I think the color is a soft caramel leaning towards the gold (or yellow) of caramel. So yes, it reads "yellow" to me, but in a very nice way. I used it in my master closet after a 32 second decision, because I was in a rush. My master is 12x18 (closet) and has one window. I wanted a soft color that would compliment the plaster in the bedroom and flow nicely with the wood (walnut) build ins that will be surrounding all four walls. CC really does work well for that, and looks gorgeous with chocolate. Outside of that room, the library is one level down and all the walls (except for the wood wall of hell...another post) are Valspar Cowslip 4 which is a yellow in the same tone (caramel color) but a bit deeper. The flow is great :) I'm not one for shocking changes of color in each room. I like the eye to visibly travel from room to room easily, especially through open doors. It sounds like the yellow isn't a good choice for your living room, since you're worried about too much yellow (is that possible?) heh heh Are you looking to go more neutral or do you have a complimentary color you'd like to shoot for? (Ie should we look to tan or green or blue or purple) :OP

Love the idea of gilding -- check out Rub n Buff as well as they have colored tints along with the standard silver/gold/bronze. Given the windows, light colors etc don't shy away from a colored frame if it works with what's *in* the frames. A deeper sage, midtone olive, or medium greyed green, a slate-y or "spa" blue, or a medium-to-darker grey could help balance out the lightness of the wall and sofa colors with the darker wood pieces. [I have a close color to Blonde in a hall and my office but I'm not much help as I have a lot of black/dark tones nearby or in the room. Black, dark reddish brown, and orange frames work for me.]

I find it easier to find fabric I love and only then pick a paint color. If you find the perfect fabric or rug, you can repaint. It’s only a gallon or two of paint and a weekend to change paint. Even a custom paint is only $ 50.

First have a vision for room and inspiration pictures can really help; take your time to find pieces that work together. I could see using navy to create a cozier space and just paint selected walls. Hopefully you can return your rug (if you want to) and a jute rug would be lighter, is not expensive (try Ikea). Example of color combination. Ikea has low bookcases and using three, secured together and painted is an inexoensive to get a nice long unit. You could add floating shelves. Accessorizing will be important as well, like posters and cushions. Curtains could do with updating. One below comes in different sizes. Close up: Depending on your budget, a large square coffee table would a nice addition and even try Marketplace for great used fines.