I would suggest a much larger and more colorful rug for the sitting area. Your TV setup looks awkward and unattractive. Can it be changed somehow? I would paint the brick wall in the dining room the same color as the other walls to open up the whole space. I would remove that large mirror and put a smaller painting there and also remove the tall bookcase(?) near the couch which adds nothing to the decor. The mantle should be cleared and some much larger items placed there. I don't know how you feel about painting the fireplace the same color as the wall, but that would also make the room look more cohesive and spacious. I'm afraid the ceiling lamp by the front door looks too small and droopy to have any impact. You need something much larger that has a greater presence. Another thing to consider is white blinds instead of brown ones on each side of the fireplace. Again this will open up the room. I would remove that small table to the right of the TV with the little lamp and put a great-looking floor lamp there. Is there some way you can do without the bulky ottoman? I think that's one reason that area looks so crowded. I would think about replacing it with a small but sturdy glass and metal coffee table through which you can see the rug, giving the illusion that there is almost nothing there. Hope I haven't overloaded you with too many ideas. It's your home and you can do whatever seems right to you. If you follow even a few suggestions you might find that some of your concerns are removed.

So I would look at doing some bookcases with cabinet doors below flanking your fireplace which I would paint white. If you have an IKEA near you, I would look at the Billy series and do a wood light outside with white in the front. Mount your tv over the fireplace. You may need to put it on an arm so you can pull it out beyond the bookcase for better viewing. Look for a smaller scaled sectional in a gray/brown tone but not too dark. An arc lamp with a black shade would tie in the tv and the black on your chair seat. Faux succulent plants would be good. For the entry, a glass top console with art above. Get an area rug slightly larger than the width of the door so that the console table can sit on top. Also consider bamboo roll up shades in a light color for window with white drapes.

you have a very lovely room. you may want to consider a Chesterfield style sofa in a grey. I would place the sofa across from the fireplace and then the two chairs looking out the window... not sure if you have enough room for two sofas. looks like you also need to place a kitchen table and chairs too. insay that because with the open area you have, it may start to look crowded. heres a grey chesterfield sofa with some ivory chairs to give you an idea of how it would look with your chairs.

Here are some pictures from different angles! I plan on living here for hopefully the next 4 years. The sectional and the curtains belonged to the previous tenant so I'm planning on getting new ones. The wall looks black in the picture but it's actually a deep brown. As for the carpet, I'm thinking layering it with rugs until it's mostly covered. Would that work?