A vivid blue, maybe a geometric print, add some modern flair. Then you can update lamps and pillows-it will inspire you!

Use the great piece of art over the sofa for inspiration but first lower it to 6-8 inches above the sofa, it's too high. Change the rug to a deep blue, patterned with with a few other colors. I would also go larger to let let the sofas and chair have at least their front legs on it. Cover the chair in a complimentary blue print. The floor lamp needs to be to something stronger with weight to it. This is a wonderful room with lots of potential to come alive with more color!

I would also add some drapery panels to the sides of the window to have a soft contrast with all the leather and wood in the room.

We were thinking of blues or greens. Also, are thinking of getting rid of blinds and adding sheer white curtains from ceiling to floor to add softness. Love the ideas so far.

I think light grey will look good and it will work nicely with your leather sofa. I would suggest lighter rug, maybe grey as well for contrast with the dark sofa. I love the brick, but it will stand out more if it was white or light grey. The way it is right now is very dark with TV on it being black.

I don't think reupholstering the chair in a vivid fabric will resolve the issue of the room having too much brown. I would instead add more lighter colored pillows to the brown furniture, add lighter colored accessories to the brown coffee table, and replace the rug with one that has a lighter background. You could then evaluate whether you would like to also paint the brick fireplace a lighter color or leave it as is.

It's a great large space. I wouldn't do a solid color given everything else is solid and looks blocky. I'd do a striped pattern of blues/greens/creams. Simpler than other patterns but adds some texture.

Your shelf is too high . Try something bigger and lower and more interesting

http://www.pier1.com/Antiqued-Wall-Clock---Red/2495751,default,pd.html?cgid=wall_clocks#nav=top&start=1

http://www.pier1.com/Claudio-Wing-Chair---Jacobean-Ochre/3053110,default,pd.html?cgid=chairs#start=1&sz=132&showAll=132

Also Pier 1

This chair comes in a variety of colors and patterns and is super comfortable.

http://www.pier1.com/Chas-Armchair---Olive/2800179,default,pd.html?cgid=chairs#start=1

Blue is always a great option! It is a fresh, transitional color and not too abrupt. We would recommend tying the color into the room more with some complimentary window panels, pillows, a throw, decorative objects/accents, and perhaps switching out the area rug for something lighter. This is of course a quick fix -- a more involved route would be additionally painting the walls and updating the fireplace. Best of luck!

BTW, you can buy a new chair for 1/2 the cost of re-upholstering. Maybe sell the chair or use it in another room.

Replace the rug and add an upholstery color that you find in the new rug.

Add a colorful tray and a couple of books to the coffee table.

Hang your art lower over the sofa-- 5 inches above sofa.

Also, the shelf could go about 12 inches lower.

While you're at it, the two pictures over the cabinet should be lowered and stacked one on top of the other. Now bring the small lamp that's next to the beige chair to place on top of the chest.

I would love a lighter rug but forgot to mention we have two French Bulldogs. I'm afraid that a lighter rug will be a disaster with dogs.

Red chair

Hey, alblue3, any chance we could get you to take the TV off the fireplace and put it on a console to the right of the fireplace instead?

Lots of ideas can be great, and can be a lot to take in. Well I had thought that the neutral chair is good with a focal point right next to it [brick and mantel and hearth, etc.] I wouldn't place lively fabric at that spot. And the rest of the room with textured old table, lively art, etc.....

A throw at least / blue or mustard........

Colors already there. .?

I see you added a blue vase - so this blue chevron is modern and also quilted as a nod to the older things there:

Maybe 1 or 2 more things would enliven and cozy it up.

I've lowered the art over the sofa, but it looks like it may be a bit too wide. Ah well, lower it anyway; it's a great piece and a great key for the room. I also lowered the shelves a bit and added a framed piece beneath to tie it to the chair.

I'm sorry, I have to say it: that rug is too boring to live. I know you can find something that you and the dogs will love. Here are a few looks for you, just so you can explore possibilities:

I have to say that with a new rug that ties in new chair, a bright makes sense. Teal or green....

What I'd rather see:

Groveraxle: I love the ideas! The best part is being able to see what it would actually look like. What program did you use for that? I have such a difficult time trying to figure out what it would look like in the room and your pictures really helped with that.
We were originally thinking of doing a blue or green accent chair. The idea of a colorful pattern rug I think would definitely bring some color and make the room a bit more vivid, do you know of any materials specifically that would be pet friendly?

Also love the idea of putting artwork underneath the shelf.
The artwork over the sofa is an original piece painted by my uncle who is an artist. I have two more pieces that he also painted elsewhere in our house. I wonder if they would be too busy for that spot, I will attach a picture. They are about the length of the shelf.

In addition over the summer I intend to paint the frames around the window so that they are no longer natural wood color instead make them white also remove the wooden blinds and put white sheer curtains from the whole length of ceiling to floor.
Ohhhh, just thought of something I have a dresser type piece that I can put where the chair is and the TV can rest on top just wondering if the glare of the window would affect the viewing of the TV? But something to consider, keep the ideas coming.

alblue3, that dresser might work if it's long enough. You want it to be at least 25% wider than the TV so the TV doesn't look top heavy.

I like your uncle's work very much. Try one or both of the framed pieces beneath the shelf. I think the shelf should be wider than the art in this case. Of course, if you move the TV there, the point is moot. But then you can hang Uncle's art over the mantel instead.

I suspect you can turn the TV--either put it on a swivel or mount it on an articulating arm on the wall--just enough away from the window to eliminate glare on the right side of the fireplace.

I like the chair as is and that soft gold is perfect with the brown. I think other things could be done to brighten the room.

Paint the mantel white.Add green in to the color scheme with throw pillows and table lamps.

Choose a rug the same color as the accent chair.

Lastly a glass coffee table, so the gold rug is visible. Do brass and glass.

alblue, you asked about pet friendly rugs. I've noticed on the site where I do my rug searches, they have a section that rates each rug; one of the rugs I used in your space--http://plushrugs.com/surya/lava/lva-8018/#antique-white--is rated on the following characteristics:

Durability:
4.5
Pet-Friendliness:
4.5
Softness:
4.1
Stain Resistance:
2.7