shoot steady subjects, buy a set of desk lamps and play with them.

 

[andrew99]

Start reading strobist.com (the lighting 101 section), he talks a lot about lighting interiors and making them look dramatic. There is a learning curve, but it will be worth it.