Try an abstract expressionist artwork instead of the Picasso Guernica.

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/living-in-the-abstract-decorating-with-really-modern-art-stsetivw-vs~11781

Do you need the TV console? if not, I'd mount the TV, eye level while seated.

the cabinet under the framed art is too small, and whatever is on top of it takes away from the artwork. The little shelf unit should also be removed. Do you have another room that you can use these pieces in?

Get a much larger area rug to ground the conversation area. Something vivid and MCM... with some orange, Teal, etc... You've got some nice space for very large canvas art.

I would spin the sofa to face the TV and Fireplace (a few more pieces of seating, either another sofa or two comfortable chairs for a conversation and TV viewing for at least 6)

A teal would be interesting, it looks like you have plenty of natural light.

Get rid of that cabinet. It is too small for the space.

I would look for a long bench with a fabric that will add color and pattern.

Move that shelving unit.

Paint the wall.

It sounds like you're going for a balanced and cohesive look in your mid-century modern and Scandinavian-inspired living room, and it’s great that you’re considering the proportions and flow of the space carefully. If the console under the Guernica painting feels off, removing it could be a good option to restore balance, especially if it's not complementing the artwork or the rest of the room. You could replace the console with a more proportional piece or consider a minimalist side table or a simple console in a contrasting material, like wood or metal, to keep the space feeling light and open.

As for the chairs, adding them could still work if you ensure they don’t overcrowd the space. Two sleek mid-century style chairs, perhaps in a neutral fabric or a cognac leather to tie in with your existing theme, could look great on either side of the console or the open space beneath the artwork. Introducing the bright teal blue could be done subtly through accessories—think throw pillows, a textured throw, or a small accent chair in that color. This way, the teal won’t overwhelm the black-and-white theme but will bring in a fresh pop of color.

Another idea is incorporating teal into the artwork or using a blue area rug that anchors the seating area. It’s all about finding that balance where the new color enhances the existing elements without competing with them. Keep the placement simple and intentional, focusing on smaller touches that will bring warmth and vibrancy to the space

Wish I could see pictures of the rest of the room as well as measurements of the room. That would make it easier for us to help you. You have some really fun pieces. The bar really does need to go somewhere else. It doesn’t work under your Picasso.

How exciting to see Guernica and Keith in the same room!

I dislike the open bookshelf. It just feels like the odd man out. I'd remove it, try the bar cabinet in it's place, and style it well with a more substantial objects on top than what you currently have on the bar. Add a floor plant between the bar and TV console so they don't look too repetitive on the same wall.

Then lower Guernica. It seems to be hung too high.

Options?

• Painted the TV wall, as Beverly suggested.
• Added floor-to-ceiling wood slats behind the TV/console to make that area more of a focal point and to balance the mass of the fireplace.
• Moved the new (taller) cabinet left.
• Lowered the Guernica over a long bench (here echoing the hearth slab, but other bench forms would work).
• Moved the sofa back a bit for more breathing room (could move it farther and back it with a console table if you can do without the walkway behind it).
• Added real plants in what looks like a greenhouse area and on the fireplace ledge.
• Added art, side table, lamps (floor lamp replacing hanging globes in the corner to avoid dangling cords; maybe vary shapes instead of all globes as shown?).

Ideas, anyway . . .

I'm king simplynatural's layout and design!

I never ask a client about the art they love IMO it will always work if they love it. That cabinet wayy to tall and small to be used under that piece. No wood slat wall next to the brick that rack thing needs to go. I think the cair can go somewhere else and ypu could add 2 chairs to face the FP in that space . A shelf under the art is all you needd to anchor it and what the heck is that fake greenery doing anywhere in any space . I love MCM and it is in my wheel house because it is simple and clean looking . Nothing without a purpose is my take on MCM I love yoiur FP it does not need anoyher accent wall but maybe if thta is where it has to go then a low very wide cabinet like an Ikea Besta type and a bit larger TV

I would move the sofa back to the post for a larger room and not so close to the TV if possible. Very nice MCM. Love the planter.

Wow! Thanks, everyone, for the input and ideas so far—this is really giving me some great options. I really liked the bookshelf piece when I first bought it, but after seeing @simplynatural’s rendering without it, I appreciate how much more open and soothing the space looks.

I’ve incorporated wood slat paneling in my bedroom and entryway but hadn’t considered adding it to the living room. I wonder if black would work well here? I also used a charcoal gray color in my primary bath and could potentially use the same paint SKU—or maybe add a pop of color? Usually, I’m not a fan of gray.

I’ve decided to mount the TV on the wall, and I like the idea of using the console to the left of the bench.

PS here’s pictures featuring the wood slats I’ve used in my home and the charcoal paint color in the primary bath.

Also could you center the TV on the wall instead? With the sofa pulled back, you could move the butterfly chair and leather ottoman to the left of the sofa to watch TV...more or less in front of the cabinet.