What were your bad choices? I think loose back couches start to look sloppy and old quickly. I am not sure how most chenille holds up.I had one that started ripping ad had to be returned. I don't think a skirt on a couch is what makes it look old fashioned, but rather the material the couch is in. You want a couch that is some what firm to be able to handle the everyday use of an active family. I have four couches and knew that they were comfortable enough after sitting in them. If you are having doubts, then keep looking.

I feel your pain -- it took us well over a year to pick a sectional! It's a large expense so you want to feel comfortable with it.
In terms of depth of sofa -- I think that depends entirely upon the height of the people who will most often use it. Because I'm short, a 42-inch depth was too much for me (I'm only 5"2". 39-inch depth was much more comfortable, but for taller people, they might appreciate the extra space a greater depth proides. Obviously, you need to check it out by having those who will most use it, sit on it.
In terms of the skirt, I have to agree with your husband, but having said that, it's personal choice. I like the fact that it's easier to keep the bottom of the skirtless sofa clean.
I would vote for microfiber, given your active household. I think chenille is really pretty, but I think it sometimes tends to look "hot" on a whole couch -- as if the couch is weaing a sweater!
I don't know if I would call a rust color neutral, but the main thing is do you like the color and how does it work with the rest of the room. Can you post a piture, perhaps?
Anyway, good luck. I am sure you will find something you like soon!

Your questions are all on what WE would like and that should not matter in your selection. Your couch has to fit your needs. Personally I do not like a deep couch that I can't rest my back on, but others may like a deep couch if they use it for laying down and reading like so many do.

Skirted couches do not seem old fashioned but maybe the one you have your eye on looks too feminine with the skirt and your DH thinks it looks too 'old lady-ish'. Or, maybe he wants a Modern look and not Contemporary and this is the way he is wording it.

Firm or Soft?? What do YOU like? That is what matters. Personally I insist on firm because they are easier to get up out of, but I am older and not a fit teenager or a guy.

Regarding the Rust color for a couch..........I do not consider it a "neutral" and see a possible clash with mahogany (depending on what other colors and styles are in the room). If DH is worried about a couch being old fashioned or dated looking the Rust color might be what makes certain styles look '70s. Personally, if I had to go out and buy a couch today I would go for a Slate Gray or Charcoal. Still, you can make a Rust color work in any room depending on other elements. I could make a pink and orange room work too, but it would be a lot of work and expense to do it over that way. You say mahogany and beige walls. Is there other furnishings in already or is this really a blank slate? What other furniture, curtains, or art is in place already? What style are you aiming for? Southwestern? Beachy? Victorian? Craftsman? I'm not talking about a theme room, but it's leanings. A rust colored couch may or may not work in certain styles.

You mention a mahogany floor but are you going to put down a rug also? You may want to take in the rug considerations when making the couch purchase.

If you are looking for a fabric that will wear well with heavy use go for a Bouclé.

You say you are going for a couch and loveseat for the family room. Have you considered going with a couch and two chairs instead? This give more room arranging options and would give teenagers and DH 'their own space' when seated.

Thank you everyone for your thoughtful responses. We just returned from sofa shopping again. Exhausting. Didn't come up with anything new. The color I was referring to as rust is actually called mocha. DH thinks it looks more brownish-cinnamon than rust. Our floors are cherry (not mahogany in case I said that). I wish I could post pictures but I haven't quite figured that out yet. I guess my biggest concern is that the more modern looking sofa would end up looking sloppier over time and the one with the skirt seems like it would retain its shape better. Then again, I can see my boys wanting to curl up in the larger sofa. At any rate, I know it will be my decision, but I do value your input. Someone asked about my past bad choices. The worst was choosing a white cotton sofa with a pale blue stripe when I had toddlers. What was I thinking? I am going to go sit in both of the sofas again this week and then I will just make a choice. Thanks again.

Modern looks sloppy?!?

Modern looks so crisp and sparse. Some Modern couches may be cheaply made and show sagging or wear early on, but the same could be said for any cheap piece.

Yikes! I feel thoroughly chastised. Guess I used the wrong word. I should have said "less old-fashioned looking" instead of modern. Didn't mean to offend anyone. Not a modern girl here, just trying to find something that will look nice for a long time to come since it is a large purchase. Cheap is relative I guess, but I definitely am frugal and want to get my money's worth. Thanks everyone for all your help. I will figure it out. Happy decorating!

I definitely agree with not having deep (front to back) seating because people may end up on them for hours and end up uncomfortable, to say the least. Pillows don't cut it as a compromise and then you're stuck with having to put them somewhere too. Too low is a similar problem and unless you or your husband have wonderful backs, you'll end up hating those too. I would vote for microfiber - easy to maintain, lasts better than chemille any day and/or boucle (especially if you have a cat!).