Love your flag I have one.

The flag is cool, for a flagpole, but it's coming off the wall for sure lol

Mine is on a flagpole LOL

Whether the Gadsden flag is cool or not is a matter of opinion, but I agree that the wall is not the best place for it if you're going to display one. So you've already won one battle, right? ;-) Pity your sofas can't be used, as they are more attractive than his, but I think you can still incorporate your decorative items (including the rug) into the room and build on that. Good luck. It's not always easy to mesh two styles into one, but if you're both willing to compromise here and there, you'll create a space that is representative of the BOTH of you.

Seriously. As an old married lady, let me give you some advice. Live with what is there. Don't even try to decorate under the current arrangement. You are moving in on his space. You only get to dictate the decorations when you either own the furniture outright or he marries you and he can't escape. Save your money.

Stay single;)!

Well the thing is he wants me to decorate. He said "You have free reign- with the exception of the couches!" and his mother is kind enough to let me store my couches at her place for future use when we buy a house together and can put his in the designated mancave at that time (she also hates his couches lol) .. but I have to live here for the next 2 years atleast, and as much as it is his house, he is the one asking me to live with him and give up my house and life to join his. So I disagree in that regard that I should just 'live with what is there'.

Faith, you owe nobody here an explanation of your living arrangements; in fact, it's rude of others to surmise. :-)

Since he insists on the couches staying, does that include the chair ;-) Seriously, I would remove everything from the room (everything,including the too small things on the wall and the flag) and start with just the sofas and this rug. https://www.amazon.com/Karastan-Spice-Market-90932-80129-Saigon/dp/B01LWK87EC?th=1

Which will stand up to the sofas and make them look as good as they are able. Pick shades from the rug for pillows,throws and lamp bases. Tables-wise, I would look for "leggy" rustic options,so probably metal and wood blends. Of the right size.

Well, your going to learn a lot about your likes and dislikes. Funny thing is, your furniture is not really what one would call feminine! And it’s in much better condition;)! I have a feeling it will be moved in sooner than later!

Probably his stuff reclines and your seating doesn't. Maybe you could mix it up and let him have the big reclining chair while you get your sofa and store the rest at his mom's. I don't mean to hurt your feelings, but your decor looks "big box store" while his looks "college dorm." Maybe in the next two years you can grow into a style that is distinctly yours as a couple, and then you'll get a re-boot when you buy your own place together.

Yes, funny I should call his couches bulky- mine are actually too, that was another compromise (I originally wanted a tufted, light or cream couch.. the roommate (my brother) and house guests urged for recliners so.. I thought these were cute for what they were) I'm a people pleaser what can I say!

No hurt feelings! I'm looking to start fresh for this space, and welcoming ideas

.

How about selling your furniture to your brother the roommate? Pick out a new rug and some artwork with your boyfriend.

Yeah, I'm getting a lot of criticism for my comment. Fair enough. I'm suggesting to tread lightly like the flag would indicate. I couldn't care a less about the marital status. I'm talking new relationship status. You are new roommates. Give it some time to learn when, how and where to compromise.

Your original question was what to do with those man cave couches? I suggest a couple of light colored, probably cream or white throws that can be spread across the couch. They will break up the black a bit. When winter comes, they will be good for snuggling.

A bright patterned area rug in a coral or a turquoise might work. While I like your brown patterned rug, I like the idea of some cheerful color.

Some bright colored ceramic lamps that coordinate with the rug that are larger in size than what is currently in the space will add light and interest to the area.

Bring your metal and glass coffee table over. It's very nice. If you have metal and glass side tables, they would be great instead of the heavy wooden ones.

If you have some framed art or prints, now is the time to include them.

Ask him to compromise on the man furniture and maybe you can get him to remove one of those behemoth recliners. Acquire something smaller, lighter and upholstered for occasional seating.

Best of luck to you. It's always an adjustment to move into someone else's space.

Never combine brown with yellow.

Cover those very busy floors with a light colored area rug.

Use your wall decor instead of his.

Maybe you should have had him move into your place ;)!

Since his mom is going to store yours, I would store his instead. You are moving into a man cave. Save them for when he has one. he wants you to decorate but is tying your hands. It's hard to believe he doesn't see that what you have is so much better and put together. If his didn't have the cup holders it would look less fraternity house. They do go well with the floor though. Maybe you could talk him into just keeping the chair if he feels they are more comfortable. Then look for a rug tying browns and grays. Yours looks new also. You can say the same about it being only a couple years before he can enjoy them again. They seem more suited to a home theater room or rec room. May be better to look for a new place together now rather than later so you both have some give and take.

Before you decorate? Before anything? Perhaps agree that neither of your seating combos truly suits what you love, or what he needs. Sell it. Yours and his.

Then go out, and YOU get a sofa you truly love, and he gets a sleeker, good looking RECLINER ( no cup holder, get a chair side table. ) , there are many. Bulk does not equal comfort, they aren't synonymous in any way except sucking air from a room.. You don't have to sit in his recliner, and he need not sit on your sofa. That's what the bed is for. : )

This is re boot time for both of you. The beginning of endless compromising arrangements. There are style miles between a man cave revolving around sports and beer, and some girl palace he hates. He gave you the reins? Take them.

" A happy wife means a happy life" .....................not much changes about that, other than there is a way for BOTH of you to be comfortable and happy.