I love the rug you currently have in the room.

I second that...I love your rug...so can I have it if you decide to get a new one????

"Age appropriate"???? That's a new one on me, I gotta' say. :)

I like the rug you have, but I very much like the last contemporary one you posted (PB Bryan) the best, I think. But be careful with PB rugs: people have had trouble with outgassing for a long time (burnt smell). Also, tufted rugs shed.

2nd mirror--different, I like it.

lamps for end table are good, too.

Of course, I am a 53-year-old woman, so I might not know what I'm talking about. :)

DOWDY?!?!? Please! The correct term is "classic". LOL!

Your current rug is lovely and lends itself to many decorating styles. It is also a rug that could easily be moved to a DR, LR or even BR later on. Your new "modern" choices may feel dated to you quickly... or maybe not. Only you know what your attention span is. :) I do like the one you have now, but then I have more traditional taste. The others are more "fun" for the moment.

I like the second mirror as it has a more classic, quiet feel. And it goes better w/ your original rug. ;)

Won't vote on the lamp as I am not a fan of dark lamp shades and can't give you an unbiased opinion. As if none of my other opinions were not biased you understand. ;;

I think part of the problem is everything is a variation of beige. You are off to a good start with nice neutral backdrop. I'd keep the chocolate pillows, but replace the others with either plain or graphic patterned pillows in some fun bright colors. Pillows and accessories can be trendy and then easily changed to freshen up the decor. I can see lovely silk dupionni (or other texture like linen) pillows in tangerine and lime or bold fun patterned ones with flowers or branches. Look at Crate&Barrel, CB2, West Elm etc. for ideas for rooms and pillows for inspiration. They are more modern in feel than Pottery Barn if that is where you are headed.

Sky

I agree with you that the other two rugs have a more contemporary look than the rug you have now. Their larger, less detailed print along with the lack of a border give them a less formal look.

One thing the current rug has going for it is the cool blue color that would help you add another color dimension to the room. And the green you have pulled from the rug with the pillows is nice.

You asked at the right time. You have a great foundation and you don't want to go backwards. To me, it doesn't feel fresh or alive. I think it's the lack of color and changing the rug isn't necessarily going to help in that regard. I did notice the blue in the existing rug as well. From that, I might try a turquoise. Even without that rug and one of the others, you could do a turquoise, a coral or orange. It could be a lamp base or a decorative item on the end table shelf. If the brown pillows have to stay, I would remove the pillows altogether. There just seems to be too many.

Also, there seems to be a need for some "movement." I think one of the more contemporary rugs can give you that or a non-solid or different color drapery.

Now that I posted and look back at the photos, what I'm trying to convey appears in the last room photo. See how the orange livens the scene and the patterned fabric gives movement. Take your time and have fun!

I love the rug you have now!

I really like what you have going on! It's calm, serene, and comfortable. I like that you have layered tone on tones--the wall color, the beautiful silk drapes, and the sofa.

I too think you can pull in different "looks" through your pillows and artwork on the walls.

I'm not a fan of the other rugs. To me, they would just compete and my eye would be drawn to them immediately. And if that was the case, then I would keep all other elements simple. Your current rug looks more "expensive" to me too.

You're changing because you want a change?

If so, I'd pick the first rug and the second mirror.

Well, and it depends, too. What's the FP going to look like?

The first mirror/wall art piece says "dust, anyone?" to me.

Wow, thanks for all of the feedback! I have been going back and forth on this for so long on my own - it's nice to hear other opinions!

I do want a classic, timeless look but one that still feels fresh and modern. I think there are contradictions there and that's what has been so challenging for me. It's my first home and while I don't mind changing up pieces according to seasons and whims, I definitely don't want to rehaul the major stuff like the rug and furniture. I feel I've come a long way from where I started:

old family room

old kitchen

New room

New kitchen

but still have a ways to go. The current rug is just a trial, can still be returned. I just rolled it out to see if the colors tie into the couch and brown pillows - the only things I can't change in the room.

For the fireplace, we'll tile it in a travertine of some sort and then get a mantle with surround in an off/antique white. Something that will look more updated than the old dingy brick we had. I normally love brick fireplaces but this one was a horror!

Chicoryflower - good call on the dust issues with the 1st mirror, I hadn't thought of that!

It all looks good. What you currently have and the PB stuff. If more contemporary is what your after, but using the rug you already have (which is very pretty) - I would lose the striped and floral pillows, and replace with pillows the color of the blue from the rug. The glass vases you have are old world looking to me so I would replace those too. I like the second mirror - I think it will stand the test of time more than the first. I like the lamp - but you might like something with a drum shade also. I might do something in a more matte finish for the window treatments. BUT.....you could do NOTHING and still have a beautiful room.

If you want to replace the rug, I would suggest picking something that is not in the same medium tannish/brown tones that you have going everywhere else in that room. The rug could be the place for a nice splash of color that you also pick up in some new pillow covers for your sofas.

I like the first rug best. I agree that it will look less dated in the future.

Where did you get it, if I may ask?? I'm looking for something with similar colors. Thanks!

Seems like I am the contrarian. I think the look of the second rug is more to what you seem to be after. You don't seem to love the first one. The monotones are very soothing and it's really okay to have a monotone room, if that is what you like. Decorating is all about you. I like your inspiration picture with the second rug a lot. It's clean and that's what contemporary/modern is all about. The nice thing about a neutral room is that you can change it out when ever you want.

If monotone is where your eye is going than my suggestion is you go with your eye.

If you should choose to add color, something like the pillow attached would work with the 2nd rug as a color influence. It would bring in another texture. You can just pick any color in the pillow for vases and other accessories.

I think the second mirror is more classic than the first. There is nothing wrong with the first as a matter of fact, I feel it has more of a wow factor but I also feel it will outdate itself.

I would suggest a lamp with a ligher shade since the tables are dark.

I am not sure I would go with silk drapes but once again, they will be fine to use. I just see something more casual in material like a heavy linen or something with gommets (did I spell that right?).

Here is a link that might be useful: Pillows

Kimberly, I got it from Pottery Barn, it's called Graham and is on sale now. But I think this is the same rug at Target, deeply discounted from PB! Check it out, to my eye it is a carbon copy.

Here is a link that might be useful: Target Rug

I like the contemporary rugs! I think your furniture leans that direction/style anyway. I like the first PB leaf rug. Then live with it for a while before you buy the mirror. The lamp base needs more color IMHO.
I can't wait to see it done.

Thanks, Manisha! I checked out the Target look-alike, but I think it is more gold than I like. Unfortunately, PB doesn't appear to have the Graham rug on their web site anymore. I'll have to keep my eye on eBay.

Thanks again, and good luck completing the room!
Kimberly