It looks like a great space! I can certainly see what you mean about softening up the room. The straight lines and color definitely adds to the masculine feel. To soften it up, add items with curves...curved chairs, artwork with curved designs, rounded accent pieces such as vases, etc. Also consider adding some warm colors in an area rug, throw, accent pieces. We'd love to work with you on your project if you'd like a more help. (We do online interior design so it's much more affordable than an in person designer). Good luck!

You would be amazed how much of a difference adding an area rug will make! I would make the area rug decision first and then build from there… I think you will get a better outcome making decisions one at a time instead of trying to buy everything all at once. Get something, study it, and then figure out what would be another good addition!

(Aussie, aussie, aussie!) Happy Decorating!

Oooh yay finally someone from my part of town! Your in good hands here, cant wait to see this space finished.

A rug, drapes, and art would help! Also, if it works in the space, bring the love-seat in to create more of an intimate space. A bookshelf, floating shelves, or a collage of art and photography on that wall would be great!

Is there much more space in the room - can you take a photo from the doorway. Even thought the tv cabinet is going will you still have the tv there?

Monochromatic:

Some additional picture angles of your space will help.

Agree that the furniture is very masculine and to counter balance you need softer accessories . Some ideas:


https://www.houzz.com/discussions/please-give-me-some-direction-dsvw-vd~1003441

European flavour:

you need some color. what do you like? almost any color will work - or colors - but you need to think what would make you feel happy!

Ooo I am so excited to have all your help! Thank you!! The plan for my day tomorrow was to choose my rug! I wasn't sure whether to do a big mood board and create something or just go out and find things that I love? The problem is I can't quite put my finger on what I really love. If I had my way we would have had a lighter colour linen couch. I agree with soft curves and lines! I kind of like this rug.. But not sure if it will work? Is it to cool in colourings for the area? Am I limiting myself and is it just the wrong style for the couch we have already chosen?

This image is just to give you a feel of our area and the colourings we chose for the outside of our house. This was at Christmas :) I guess you could say we like a neutral pallete with a touch of colour.. Some of the other images are the feel and ideas of what I like..

Ps- what are the rules for the size of the rug? Should it go under the feet of both couches? I really want a rug, but I also really love the colour of our floor boards alot!

Love chemayne's suggestions particularly the first coffee table.

With the tv moving into the next room, group the furniture into an L with side tables, lamps and a coffee table to make it an inviting conversation area.

Coffee table/ottoman distance to sofa should be 18" at a minimum.
The carpet ideally should be tucked under the front feet of the furniture by about 6".

Gorgeous choices btw.

It's hard to get a sense from your photo of the actual size of the room, but the current furniture arrangement is not ideal. The sofas are too far apart, and traffic cuts between them.

With the TV and console leaving, perhaps you can put the loveseat opposite the sofa, and there might be room for a chair on one end, as well. I have no idea if this would comport with the traffic patterns in your house since you only shown us one view of the room.

I can't really move the TV into the other room because as you can see the open plan is quite small and the dining area is in the next room ( we are currently waiting on our dining chairs)

I tried moving the love seat forward like this, but my Husband hated it, there was just enough room to walk through and have access at both door entry's and behind the couch. Thanks for your help again!! :)

move the sofa to the right closer to the window and place the love seat on the other side of sofa to form an L. The loveseat will then back the dining table.

I thought you said the TV was going in a compromise with hubby.

Try chemayne's idea with loveseat on the other end. It will give some separation to the dining area. Also, move the two pieces closer together so they almost touch at the corners.

Nicole, where is the rug you liked from?

Can you paint? If so go a dove gray. On windows use a black and white chevron print. With a bamboo shade rolled half way. Area rug 5x7 may be good, shag in silver. Float in front of TV/sofa. A coffee table in black metal,and glass, round 24" . bold contemporary art over love seat hang 7" from top of back. Media looks fine. Add palms or plants to corners. For texture. Pillows in a accent color pick one. Go print and solid. Add small silver table next to love seat with a floor lamp on other side in Brush nickel. Garden stool in a accent color on one side of sofa. Table with silver or white base lamp tall. On other.

With light in ceiling a drum style 24" black or gray chandelier . Drop so 7 ft from floor. Easy to install.

Follow though to bedroom with same colors and window treatment. Bedding is important. Layer comforters over each other to get a cozy look. Dust skirt a must. Area rug that goes 1/3 of way under bed will finish look.

When going a modern look do not put rug under legs. It's a dated look. Don't go too big on rug. Show off those beautiful floors.

I would center dining table in room. It looks to pushed to side. A very large area rug here doesn't have to match. But should be big enough to have chairs on rug when sitting at them. Going a chevron print in black,and white on chairs would tie the two,rooms together.

I agree, try live seat with back to dining rm. with a round small table between them. Could TV fit on Love seat wall? Or there no cable there? Still do as suggested above with rug and coffee table. If TV stays where's it's at. Get a armless chair and put on love seat wall. With a garden stool next to it. Mix up textures, to make rm interesting. Add a throw in a accent color to hang over back of love seat.

If a chair is not what you want. Try getting a tall 6 ft wide dark frame floor mirror. Just center and lean on wall. Will add depth to a small rm. Ikea carries. Not expensive.

Thanks for the advice Nancy, but I really don't want to make it that modern and want to keep it more neutral, the walls are staying white. You have given some great tips though :)

I know how confusing it is when you like bits from different styles but to get a good look, if you don't want to change too much that you have already done/purchased, you need to decide if you want one style in particular or a carefully designed eclectic combination that looks good (a hard call for many people). With white walls, that fabulous floor and the current furniture I would go for large quality impressionist/modern art prints (with lights), some retro reproduction lighting and some colour in cushions, throws. A rug (maybe a bit shaggy) in the seating area.

Good advice wood jay. With her furn and floors modern is way to go.