I probably would skip the area rug on carpet. In any case, there are other factors that go into deciding what color upholstery, namely wall color and amount of light in the room. Post a photo of the space and we can make some informed recommendations.

Hi groveraxle,

Thanks for responding. The walls are a creamy beige color and the trim work is white (more off-white though). I will upload some pics later today to give a better idea of the current color scheme, light, etc. Appreciate your feedback!

You've got a very nice room to work with. I have more questions than answers before I make any recommendations. Are you keeping the wicker chair and would you like to go in that casual kind of direction? Any messy pets or children we need to consider? How many would you like to seat Finally, you have nothing in your ideabooks. It would be extremely helpful to see some of your favorite rooms. Otherwise, I will decorate your room to my tastes instead of yours, and that's not a recipe for success.

Also, one more photo, please, that of the wall opposite the window.

Here is one look for you. I would suggest that whatever sofa you get should have legs. (Sorry for just dumping it in the room, but I can't reorient furniture. Also, don't mind the dog. He's well behaved.)

Okay, we need to rearrange the furniture. Is there enough of an overhang on that kitchen counter for bar stools?

Yes, you could do a chaise. I only hesitate on this because you're renting and your next place might not accommodate a chaise or if it does, it may end up on the wrong side. There are some sofas where the chaise can be reversed, though they tend to be pricey.

I take it back. Seems lots of sofas now have reversible chaises. This one might work.

Brayden Studio Ancha Reversible Sectional & Reviews | Wayfair · More Info

You could also do a darker sofa, about the color you have now, but I'd do a lighter coffee table then, maybe something with glass.

How much space is to the right of the fireplace? Is there room for the TV there? I get the impression that the area where you have the loveseat is meant for dining. The problem is that the TV is so far away from the seating and the loveseat is too far from the sofa.

The room is fairly neutral - ivory, beiges, white and blues work great with the tones of this space . You can do some 'greige' in here too. I like the second sofa that groveraxle suggested - very neutral. (gray is starting to trend out, so embrace those greiges). Blue is an excellent complement to browns, as is white. You could do a neutral sofa then some navy/white/cream accents.

Beach Style Living Room · More Info

Thank you rcmnielson, this look is beautiful. Yes, the dark grey sofa we had didn't look good at all with the brown carpet; to muddy looking. I had planned on leaning toward more beiges so I'm glad to hear that you agree! What's your opinion on an area rug over carpet? I had thought it might break up the sea of brown and bring in a little contrast but if it's not a good idea design-wise, I'll skip it. Thanks again!

If you'd like to add a dash of blue, this is my go-to rug. It has grays, beige, white and blues. And it's not very expensive! Target - Threshold brand. Target Threshold Brand

Hi rcmnielson , I liked your design ideas. So, maybe you can help me with my living room. There is something wrong with it, but I am not sure what it is. Maybe I can change the color of the walls (ice blue), or remove some furniture (big sofa with flowers), is it too pale and need some bold ?

Hi Ozlem,

Definitely remove that floral sofa, there is too much going on in the space. I don't think personally that the colours on the walls match the colours of the sofa. I think the walls are a shade or two darker than it should be. The rug is also too small for the space, I would opt for a larger rug with maybe a pattern picking up other colours in the room. Also have you thought about changing the layout a little bit? I would move the TV to the wall where the floral couch is currently at and put a floor standing lamp next to it in the corner by the couch. I think it would make more sense there and also you could have the option of watching TV whilst at the dining table. I would then leave the wall the TV is at now with no furniture on it so that there is a clear pathway to the dining room and just put some simple art work on it. A lovely home you got!