Cant take the fireplace off because we're renting at the moment and the bloke said he didn't want it removed. This is the fireplace that's underneath it. We've literally just moved in and all the walls are white but there's so much stuff I want to change! I hate the blinds, I don't know if it'd the colour of them or not... We kinda need something covering over there as we get the sun directly in. I know everything doesn't go. Trust me I can't stand it as my old place was very shabby chic but we needed a bigger place asap as we've just had to settle with the design of this room. Just any ideas for quick fixes would be great. Or anything else I could cover that hideous gas fire with. Can't really paint at the moment coz of the baby over wise I would. Thanks everyone for your help so far

I like that rug that loribee posted, however they don't have it in an 8x10 size. I generally don't care for the floral designs but there are some exceptions that I like. Hope this doesn't sound bad, but I'm a single guy and I tend to think the floral patterns just don't provide a masculine look. The leather is dark brown/espresso. You're right it's a discontinued Ikea model - Kramfors. That overstock rug I posted is bold - maybe a bit bolder than I'd generally go for - but I do like it.

I love the colors and the uncluttered look - it's clean and relaxing and warm. But - the couch and chairs look too far apart for comfortable conversation. Maybe you can pull them closer? Really play with the furniture arrangement - maybe the couch in front of the window, the chairs facing it. Is the room big enough to have two separate areas? Is the window a patio door? A couple of lighter Scandinavian-style chairs, with frame exposed, dark wood or even metal, fabric or leather in red or cream or beige would look fantastic in your room - lighter chairs are easier to move about for conversation. Shelves, or shorter shelves with art above them, on one of the walls, if you pull the chairs and couch closer? You'll probably need more than the one painting. A coffee table? Large ottoman? Not every room needs one but I think it would make your room cozier esp. if you don't get any more chairs. A larger rug - maybe an Oriental in beige and red. I like the curtains but I think they will have more rhythm when you get other vertical elements in the room and art on the walls.

Just some thoughts.......... I would definitely get rid of the behemoth entertainment center and get something smaller. The one you have now actually blocks part of the nice windows. You have a newer TV and don't need a big ET for it. I would just paint the end tables and coffee table maybe a matte black. They look sturdy and clean lined. When painted they would have a bit of an Asian influence and look more contemporary. Its cheaper to paint than to buy new ones. I would cover the planter and make it a ledge. I would install tiny pendant lights replacing the cam light overhead. This will help define the foyer area. Tiling the foyer area would help define it and be more functional since that area is where dirt and slush from outside land. I would paint out the backs of the book shelves. Also remove the doors on the bottom and put in some large baskets to hold your stuff. This would break up the big 'wall-o-wood' look that it has now. Use a warm color for the walls so that the wood wall blends in better. Since the paneling goes all the way to the ceiling, use a warmer white on the crown molding. Stark white is too harsh when lined up with the wood. Don't change the brick or the mantel. They go with the house. The fireplace looks very nice. Painting the screen to bring down the shininess would be better though. If you do not open and close the shutter doors and use them, I would remove them. Do you use the ceiling fan on the living room ceiling a lot? If so, you need to keep it of course but otherwise it could go. The idea to put a bar in place of the desk.......Do you NEED a bar near the foyer to offer guests a drink when they come in? If so, then it would work for your needs but I think a narrow cabinet or table would be the better choice. Consider adding a rug to anchor the furniture. Nice heavy drapes would make the room look cozy and balance things out. I would stick to solid color instead of a busy print for such a small room or use a print that is tone on tone.