Add lamps. If you don't have tables where a lamp could be placed, then you can use floor lamps.

Easy things: Add live plants by the window, two colorful pillows (with a toddler, they will end up on the floor so don't buy many), and replace the artwork with colorful, lively new art. Remove the black curtains, too. Add floor lamp in the corner.

A rug might help bring some life into the space. Definitely new, brighter, lighter artwork. It's hard to tell from the picture - but maybe new paint?

Ah the monochrome world we live in... Your problem is not light as much as it is light being sapped.

A rug would help. A rug with colour that is

Unless the art holds significance, swop it for something with colour. The ornaments too.

Paint the tv wall, a colour. Consider painting other walls too. Dining room perhaps.

Also on the dining room. A colour table runner.

Is switching the sofas out an option?

Then, lighting. I don't like the lighting. That kind of draamatic spot lighting can easily be sapped and creates dark spots. It's best at least paired with good sconces and lamps. But we're not seeing it in the daylight hours, how is that?

Agree with everyone above :)

Here are a couple of good, short articles about how to layer your lighting - which is what you need to do first, before you make other changes.

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/5-questions-to-ask-for-the-best-room-lighting-stsetivw-vs~8362447

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/your-guide-to-common-light-fixtures-and-how-to-use-them-stsetivw-vs~44900128

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/get-turned-on-to-a-lighting-plan-stsetivw-vs~30716408

After you have the lighting plan for your home and have implemented it, then go for an area rug and colorful art. The area rug can pull together your great room and set a welcoming tone for it.

I just saw your post about changing the furniture. What style do you want to pursue?

In that case, start with thw pieces with the least variety. Look at couches and rugs as a starting point. Then art, accesories and curtains. Then paint.

Do you have an idea of style in mind?

I would get a light rug, coffee table and couple side tables with lamps.

first thing I do every morning is to open all the blinds in my house. nothing is better than natural sunlight. I hate to turn on light in the daytime when the sun does it for you. your drapes need to be on separate rods so that you can do that. a light sheer panel on an inner rod to let light in but still give you privacy and a heavier one to close at night for maximum privacy. blinds or shades under the drapery will do the same. the rods should extend past the window moulding so that when they are open you get the full window of light. it WILL be much lighter.

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a rug will bring in color and pull everything together. center it in the room parallel the TV and leave about a foot of flooring showing between the tv and rug. at least the front legs of your couches should be on the rug

Is this like color there already? with soft blue might be a palette you like. if you find a neutral, or near neutral, could repeat it with lamp, etc... as celery girl showed... :)

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Find a color you like...

Solid rubber wood frame with medium brown finish. 80% cotton and 20% polyester. Seat and back cushion removable. Seat dimensions: 16" H x 23" W x 20" D.

29" H x 26" W x 32. 5" D.

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Idk anything about these, except expensive....

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