I think you’re so close! A coffee table, an end table next to the couch and maybe a drink table for a set of chairs will help fill it out. I also this layered lighting will cozy it up- a table lamp on an end table, maybe some sconces with shelves on either side of the fireplace too. I’m not sure what is on the wall behind the darker chairs but if it’s blank there might be a good opportunity for a piece- console table with art, big bar unit, etc.

You picked since nice pieces and I agree about getting a more interesting rug. But more than that each of the pieces you picked is a different color and you need to tie it all together. Find a rug that uses all three of these colors and same thing when you start picking out art. Once you tie it all together it will be a whole different ballgame

You have high ceilings, so you need to have high decor to go with. Go tall or go home! The plants have to be a lot taller. Bring in a lot more texture - throws, pillows, etc. Yes for side tables and lamps. Bring in a lot more of the green from the beautiful rug suggested. Get big tall art from a local artist or art gallery. Some colleges even have their own art gallery. If you don't get anywhere there, try art.com. Get a print from them and get it framed with plexiglass locally. https://www.art.com/products/p45078438234-sa-i10364179/alan-hausenflock-virginia-byways-ii.htm?upi=Q11UCDG0&PODConfigID=14258383 I know you are getting shades. Please consider sheers and curtains. They add a lovely finishing touch to the room.

Before you spend more money, I’d suggest you try some different arrangements of your furniture. Try angling the teal chairs together near the FP (one parallel with the FP and the other facing the window on the corner of that rug, try the rug running the other way, try the sofa on the window side, move the plants to the other end of the window, for example; breaking up the symmetry a bit, adding a table/lamp between the teal chairs, turning the swivels toward each other a bit, some kind of tall light in the corner where the plants are now with the dog underneath, ie. If it were me I’d get the art that I like before replacing the rug, because I’d want to make sure that is the focal point. I’d also consider a rather large round cocktail table to break up the lines, and a long parsons type sofa table on that wall behind where your sofa is now with a lamp and art as well. Good luck!

I would keep one set of chairs in there. And get either a bench. Or another couch or something. The chairs are too much of the same. But so different ( if that even makes sense. ) I think that’s what’s bothering you. The rug is fine. I agree to do something with a bit more color. But nothing overpowering. Something calm. All the furniture needs to be closer together as well. Pull them all in a bit.
As far as finishing touches just go to a home goods and get all those cute fun stuff. Flowers. Vases. Frames. Candles. Diffusers. Side tables. Coffee table. Really cool room. Love it.

These are all great ideas! Decorating a home really is a “skill” that requires a lot of time and detail. It amazes me how it comes so easily to some people. I’m getting my shades installed right now and playing with different rug ideas and looking at the possibility of using the green chairs in a guest bedroom seating area and possibly doing a bench there instead? I have to keep swivels near the window, as they serve a great purpose. We have amazing wildlife in our back yard. Deer, birds, and we love to watch. This is the first time in my life having a real yard! We want to be able to sit and look out the window. Art.com is AMAZING! I just mentally zoned out of a Microsoft teams meeting for work as i allowed myself to “just browse for a second”
Thanks for the help. I’ll be back with more photos.

Roller shades are in. The photo isn’t great but they are very neutral with linear texture up close. I would consider curtains/shades as well but I don’t know how that would work with the 2nd story windows?? I also put the runner down as an idea of adding a colorful rug to pull stuff together and wanted a better picture to show the color/texture of the current rug I have down, which by itself, isn’t working. I’m ashamed to say that it was literally the 7th rug I purchased (returning all the previous rugs) and I still didn’t get it right🤦🏽‍♀️ Mu dog likes to jump in photos...and I actually like the color brown thrown into the mix. Lol

As you add necessary tables, draperies and art, loosen the furniture placement a bit for a less stiff arrangement. I would select a larger, patterned, rug (shirlpp’s example is good) to show and connect your color scheme.

So, your furniture is fine. I agree that the rug needs to pull all the colors of the room together (it’s effectively the same trick as choosing the right tie for a man’s suit - a tie with all the other colors of the ensemble pulls it together). I also think you need long drapes to frame the height and make the room feel less cold. However, I’m more concerned that there is nothing in the room to tell me what it’s used for. Reading, add book cases and side lamps; gathering, add coffee table and sofa table; etc. the room feels empty, uncomfortable and unused. Start with the question: why do I use this room? And go from there.

Thanks Peter. I’ve decided to use this space for social gatherings, relaxing, etc. NO TV. I’m deciding on tables, lamps, etc. but I’m still torn on what to do on the sides of fireplace. We just tore out circa 96 heavy wood built-ins that were built for surround sound from the 80’s. It was truly awful. Anyway, I know I don’t want built-ins but I can’t leave the space empty. I want to do a textured wall-paper up the chimney too. This is starting to get fun.

You could keep current rug, and bring in a coffee table.

https://www.pier1.com/products/tobias-brown-oval-coffee-table?variant=37176873779367&msclkid=9e5a5a0c1018151519083a450ddd938f&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Pier1_Shopping_US_ALL_Desktop_LM&utm_term=4587437393797187&utm_content=Pier1_Shopping_US_Desktop%200.30-0.34

Pillows to tie colors together.

A piece of art over fireplace.

A floor lamp

Tripod Rust Black Metal Floor Lamp, 64" · More Info

That dark rug you're showing is nice. Not sure how you feel about putting it on top of the current rug.

What about putting a pillow on the green that is the same color as the beige chairs. Then...maybe, you could leave the green chairs in this room.

Not sure about a textured wallpaper going up the chimney. It sounds good, but is it safe.

Ashley, if the space is more about social gatherings, think about where to put food and drinks? Where do people set plates? Maybe use the wall for a great bar cabinet, or store a drop-leaf table in front of the windows? Have some staking ottomans/foot stools for extra seating? Maybe a nice stereo cabinet to provide background music? I’d also look for some over-sized art to eat up the wall space. Start with cheap stuff that matches the colors/textures in the room and look for/collect more permanent pieces over time.

Oh, and double height drapes will also help dampen the echo in the room when it’s filled with people! Sound quality is often an aspect people forget to consider when decorating! Painted or printed canvas wall art will also help tamp down the echo, while glass covered prints will increase it.

Love the above picture of the full length curtains. Was going to suggest exactly that. The shades look great too!! The runner rug you show is beautiful and I agree re the dog bringing in brown actually. Great color choice lol. Maybe use for some pillow inspiration or something. I have to look for the link but look at ballard for rugs in the brown and tan color family. I have one in mind and I’ll try to find. But check them out... rugs take time!

I agree that the right area rug could tie all your colors together and I found this one that could work https://incrediblerugsanddecor.com/products/loloi-padma-pma-01-charcoal-multi-area-rug?variant=32415814844487 I googled taupe and blue/green area rugs to see what came up. I think I'm seeing taupe in your sofa, but there is also a grey background version of this rug as well. Agree as well about taking time to find the right rug, and you may not get all the colors but I think having the tone in your sofa is a good place to start. Good luck!

Wow! Curtains are $$$$ wow! I want to take a pause on the curtains for a moment. I am looking for the “perfect” pillows to add texture and pull the colors together but I’m convinced I have to get another rug with color. I considered putting one over the rug I have (layering) but I think we all agreed the rug should be bigger? The one I have now is 8x10 so I was thinking I need a 9x12 at least or even a 10 x 14??? Putting a rug on top of what I have now won’t change the size issue. I tried re-arranging furniture too...the sofa just doesn’t look right anywhere else. I’ll be up all night looking for a rugs online. I picked up a little cocktail table that I think will look good between the green chairs. It might be too small. I take a pic.

Hi! I actually like the rug in your original photo. Can I ask where it's from? Thanks!

I love your runner! And, your pup is a cutie!

If you want a bigger rug, then you're going to have to go 10x14. I have beautiful hardwood floors and don't follow the size rules for rugs, because I hate to cover up my floors.

Measure it out with blue tape and then decide if a new size will meet your needs.

I am not a pro but a colorful rug with the colors in your room will help beef it up. Then you can choose pillows from the rug. Also, browse greatbigcanvas.com. They have incredible options for large pieces.

Following...

I don’t think the rug is a priority; rather, having a vision/plan for the room (and then consider rug size/style). Your present rug may even work. It’s a lot easier to select items when you have a direction, so look for inspiration rooms you love and note how they are pulled together. Keep an idea book of the rooms and accumulate accessory ideas that would suit.

A priority for your room is to warm it up and make more cozy. I’d also aim for more modern and less formal and think bigger pieces. I chose a room and ideas that I hope you like the feel of and your floors would work really well with the lighter wood. Also perhaps consider a different layout.

Then come the details:

- If moving green chairs, replace with lighter and casual seating.

- A large ottoman or coffee table that is accessible to all of the seating. Will be practical, but also create a more cozy arrangement. Light wood choices would be perfect and don’t forget nice lighting.

- Console with art or mirror on right wall as you enter and some large plants in the room. Clay pottery, layering, books.

Fireplace - need height on the sides and doesn’t have to be built in. Large artwork.

May be interested in this artist

https://delieputnamart.com/lookbook

Everyone (but me) knew this room needed a colorful rug! Lol. I fell into the “neutral neutral neutral” rabbit hole. I say this with great sadness but I am officially abandoning the “green” in my living room. That means the green chairs and rug are going somewhere else so now I’m working with the Gus Atwood sofa in the “bayview Osprey” color which really just looks like a charcoal color to me and the beige/tan swivel chairs. Gosh I’m embarrassed to say I don’t know the difference. Anyone feel free to correct me??? They might even be tan! Anyway.

So I need a rug and something to go where the green chairs would have been going. Maybe a bench instead of chairs?? That was suggested earlier on by someone and that might work. I stayed up all night looking for a rug to tie it all together and it seems like I’ll be locking myself into too much green if I keep the chairs, which is not my plan. Green is kinda hard to work with, at least for me.

Any suggestions for rug and seating to replace green chairs would be appreciated.

I’m hoping this gets easier removing “the green” from the equation. I was thinking of using rust color as accent. My color pallet is earthy warm tones and neutrals, pops of black /charcoal here and there.

And in my defense, I’m not a complete decorating degenerate! I actually did my kitchen all by myself...well with the help of Pinterest. It’s almost done and I can’t wait to share the before and afters.

If I could find the right rug, that’s actually available before the end of summer, and doesn’t cost 4000, I would have kept the green in there but I’m giving up now.

Thanks Maureen.

The first picture you posted as “direction” is wonderful! The colors, textures, wood tones, are perfect for my existing sofa and two chairs. I really like the rug in the photo too. Luckily, I am able to repurpose my current rug to a guest bedroom if I have to go in another direction. I agree my furniture choices ended up a bit more formal than I thought. However, the room will not have a tv and will be used more for social/reading etc. Still, I am working on warming it up. I had a really hard time picking out this furniture while trying to keep the scale together. The sofa has a low back (29.5 inches high) it’s 32 inches deep, seating height is 17 inches so I selected the chairs with this in mind. I’m still trying to get the scale and shape coordination concept down. Thanks

Here is a comparison of two different size rugs. My initial reaction to your photo was that the rug was too small for the space.

Ashley, I would keep the couch and the green chairs and move the beige swivels elsewhere. The beige chairs (in my mind) conflict with your sofa more in
MY eye. You can pick the green color up in the lamps, art or pillows rather than the rug.

Peter- here’s the problem with swivels...it’s the single thing my husband requested we have...in front of those windows. So I can get different swivel chairs for that window but I still need swivel chairs. So what color swivel chairs should I get if I’m keeping the green chairs? Charcoal in a different texture?? Ivory? And they can’t be leather. I thought cognac leather would look nice but husband hates sitting on cold leather. Since this is the only thing he’s asked for in all of this, I don’t want to take that away from him.

Beverly you right about the rug size. It looks much better with a bigger rug. I can’t believe I’m back on a rug hunt🤦🏽‍♀️ I remember such relief when finally deciding on the rug....yet here I am, again. Lol. I’m on a first name basis with every home goods employee within 50 miles. Wayfair customer service reps text me when stuff arrives to ask if I’m returning it or if it looks good. I’m such a disaster. I’m putting my big girl pants on to start trolling for rugs and chairs. Thanks. I like how you can put stuff in the photo. Is that desktop software?

Ok I’m stripping this room down to the sofa. I’m stuck with the sofa but everything else is gone. I have to get a bigger rug and more seating but it only has to work with the sofa. I feel sick, not covid sick...just sigh...sick. I can’t imagine doing this professionally, everyday, for multiple people. This is significantly harder than I ever imagined. Reaching the point in life when you can own a home is amazing....until you realize that’s only half the battle. I almost miss my college apartment and all that ikea did for me. Ha!

You are in good hands on this thread(especially since BeverlyFLADeziner is on board). As you've discovered, if you want things to look nice it takes time.

Moving rugs this size can really ruin your day. If you purchase a rug on line, I recommend you purchase the smallest size to check for quality and color. Then once you find the right rug order the size you need. You can then send the small rug back or use it to check colors when you are shopping.

So, these chairs from West Elm are surprisingly comfortable and well made. I would recommend one of the custom colors, as taupe is the same problem and pink probably doesn’t meet your husband’s tastes. https://www.westelm.com/m/products/viv-swivel-chair-h4573/?pkey=cliving-room-chairs

Elm & Iron has quite a few really nice swivel chairs.

https://elmandiron.com/collections/occasional-chairs

Rug - If you haven’t already, maybe consider geometric. Again, it’s about having a vision for the room and that will help for sure.

One below as an example comes 9x12 if that is large enough and is 80% wool (which I think is the best rug fiber) and 20% cotton.

https://franceandson.com/collections/shop-area-rugs/products/emmaline-woven-rug

I found a rug! Well, I found a rug that I love but the largest size is an 8x10. Of course! I think I’m committed to removing green from the equation and adding a dusty rust orange type of color...maybe the nexus for the charcoal sofa and sand chairs? Could I get a larger rug to under this rug? I think the colors are perfect but I’ve been wrong before! Lol. I’m ready for brutal honesty and I’m fully prepared to go back into the trenches until I get this right.

The rug is nice, however, the reviews are saying there is a strong chemical smell that takes weeks to dissipate. Some of the reviews are saying the colors in the rug are misleading. You want to read the reviews.

Just me? Try the wood chairs on either side of the sofa facing each other with end tables and lamps.

Try the barrel chairs on either side of the fireplace on a 45 degree angle.....with floor lamps and martini tables.

I say this because right now I cannot figure out how you will enter and sit down in the room; you need some walking paths.

If you’re changing everything but the sofa, then buy the rest of the furniture FIRST and then you’ll get help with a rug. No matter what fiber it’s made of, that size requires two people to place it, so do EXACTLY what Beverly said - buy a small version, then you commit to the big one. Friends of mine just did that mistake with a LR rug and had to re-roll it to return it. Not fun.

I did not order the “stinky” rug so thanks for saving me the time and frustration of having to return it. I was able to order 18 x 18 inch samples of a few rugs and planned on looking at furniture all weekend but our hydronic floor heating system died and this morning I notice the kitchen floor tile grout is crumbling and popping out....Everywhere! So I’ll be working on this for a few days. We just bought this house so it’s one of those situations. I’ll touch back early next week....I’m also hoping a warm front rolls around in the mid-west. Again, I’m thinking of my college apartment!

OMG! Good Luck!

Well water issues, boiler blew up, leak in the floor....handled! Not great. But handled. Back to my living room now. Lol. Rug samples came. The one I like the best only comes in an 8x 10....disappointed but on to more exciting things. I returned my beige swivel chairs. That worked out ok. The green chairs are going in the bedroom for in-laws and the low back tufted sofa in grayish taupe is going downstairs in the low ceiling living room. So basically I’m working with a fresh pallet here. Nothing but an empty canvas! With the taller ceilings and white walls, I learned I shouldn’t have such low furniture. Right? So I need cozy seating and basically everything. Now, there is going to be a Samsung frame tv over the fireplace....why? Because my husband refuses to go downstairs to living room (tv room) to watch tv. This was the point of finishing the basement and having the BIG TV put in the wall down there but instead.....wait for it....he’s made himself comfortable in the little nook off of our kitchen. He put a tv and a huge man chair in my kitchen. I’ll send pictures for everyone to share in my pain! I was gone all day at a water softener convention (don’t ask) and I come home to this nonsense. He said “I don’t want to be all the way downstairs if you are up here” and it’s been nothing but basketball, I’m the kitchen, ever since. So, the conversation living room is becoming a TV area/conversation area. I’m taking my kitchen back. Are you seeing this??? The chairs? Really? Now the dog is getting comfortable over there....I just can’t. Lol. It’s already a weird space and will deal with it eventually but it can’t be that. It just can’t! Lol NOTICE THE TV UP THERE and the missing cabinet front? Yeah, he removed the cabinet door to Pull cable for that new TV.....that jumped in his cart...at Costco🤦🏽‍♀️

Hey everybody! Come watch tv in my kitchen! Ha!

ha, ha......That is too funny!

Check out Loloi rugs! I just found one at home goods and I’m in love. Neutral enough but a pop of colour to bring a room together.

We just bought these and love them!

He's a man with a plan! :) And really, he has to sit somewhere... and it's nice that he wants to be in your vicinity.

There was no need to get rid of all of your furnishings. Unfortunately, this is the type of behavior that can be inspired from a visit to this site. But, FYI, your sofa is fine, and so were both sets of chairs that you had in the room. In my previous comment, I gave you some suggestions for connecting the dots.

Also, your sofa is not too low. With a multi-story room, you only need to be concerned with decorating what is basically at eye level. You do not need a 'tall sofa'.

A few inspiration pics:

Light green pillow + cream pillow on this charcoal sofa.

And if you wanted to bring colors in with rug, this rug has the green plus cream, as one rug example. And this rug comes in large sizes, also.

https://rugs.com/light-green-9x12-amina-area-rug-6251278?rt=bbsize

Unfortunately, this is the type of behavior that can be inspired from a visit to this site. But, FYI, your sofa is fine, and so were both sets of chairs that you had in the room.

YUP!