I think that a mirror would look nice, but it may leave your room lacking any color whatsoever. I think that some kind of artwork with a little color would be perfect, as long as it isn’t too small.

You should consider adding a window treatment. A pelment or valance spanning all three windows with sheers below or drapery panels matching your wall color.

I think the room would feel better if the furniture was rearranged. Like this. You could use marble table but it needs great large accessories. Large art behind sofa. Floor lamp on window end of sofa or arc lamp that could swing over coffee table. Blue accent console in front of windows. Possibly drapery panels in soft off white linen on each end of windows. I will try some ideas next.

Here is rough mood board/mock up. I couldn’t depict drapery properly so just added and would do a panel on each side. I would paint little aqua console white or replace with white console. I would do dramatic art over sofa. And and texture with bright blue velvet pillows for white chairs.

Here is clearer board.

If you want a new wood type coffee table, we need to nail down the layout first. And with those beautiful white contemporary chairs you will need to be careful about getting styling right. Here’s one I found.

Thank you all for such wonderful ideas. I’m going to rearrange the furniture today and see how it looks!

Originally I did think window panels or sheets, but wasn’t sure how it would looks with the arched windows above it?

The gray sofa is actually lighter than it looks in this picture.

Btw, I love this coffee table. Do you think it could work with existing sofa. I know lighter would look better.

If you got some lighter accent pillows, I think that the light wood coffee table would go nicely with the existing couch. I think that after you rearrange the furniture, your sitting area will feel cozier than before, hopefully without being too cramped. I like the idea of drapery for the ground level windows. If you buy drapery, make sure to get white or at least some kind of light color so as not to make your room dark or outdated.

have you considered white or a natural wood shiplap or board and batten for the wall space below the alcove? possibly dry wall in the alcove to simplify.

Morehead · More Info

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Teresa, you mean the big wall?

So my husbands says we need to keep the marble table for now:(

Here are two other layouts with what I have. Any thoughts?

I like this. Your “line of sight” coming into the space means you will have nice views of each wall and easy access along with good conversation area. Some bigger vases on the marble table with one having narrow neck and a couple stems of eucalyptus plus a small stack of books would soften your look and break up visual of windows. Any chance you can get big art for over sofa? That is key to the room!

If you want to keep the orchid on the coffee table, add a small stack of interesting books with black dust jackets. You need some contrast. Then add an interesting artifact like this fossil decor. Almost any art will look fabulous over sofa but it needs to be tall.

Personally, I like your original layout. You do need a collection of art / architecture / design books on the table and perhaps a serving tray or anything that appeals to you. I think a tall (7' or more) bookshelf or etagerie wood look right next to the door where the small blue cabinet is. For myself, something antique, as opposed to shop bought, would really warm up this space.

yes, the big wall where you moved the couch.

after looking at your Inspiration pics I had some additional thoughts understanding that the couch, 2 chairs and coffee table stay. the inspo pics have rattan, along with the light wood, and were all very light and bright feeling.

how about bringing rattan into the space, possibly side tables. I was also thinking a much lighter feeling rug would help lighten the space too, maybe a jute rug or a white/ivory one, or a white/ivory on top of jute. a few additional light and bright pillows to help lighten couch might also help...a few ideas below..

https://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-jute-braided/Natural/200TAJT03-P.html

https://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-homely-shag-with-tassels/Ivory/200KKEL04A-P.html

https://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-jute-wavy-chevron-with-tassel/Natural/200NCNT01A-P.html

https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/birch-lane-heritage-rivera-rattan-drum-end-table-bl12216.html

https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/mistana-rosana-rattan-glass-top-pedestal-end-table-w002885268.html

https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/bungalow-rose-knap-round-seagrass-2-piece-tables-w001515707.html

A different rug is a good idea but I would select art first. Then pull colors for rug. Not a fan of jute. Hard on the feet, hard to clean, shed. There are some “look-a-like” jutes if you like that look. But I think a softer look would integrate your white chairs, art and sofa. It is a choice.

Some inspirational pictures.

I like Flo's idea with the sofa on the left wall, which would then be perfect for large art over it. You could also put a few pillows on the window ledge, or maybe have a custom seat pillow made. This would give you a little extra seating when needed.

Keep sofa in new position. That huge wall needs a heavier anchor and it lends itself well to a large piece of art. I would leave the chairs on the right but move them away from the wall a but and angle them in. get a skinny long coffee table to out in front of sofa and a small round coffee table for in between the chairs.

Thank you everyone for these wonderful ideas. Now I just need to look for a huge art piece. Any ideas where I can browse online since most places are closed?

Here is a picture of the room from the top of the stairs. Does everything looked centered? I feel like if I move the chairs anymore to the left if will block the walk way.

I’m still wanting to replace the coffee table sooner than later.

There is a space on the left hand side of the sofa. What could I put there? Shelves/bookcase

I’m I’m definitely going to get white drapes. Now I just need to figure out metals. It’s hard not know how long I’ll have that coffee table.

greatbigcanvas.com has a large selection of oversized art on canvas that you might want to check out... I am only suggesting because they have large pieces

.

Sorry, but the chairs need to be straight toward sofa. It’s more modern look. What colors do you want in art? Greatbigcanvas, etsy, art.com, Houzz all have lots of choices. Great big canvas tends to have larger sizes. Any gendre you prefer? Abstract, Impressionist, birds, animals, florals? Need to help us narrow choices.

I think you had it right in the beginning ..it is much more appealing to have the couch in front of the stacked windows..as it fits perfectly...and is inviting for two people or four to sit and visit ...with the chairs at the ends of the couch..more intimate than talking across a big space...and allowing a roomy comfortable traffic flow..also the blue chest is a nice addition and a pretty piece ...offering a little color ..your room is as much about architecture as it is about furnishings..so making things off balance sort of undermines that...as the space for art is so large i dont think the furniture needs to be definitive of what art will work..rather it should be treated as a “gallery” space

Perhaps a more colorful rug can offer you inspiration for different accent colors ...and also anchor the grouping better...as is it fades into the background rather than making a big statement as this dramatic setting calls for

Where is front door in relation to this space?

I have been playing with some ideas for your room. Here is mock up for inspiration!

Here is art. I rather love this for your room. I like the way the curves draw your eye upward!

I would love a beautiful chandelier for this room. Love this one. Probably not in your budget but you can find facsimiles.

Flo, love the Art piece you chose. The front door is on the left hand side of the last picture. When you walk in, this would be the view.

Thank you @btydrvn This has been such a difficult room to decorate. I’m still not 100% on layout. I did a Facebook post last night and about 80% of people liked the original layout better, like you. I’m trying to live in the new layout to get a feel for it.

Flo, I would also love a chandelier. We live in Florida and the fan would make a huge difference in our electric bill in the summer. There is a nice spot for a grand chandelier of the staircase at the halfway point.

I found this one at a reasonable price that has similar features.

Up to 120" tall, and other colors - 165Gsm polyester-nylon taffeta will shimmer and reflect the light. Natural crinkles not considered a flaw or defect. As a general rule, for proper fullness panels should measure 2-3 times the width of your window/opening.

Ruched Antique Beige FauxSilk Taffeta Curtain Single Panel, 50"x96" · More Info

https://www.houzz.com/products/ruched-antique-beige-faux-silk-taffeta-curtain-single-panel-50x96-prvw-vr~132701309

Haven't read all posts. Am I wrong to see a wonderful European look, as though walking down a charming street, with various kinds of homes and the floor above having a metal balcony, and arches !? Why not use the architecture in a direction it could go ? :)

Transitional wouldn't be formal... I say that cause I think it might be a concern..

Everdebz - this style home is more contemporary than traditional. Probably late 1990s or early 2000. From what I have learned. I might be wrong. Clues, that niche high up, the French shaped balcony balusters on stairs and the bay style window area. Those are elements that date this home IMHO. Not judging, just describing.

Molly, Standing by the window, what do you look at? Is there anything interesting to see outside the windows? Do you ever seat more than 2 people on the 2 cushion sofa?

One thing about the sofa on the tall wall is that it would anchor large art above it. Some examples:

Naples Charm · More Info

Living Rooms by Cure Design Group · More Info

Another option would be to have a large console on that wall with art above, in which case the sofa could go in front of the window:

Modern Mountain Home · More Info

Ambassador Residence · More Info

Or a console with art, and the sofa facing the window, with a sofa table behind.

Town House in Kensington · More Info

Just some options to think about. Good luck.

Flo, I gotta go there: if they are French-shaped, and other elements share authentic European resemblance, why not go transitional [you see I likely would]? It is not the most contemporary, for sure.... ok ok I get it sorta: don't pull out the medieval, or even fleur de lis !! :)

Just a vote for Flo's striking, beautiful chandelier... I think it would "match the level" of the arches.

A simple looking tapestry that doesn't bring the European theme at all 100%.... if the colors and such fit, I think you might like a group on the wall, or another, in hall? 53" cotton.

Iron Work Wall Tapestry · More Info

Would this look cheesy/ weird...

Verona Wall Tapestry · More Info

https://www.houzz.com/products/fine-art-tapestries-verona-wall-tapestry-prvw-vr~65382325

Give it up everdebz. Lol. They just remodeled home. The direction they want to go is transitional to modern. The new white chairs are contemporary. The large art with blues and upward reaching blossoms they love. I do love your tapestries just not in this room.

Flo Mangan, I agree. The tapestries may look nice in other homes, but they just don’t match the theme of this sitting area. I like the idea of large art you posted. It is perfect because it is not too dark or monochromatic. It gives the room more character and color. I also agree with the chandelier. It would give the area a more dramatic feel.

Thank you all so so much for all of the helpful advice! I think I have an idea of what colors and layout I’m going to go with.

After going back and forth with my husband and moving furniture around for days, I think we’ve decided to keep the original layout, but we tweeked it a bit. I’ve ordered 132 inch White draped with black rod for windows. A black and white floor lamp, and a large black and white canvas for the large wall. I know it may seem colorless, but I figure I can always change out pillows . I still think I can add some subtle natural wood elements here and there. Everything should be here in the next few weeks so I’ll post what I have at that point. I may need a few more ideas!

Also, look out for a post soon on exterior paint color ideas.

Thank you all again for your input!

I think the wood additions are a great idea..to keep the room feeling warmer and avoiding a look that may feel too trendy....to maximize the effect i would stick to warmer natural wood colors..

Glad you are getting your strategy in place. Look forward to seeing end points.

Glad you made up your mind and designed a sitting space that you will enjoy. Excited to see it with all the additions!

I had a lol, and thanks ....