Photos of the space would be very helpful.

The pictures are small, so its hard to really give ideas, but from what I can see, it looks pretty darn good already, and if its a rental I wouldnt be spending too much money on it. The only thing I would change is the art on the mantel, it is too small and hung too high, what about a large mirror or a large colorful print.

If you click the pictures individually, they enlarge.

I think it looks really nice. I guess the main question is, do you want to add color? If so, your background is neutral enough, you can go in any direction, though I think picking up on the rust tones in the brick would really warm up the space. And you seem to know what to do already in terms of throw pillows, or throw blankets, art work that ties in the colors. The existing art over the mantel doesn't do much, and it's hung way too high and too far apart. It doesn't look wide enough to put much on it, so I'd stick with hanging art above.

I wouldn't dismiss window treatments out of hand. I happen to like them, I think they really warm up a space. Custom will be too expensive for temporary quarters but if you go with ready mades, you need not spend a lot of money on them. Even JC Penney, Overstock.com, Country Curtains, and you can add some warmth, pattern and color to the room. (I've even made curtains out of flat sheets...string the rod through the top hem.)

Can you place the area rug in such a way that it doesn't overlap the hearth?

Also, pull the single club chair out away from the wall a few inches so it doesn't look so crowded there. A room and it's furnishings typically look better with a little breathing space. The stuff on the shelf above the chair looks a little crowded, and is too even in height. Place fewer items of different height up there. There's room for some art below the shelf too.

Yes the pictures do enlarge when clicked on.

I like the fireplace, I would put nothing on the mantel, just bigger art piece hung above. As Anne said, color is missing in your room. I would pick a shade from that beautiful brick wall for pillows on the couch and in the art work.

Some great ideas!! Thank you!!

The rug cannot be moved in any other position - covering the hearth slightly is the only way it fits in the space. Its a uniquely sized room and we downsized when moving here :)

I want to add color, but in a way that it works with what I already have. I was thinking maybe some light blue or gold to tie in with the rug? Not sure how to add color other than pillows and throws. I like the idea or art or a mirror over the fireplace and art above the chair. Would you suggest using the art to bring in those colors?

The room has a lot of personality! I bet the rest of the home is very cute too!

The sofa wall looks squished in that photo. If you could pull the chair out a little as suggested, could you move the table and lamp and place it to the left of the chair? Then you could get a modern angled or arching floor lamp for the tight corner next to the sofa. I would also remove the heavy shelf from over the chair. It looks intimidating. A vertical piece of modern art would be much nicer there.

The chair does look like it belongs in that corner now. It needs a shorter squatter lamp though.

Some art on the wall over the sofa will help. The lamp then becomes part of the art arrangement as far as art placement goes.

Go to art.com or other online dealer and find a canvas print that takes up much of the width of the mantel. Have the canvas wrapped around a frame. You could pull that light blue color from the chair.

Botanical blues from art.com

Yes, you definitely use the art and the other accessories to pull the colors into the room that you wish to emphasize.

I'd also try the ottoman in front of the chair now. It might need a slight tweak to keep the doorway clear. Then I'd get a longer cocktail table for the sofa.

Anne, that is gorgeous, love the color pulled from the brick wall, goes well with the area rug too

Maybe a small console-style table for between the sofa and the downtstairs railing, with a small lamp.