Endless ideas, but I'm probably a little out of your zone.....so here are a few...... I'm assuming you want something between the ceanothus and aster that blooms in mid summer. What about some lilies or large daylilies, or to change up the leaf color what about some variegated grass (calamagrotis 'eldorado')or perennial like 'loraine sunshine' heliopsis, or a lovely red leafed perennial would look great as well. With the cape fuschia, is there room for oriental poppies which die down shortly after? Let us know what you decide to go with and good luck.

Well, thanks for all the help. DH did reschedule floor refinishing for next Friday since we weren't 100% ready. awm, yes, we painted the room recently. I like the color though next time (in 5-10 years?) I will go with a lighter color. I picked it because it's in our rug. Yes, bookcases will go along non-window wall, not sure which one yet. robin, though I didn't see your post, I did end up ordering a leather sofa, loveseat, chair, and a lamp from overstock.com. It all came out to about $2000 and I am keeping my fingers crossed that the quality will be OK. We are on a pretty tight budget but I am hoping the LR set will last at least 10 years. Can't wait to get it. It's dark brown. I spent three days researching sofas and almost all brands have mixed reviews, so I decided to just go for something I visually like ... hope it's comfy, too. I'll post photos as we make progress. Our LR has been empty for so long, I can't wait to use it again.

I routinely plant a great many 10 litre pots with spring bulbs...but back in September when we buy them. Working as a jobbing gardener, for customers who want to see blooms all year (while minimising waste from traditional bedding out methods), I always have dozens of filled pots of tulips especially, to pop into gaps...and then simply remove and stash somewhere when they go over (and then it is time to do cannas, dahlias, lilies etc.. So, the long-winded point I am making is that yes, pots of bulbs are a terrific way of filling gaps or making instant (well-planned) displays.

I tend to agree. Open space is not only good too, but absolutely necessary sometimes. Try the pic above your sofa to the left of the door to the kitchen, if it fits. It will give that area a focal point. And then get a bigger pic for above the sofa and hang it lower.