Ah, so you do have another space for lounging/TV watching. If you're pretty much sure you'd rather have a TV here too-I'd be satisfied with a (say) credenza or something to host a smaller size TV, which you can surround with some shelving with books, or maybe art..you can bring in plants-a lot of them..lots of interest since some of them grow like crazy and are virtually indestructible..)) and they always look at home-any style, any room you take, you can't go wrong with introducing plants, Remember Clifford Simak's purple flowers? lol you can paint the walls..you can wallpaper them if you're brave..you can put a mural on-there are some amazing ones. there are many many ways to make this room interesting. also don't forget-you look at it now while it's empty. but when you'll actually live there-you'll have furniture, fabrics, books..now it's a blank slate but it won't stay this way. it will be you and your family plus this room. it will be interesting enough without the feature wall. which you still can decide to do-I continue to think these wood planks are way cool..but they might be too overwhelming..and I would think very carefully about how to incorporate them, and whether it's worth investing in. That's personal of course and you might find that yes, you really want it, TV or no TV. Then I'd introduce more of that wood around..maybe wooden frames on art? maybe woven shades in the window? maybe painting the mantle another color so it'll blend more with the walls? And I'd use this plank wall more heavily then if I decide to put it in..it's a big space, and it might be useful and very very cool to have more on it than just the TV. Whatever you decide-it's exciting. Lots of possibilities here. And yes you're right..you don't need to match the wood finishes. You do need to consider how they will look together..in rare instances mixing just doesn't work. Say red mahogany or similar very expensive woods..)) find it hard to incorporate lol. Passed on amazing nightstands several years ago..the most useful amazing high quality nightstands I ever saw(on Craigslist)) but they just didn't blend in, what can I say.. But I don't think that's your case.

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.

Lower tv after you purchase a console that is wider than the tv. Remove all the little things filling spaces; little glass table by tv, don't put anything on tv cabinet, remove mirror above couch and replace with art, remove the wicket baskets, the book shelf and candle/lamps on bar. You don't need to fill every spot, you need some "free of stuff" space. Remove pictures behind the lamps, no need for anything there except the lamps. At least get a small round table and forget the bar stools so no one has to look at the kitchen while eating, more pleasant to look at the person you are eating with. It appears as if you have spare chairs to put at the table. No chairs lined on the wall in front of the window, maybe a low bench if needed for seating. You do have to much fur. I love your couch, end tables, lamps and rug. Pick a one or two colors from you rug and see what you find art wise as well as a few pillows. Possibly a tall plant in corner by bar. It appears you have some gray already, the gray appears to go well with the rug and couch. To me the colors in the rug and couch and the touches of gray are calming and cheerful.

@ Rachel H We've created a layout for you with approximate dimensions from the pictures. So many options for colors that would work with those cushions and that rug! Warm tones of coral/ rust or even mustard would brighten up the room. Once you choose the colors on your chair you could add pillows that reflect those colors. You could place a couple of ottomans that can be moved around wherever required. As @My House says, you could add a slim console table and art/ Mirrours to the long wall by the door and create a nice looking entryway! We have made you another layout here. You can add or replace furniture and move them around to create your own layouts in interactive 3D designs here and also render your own photorealistic images here!