Thanks everyone! Mellyc123--Here's a photo (sorry it's so blurry) of the family room from when we first moved in. We've added some accessories and lighting, but the sectional, rug and credenza are the same. You can see it's much more masculine and darker wood and colors than the kitchen.

Sorry for the delay in responding. I have a senior graduating from high school this month and we have been busy with senior activities. I'm not feeling the whitewashed on the brick. Too country I think. I'd like to tone down or get rid of the pink altogether. I definitely don't like the black surround. I agree with Grover that it looks like a big black hole. I finally opened the fireplace screen (first time doing so!) and it's so dirty inside the box, I don't even want to go near it. Not sure I'm up for the fireplace project yet. Would like to get it converted to all gas and paint inside the box too. Probably best if I wait until after I get my daughter off to college later this summer. Would like to add additional lighting too as Izzy suggests. Can I ask for opinions on furnishing the rest of the room? I've decided against the chairs and media console I referenced at the start of this dilemma. I want to have a transitional-coastal feel to the space, if there is such a thing. I've had my eye on this swivel chair from All Modern in the Classic Smoke fabric. The color pulls one of the tones from my sofa. Two of these to go side by side across from the fireplace. The height of the arms and back are the same as the sofa, so scale should be good.

You seem to be drawn to West Elm style. What about one of their rugs? I don't think of your floor as being busy or having an actual pattern, so I wouldn't worry about that. I think you could use something fun and colorful. I'd be sure whatever size you get will fit completely under all the legs, including the back ones, to make it more stable and avoid what Flo suggests about problems for people sliding in and out .

Having a table in that spot doesn't mean you have to use chairs on every side. If the table is for company overflow, you can place chairs just on the backside and ends of the table so they are facing the kitchen. If you have a great view outside, put the table up againt the windows and use chairs facing outside and the on table ends.