The room seems dark, even in the daylight photos; at night the other two lamps might not add enough light. Some art, and more color and pattern would liven the space. If you can find a rug you love, pick up the accent colors with different pillow covers and throw. If you don't want to change the rug, what about slipcovering the ottoman with a pattern and picking up those colors? (You could bring home a finished textile - think shower curtain or tablecloth- to drape over/pin around it to test the idea before investing in a custom treatment.)

BTW, that's a very interesting sofa with the asymmetrical arms!

Thanks, All! This is very helpful. Yes, I'll definitely add color and artwork. The adjoining dining room is painted a dark teal, which I love!

The sofa is actually a horrible sectional selected by an interior designer. We were young, she was old, and now the room looks like it belongs to a southern grandma. Everything was custom made, so I'm having a hard time convincing my husband to buy new furniture.

If the sofas were custom made and a high quality you can consider re covering them.

@deegw, I love your rug choice! It’s almost identical to the one we have in the adjoining dining room.

Bring that teal into the living room with pillows and other accessories.

Looks great! Here's a link to the rug in the mock up.

https://www.rugs-direct.com/Details/LoloiIIRugs-MargotfeatCloudPileTM-MAT03/144783

This room is already great but a few additions would step things up several notches. Imo art, color, pattern, and something unexpected would make a world of difference. Kids art is a great suggestion from @Vicki Denson. That would accomplish all these things if the right colors and subjects are used in the paintings. They don't have to be masterpieces. In fact, this room might benefit from something that does not look perfect or purchased.@.

It’s a nice room - i think it could use some pattern and whimsy -

what about some patterned pillows or an upholstered ottoman? I love Arianna Belle for pillows and Annie Selke for rugs and ottomans

@la_la Girl, thank you. I just looked at Annie Selke’s ottomans, and I’m in love!

@mathymommy @Vicki Denson got it exactly right. It's a common result that comes from several sources. For me it was a desire to make everything I bought useful in the next home and make my home salable with the least effort…all neutral everything. But all neutrals or near neutrals makes for a dull dusty result. The fix depends on what you are willing to replace. Area rugs need frequent replacement… how is yours holding up? If it's time, can you replace it with one with bold colors? Then maybe new drapery panels that pick up one of the colors in your area rug. And try silk or satin.

I'm wondering if your whole home could use more color. This old article provides tips on creating a whole-house color scheme that will help keep you from making expensive mistakes. You seem to have a color in your wall paint and seating but I can't tell what they are. Is some of your furniture a mauve? Is your wall color a pale green? You could add bolder versions of those colors in your area rug and draperies.

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/how-to-create-a-cohesive-color-flow-throughout-your-home-stsetivw-vs~66922903

Another way to add life is with contrast in value (lightness/darkness) reflectance and texture. Your wood floors do some of that; they are very nice! They are darker than your rug and well everything else except the piano and bar, and they are shiny. With color value, think about a delftware or willow ware piece… The different values in there from bright cold white to deep cobalt blue so dark it's almost black, and with several middle blues inbetween. Think about an evergreen forest in spring with it's deep winter green/black background, the middle green, and tiny bright chartreuse new candles of new growth. Now that's rich and exciting. Even if you had all neutrals you can take whatever neutral you have and have near-black and near-white versions of it with middle tones too… Not as fun as real color though.

If I am seeing correctly that you have mauve and green, then you could extend those. You have a pale green, so add a darker version somewhere, an evergreen. You have a dusty mauve which is both dull and mid-tone, so add a brighter version (bright wine to violet in small doses) and a darker version (aubergine).

As for reflectance and texture… Have you looked carefully at an all pastel glam room? There is high reflectance (glass, mirrors, chrome or other high-gloss metals) and soft fuzzy (velvet seating, fur throw, silk rug). It's all pastel but doesn't look dull because of the contrast in textures. 

And I agree that maybe lighting would help. Or maybe it's just the photos.

The things that are helping you in your room are the wood floors, the chair pair with the wood trim, the piano, the bar, and the very light-cream throw.

The things hurting you are the area rug, draperies and upholstery. But you don't have to change all of them. I wouldn't change the chair pair. I'd replace the ottoman with something glossy like a glass table, the area rug with something colorful and patterned, and the drapes with something silky and patterned, even a stripe. If your blinds are off-white, changing to white might help. When you replace the sofa, consider leather for a texture contrast. Just some thoughts... Again, you don't need to do all...just replace what needs replacing with something that gives contrast to the room in color and reflectance.

I had the same thought as others that you could use some color and pattern. It all looks like very nice furniture, but the room isn't inviting. You say you entertain and hang out with your kids here. The way the furniture is arranged, it doesn't look cozy or conducive to conversation or cuddling with kids. The couches are so far apart and the coffee table doesn't seem reachable from both sofas. It looks like a main through way in front of the one couch, dividing the area. The chairs are nice but are off all alone like they haven't been invited to the party. You didn't mention TV, is there one?

Is there any way to configure the sectional back into an L shape? That always seems cozy for families to gather on. Then you could bring the two chairs into the conversation area. Maybe the space where the chairs are now would be a good place for a game table with chairs around it? A place to do homework maybe? That would also force foot traffic to one side of the room and not through the middle of it. It's hard to tell without measurements and a pic of the area where the right hand couch is placed. The room divider blocks the camera view.

Your dining room is quite a contrast to the living room. Yes, bring some of that color into the living room: rug, pillows, art, lamps maybe? a

So nice that you actually use your living room. Your furniture is lovely and I see every reason to keep it. I'd just tone down the formality and bring more fun into the room.

1. Paint the room a brighter neutral, like the same cream on the spindles. Your furniture will pop instead of blend in.

2. I'm itching to see patterned curtains in here. Nothing crazy or busy, but it is a large visual swath in which to add a lot of character. I don't know if these are at all your taste, but here's an example something else on Anne Selke https://annieselke.com/p/PC4204 The more contemporary look of your dining room curtains help to make the space more young. Your living room curtains are a bit older looking.

3. Two rugs instead of one. Your large rug give a bit of a wall-to-wall carpet effect, which dates the space. Having the bit of wood flooring pop between the two rugs will make things more casual. The rug in your dining room looks great because the pop of wall color tones down the formality of the rug. I would not get such a formal rug for your living room. Get something with texture that is more fun and livable, either a plush shag (fun for kids to sit on around an ottoman), a jute or sisal to tone things down, or something with a more modern print.

4. I'd remove the console behind the sofa. Items on there look a bit swallowed by the back of the sofa. Place a nice floor plant behind the sofa. And, either get two floor lamps to flank the sofa, or an arching floor lamp to place in the corner by the bar.

5. What color are your lamp shades? I don't know if the bulbs are yellow or if the shades are yellow but the yellow is adding to the grandma look. Getting a crisp white look from your shades will help modernize.

6. I'd think of color and pattern for your accent pillows and upholster the piano bench in coordinating fabric.

This pic may not be your taste but it demonstrates how pops of colors and patterns, patterned curtains, patterned rug, and more wood floor showing can help enliven a formal living room.

Parkwood Road Residence Living Room 2 · More Info

Again, this room may be a bit overkill, but their sofas are similar to yours in color and you can see how pattern with movement, plus color really enlivens the sofa. The patterned curtains tie in the pillows. These varying shades of blues in the patterns would echo nicely your dining room walls. The rug is a nice informal weave.

Transitional Style Living Space · More Info

It's a very nice room but it is a bit on the bland side. I have to agree with your husband - custom made furniture isn't something you just toss and replace. You can bring a lot of life into a room with accessories. The thing I find most impactful in a room is large bold artwork. Keep in mind that said artwork doesn't have to be in bright primary colors. It can also be dark and moody. Just has to draw the eye and make a statement.

What if you flip the sofa in front of the window with the two chairs? You then open up the window area to bring in more light. And you still have a viewing area for the piano.

I always suggest artwork. Art has personality and can change the feel of the room.

It is lovely furniture. Find an accent color you love that goes with the couches, maybe the teal you already have going on? Use that color in pillows, art, an accent piece or two.

But first of all, paint those walls. As someone else said, they’re sucking the light and life from your room. It seems they don’t really go with your furniture anyway.

LOVE the dining room!!! Bring that vibe into the living room, which does look a bit granny. So - can you do a floorplan? The room is long, and you have the two armchairs opposite the piano, and two opposite sofas. It tends to funnel people through the room rather than welcome them to sit down. How does the sectional fit together? Is there another entry into the dining room?

As Patricia and Aunt Thelma suggested, play with your furniture layout. Yes, it’s kind of formal in the style of furniture, but they actually look useful and comfortable - not just pieces for show! So changing up the layout may make the furniture more welcoming and less formal, may lessening the need for a huge number of accessory changes or additions.

All of the above, but I would really want to paint, too. The current color is too dark and too gray. Look at BM Pale Oak, Soft Chamois or another warm off white. I wouldn't do a white-white as that would just be another version of lifeless IMO, but some people really like white.

I’m so grateful for all of you taking the time to help me! I have so many ideas to play with now.

@Olychick, here is what the sofas look like as a sectional. If I do keep them like this, I’m not sure what do with the corner of the room (where I temporarily placed my dining chairs).

A hanging basket chair would be a great way to add the whimsey la_la Girl mentioned.

I think I'd only change the drapery and the throws and pillows on the sofa. And I guess take the generic candle holders off the piano.

What kind of music gets played on the piano? I'd make the drapes an expression of that feeling. Nothing literal minded but make the sound visible in color and pattern!

Subtle patterned draperies framing the window to bring the teal from the DR into this room, new white shades to replace the yellow ones, and a few textured teal pillows, then reassess (do I need to paint, or do the gray walls provide a calm backdrop for my other color choices?). I don't agree with everyone with the 'granny' comments, and frankly, I always find that thinking a bit demeaning.

It seems that you don't have space to use your sectional (as shown in your later photo). It creates a barrier to entering the room. Have tried the sofa on the long wall facing the window, the chairs in the window with the table/lamp between them, and maybe the rest of the sectional in the piano alcove? I do like the idea of a game table there, too. I notice you have a mirror on the long wall...here is where you could put a lovely painting. As an artist, myself, I am never too impressed with all of the artwork that looks like hotel-room paintings that have little thought or creativity in them, but art is so subjective, and I know that many on Houzz are always recommending these types of canvases.

You don't say if you have another living space (like a FR), but I don't even think the room is excessively 'formal' or 'uninviting,' just a bit bland, which is what you think, too. And if you do have a FR, then this room doesn't necessarily have to be the 'fun' space, just more colorful and relaxing...you do say that you play games here...I would probably opt for a rectangular coffee table instead of the ottoman, as a better surface for games.

Bring some of the dining room colors into the living room, but no need to scream teal.

Schumacher pillows

https://www.ballarddesigns.com/high-tide-art/mirrors-art/wall-art/688168?listIndex=18&uniqueId=688168&isNewProduct=false

I would invest in a new rug.

You said you loved the Annie Selke ottomans - which in particular? Knowing that help direct suggestions.

I‘m just dying to come over and play with furniture arrangements!

Certainly! It's excellent that you want to give your living area a cozy, energetic feel. Here are some ideas to help make the area more lively:

1. Cozy Colors and Textures: Think about painting the room or adding cozy accents in warm colors and textures. A pleasant atmosphere can be produced with warm earth tones like warm browns, deep oranges, or calming neutrals. To enhance depth and comfort, use textures like velvety rugs, soft throw blankets, and textured pillows.

2. Lighting: To create a cozy and welcoming ambiance, improve the lighting in your living area. Use a blend of ambient illumination, such as floor or table lights, and task lighting for reading or piano practice. Choose warm-toned light bulbs to produce a pleasant ambiance.

3. Natural Elements: Use natural elements to bring the outside within. To add life and freshness to the space, add potted plants, fresh flowers, or a small indoor herb garden. A reclaimed wood coffee table or shelving can add warmth and character. Wood accents can do the same.

Display priceless family photos, original artwork, or sentimental objects that bring back good memories as personal touches. To display these unique elements and give the space a nostalgic feel and personality, think about designing a gallery wall or focal point.

5. Declutter and organize: Remove any clutter and pointless stuff to make the space feel clean and new. To maintain organization and a dust-free environment in the space, think about adopting smart storage solutions.

These ideas might help you make your living room a welcoming and lively place where beloved memories can continue to be created.

LD: I think this ottoman may be my favorite: https://annieselke.com/p/ASH10359. I do want to keep the space somewhat formal since we also have a family room and finished basement.

Petula67: I'd love for you to come over and rearrange furniture. Let me know if you're ever in NC, lol!

I love that ottoman!

Don't forget the impact of plants. A tray of succulents, a snake plant on the floor in a pretty pot or stand. They'll add a subtle layer of texture and color.

decorpatti and auntthelma, I used to have my 2 chairs and end table in front of the bay window, and I LOVED the look! However, my young kids and dog run to that window every time the doorbell rings. They've tripped over cords, broken a lamp, and almost went through the window. That sofa and sofa table are my attempt at child-proofing!

That is a lovely ottoman on the Anne Selkie site. It's described as Pali Blue quatrefoil medallion, and there are rugs online in the same pattern from several sources. https://www.thecompanystore.com/pali-blue-and-ivory-cotton-jute-indoor-rug/57203.html

That gives you some search terms - quatrefoil, medallion and perhaps lattice - to see if a similar fabric design comes up. You might find something you could translate into pillow covers or draperies at a lower price point.

Also, returning to the idea of recovering your existing ottoman, you could show that rug website to a reputable upholsterer, or even the original manufacturer of the manufacturer, to see if they could offer you a similar look with upholstery fabric. A picture is worth a thousand words!.

I have that Pali ottoman in the other colorway - love it and it brings tons of texture to the room! I have had it for several years and it still looks perfect - even with teen boys and a large dog 😅

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FWIW I also have a long living room that felt too stiff and formal and got the A Selke large square cat’s paw ottoman and now everyone can put their feet up and it made the room much cozier - just something to consider regarding size/scale

Is the back of the piano finished?

No, the back of the piano isn’t finished. That would make things easier!

Your sofa is gorgeous as a sectional. And, I love that it is also child proofing! Unfortunate that it is too tight of a fit with the other chairs on that side of the room too.

So here is the last of my 2 cents:

I really like your cool blue bright bright color pop dining room, but I think your living room tweaks should be warm and even hot if you want to bring life into it. I'll change my opinion if I learn you live in a very hot climate, where it's always more inviting to guests to enter and relax in a visibly cool space. But otherwise, I would go for hot and bold drapes to frame your formal space, and to frame the peek into the pop of color in the blue room.

Also, if you are going to get rid of that unique ottoman rather than re-upholster it be sure to put it out to consignment somewhere and just generally get a good price for it. It's a lovely shape.

I love the old planter room divider in your living room entry. For new drapes, I'd look for a dramatic vertical stripes fabric pattern that echoes those posts, something almost tribal, in very warm-hot colors defined by darks. Echoes too the base of your little side table

as a let's not break the bank quick fix for right now I might go with this

https://www.westelm.com/products/linear-lattice-jacquard-curtain-copper-t6127/?catalogId=71&sku=7693352&cm_ven=PLA&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Window%20%3E%20All%20Curtains&region_id=658780&cm_ite=7693352_14465514686&gclid=CjwKCAjw-7OlBhB8EiwAnoOEk7ic1nswVGxUv8Y-16waZ670naWPaHUW5BPifSCkBbr3S8ZgcZwvARoCzWkQAvD_BwE

@mytwocents, West Elm is very much the style I lean into for this old house. I was looking at drapery on their site last night, but couldn’t find colors to match the dining room. I love the idea of going with a contrasting color :)

And, I definitely won’t get rid of the ottoman - we will repurpose it in another room. My daughter already uses it as a gymnastics vault, so it’s probably better suited for the family room anyway, lol.

You asked about what to do with the corner you put your two dining room chairs in. I was thinking have the piano there so the light would shine on the music. I also think it would be a great place for a jigsaw puzzle. 

I also was thinking of having the sectional facing the window. I don't know what's on the other side of the rooms though.

Put the sectional on the opposite wall - it blocks a lot of light and blocks the entry. Maybe the piano in the corner where the dining chairs are, and the armchairs in the window? Do you have strong teenage boys to help???

Forgive me...I haven't read all the replies...can you post a couple more pics, one of the wall opposite the window where the chairs are now? Where is the entry? I assumed it was down by the piano, but someone mentioned the sectional blocking the entrance.

If the entrance is beyond the sectional, I think it can still work. It looks like you moved the chairs from the corner and opposite the sectional? That still makes a walkway through the conversation area. Can you move those chairs so they face the other part of the sectional (to the right of the window when you are facing it)?

Then they would still be a part of the conversation grouping but would not be blocking the walkway at all.

I do love how much more cozy the room looks with the sectional than with the two formal looking couches facing each other. What do you think? In the corner where you had the chairs, I still think it would be a great place for a game table and chairs.

Olychick, I'm not sure if this pic is any better. I took it from the front entry.

I could try removing the sofa table in the bay window and shift the sectional closer to the window. However, this doesn't look great looking in from the street.

We originally had the sectional and chairs flipped - chairs by the bay window and sectional against the long wall. This made a separate space for the piano (each space had its own area rug). However, walking through the room was awkward as there wasn't a clear path.

ShadyWillowFarm & K L, I've never thought about moving the piano; there has been a piano against that wall since this house was built in 1959! I'll play with piano configurations tomorrow.

@mathymommy I was just thinking about your comment that you didn't know what to do in that corner. And then I thought about all the light there and how pianos are usually put near great light. I also was working on my own jigsaw puzzle and wishing I had better light. That's where those thoughts came from. I don't know how the piano will work there but a puzzle table will be fine, so at least you have a good option for that corner. But where does your family work on puzzles and play games now?

I always think a live tree or large potted plant can naturally add life and color to a room without altering your overall decor or requiring a large investment. You have a beautiful home.

For what it's worth, when we inherited a piano years ago, it was moved and tuned by a specialty company. They told us it was inadvisable to put a piano near a window; think how draperies and furntitue can fade over time in a sunny window. If you have newer windows it might not be as big an issue as with older ones, though.

L.D. Johnson, thanks for mentioning that! I've burned plants when I had them in that window from it being so sunny/warm.

K L, a puzzle table may be the winner! Right now, we use a wooden coffee table (in our family room) for puzzles, but our puzzles are beginning to outgrow the space.

Another thought. Would the piano fit on the entry where you have the small table with four pictures above? Then sectional on the long wall but pulled closer to dining room. Two chairs casually arranged on window side, but not perfectly side by side or centered on bay window. It seems the conundrum is trying to keep with the perfect symmetry of the bay window. Maybe shifting the entire seating arrangement towards dining area could help. Might work, might not. Just something to try. Tall plant in the corner would really add energy but sounds like you haven’t had success with that….