How about making a ruffled cover for it.

A muslin would be nice, and could be removed to wash.

I was thinking about switching up the trays. What color would you suggest? Never heard of a ottoman cover - will look into it!

Spillover it with a soft toned washable micro suede. You could have a slit on one side of a full drop to access storage underneath. Find a friend who can sew if you don't as it's not a difficult sewing project.

sorry meant slip cover it...auto correct on the phone got the best of me :-)

No tray on top of the ottoman would look better.

What about a lighter tray (in a creamy white or perhaps mirrored) that is big enough to put some romantic flowers (i see you have some on your mantle) maybe a metal lantern with candles inside) whatever you put on top will gave to have enough weight to balance that big table. Underneath you can add some soft blankets instead of the tray you have there

Different options: add a throw, milkpaint the legs and reupholster top (which should be pretty easy), add a light colored tray on top with baskets & books underneath.

give yourself time to get used to it.

You could add a white wash stain over the dark stain and add some silver nail heads around the base of the leather. Or for something simplier add a velcro slipcover like the picture below

I think the ottoman works; it's the two ivory chairs that aren't the right scale. They look more like dining room chairs. Needs something with more visual weight to replace them - jmho

I agree with luvcolor--those chairs don't belong. But if they need to stay, beef them up visually with colorful lumbar shaped accent pillows. Find pillows with a zipper and in fabric that you can throw in the wash (thinking about that baby). And the room needs simple drapery panels. Would make a world of difference.

I actually like it a lot. I think it works, and does not look rustic at all. You are going to love that ottoman when your baby starts walking, it's soft and no sharp edges on top. P.S. I think your room is feminine enough. The ottoman keeps it from becoming a ladies place...

It's doesn't look out of place at all. I think that it's dark maybe stirs the thoughts of what will balance it - probably color, fabric, soft?

I wish you could have ruffles or just more fabric.Have you thought of introducing color in the back of your built-in bookcase?or wait I think the fp is more prominent - paint the fireplace at bottom in soft muted cool green similar to neutral rug?

Minna, your first photo 'sells' the big presence of it with the camera angle.... so I'll say that in that context the mantel items look small in comparison. Would you have larger art?

I think you need to warm it up with color. I would add softness by introducing soft complementary colors to warm up the space. Colors like soft coral, goldenrod, light raspberry, and sky blue can feel nice too.

For the ottoman add some repetition in these colors on the tray with books, glassware or floral.

Bring another piece to the room that is a wood tone, similar (does not have to match the ottoman). Maybe a wood carved garden stool between the two chairs. A throw on one chair. Add some soft new colors to the sofa with pillows.

Inspiration

Add a much larger artwork at the fireplace with light wood frame.

Pale color furry or textured pillows might also work.

Thank you everyone so much for your comments. For those saying it needs more color - the rug is the Malika rug from pottery barn - it's sky blue (may not be coming out since the picture is so dark) but I do agree that the room needs more color. I am planning on getting blue drapes, just haven't gotten around to it. If anyone has any other ideas in regards to color for drapes, would love to hear it.

Blue sounds great. Add some other colors that you like that complement the blues in the room with sprinkling those colors around using art, and accessories.

I would add another warmer soft color to the mix.

Different subject, but I'm wondering about moving the matching floor lamps to each end of the sofa rather than flanking the fireplace? Also, LB mentioned it, but art as wide as the black firebox for above the fireplace - fewer or no small things on the mantel. Don't worry too much about the ottoman if it was inexpensive - use it while it's good for the little one and then replace it with something "lighter".

Some artwork ideas. Art can be a great colorful piece to build your room around. You could start with an artwork that grabs you :)) Soft or midtone colors. Larger than current one.

Another for inspiration

I agree with Ann about the floor lamps.

oddly enough, for me, the room would work fine with a darker rug and a big piece of art in a dark frame over the sofa and darker throw pillows. But, I'm sure it's probably no easier for you to replace the rug than the ottoman. That said, if it all has to stay I agree with adding some softer accents on and under the table.

The ottoman doesn't bother me because the black leather ties in nicely with your fireplace and the wooden frame ties in with the legs on your chairs. That being said, I do understand that if you are wanting a more soft and feminine look, you could easily have a slipcover make for it. This way, you could remove the slipcover and wash it or if you wanted to change the look, you could take the slipcover off of your ottoman. Refinishing or painting the (as in 3rd picture) frame and reupholstering the ottoman is an option but probably an expensive one. Pretty room! Hope these pictures help.

Regarding the lamps - I can't switch them to either side of the couch, as the edge of the couch lines up with the entry way :(

I'm wondering where the lamps might be able to go. Flanking the fireplace is a bit of an odd placement for floor lamps.

It isn't the ottoman that is off, it is the two occasional chairs,,,way too delicate. Get another loveseat and everything will balance out.

Regarding the lamps - It's a tough room because no overhead light, and there are built in bookshelves on one side, and freestanding on the other.

Im sorry. But I think it's just awful. I'd return it. Get something smaller and NOT BROWN. We all make mistakes like this. Rather than trying to make it work (which it never will). Get rid of it. . I like all the other pieces in the room very much.

@marilynellis - thanks for your honesty. what color would you recommend? I may end up going the slipcover route as price was a big factor in this, it's a huge hassle to return (I ordered it from an online retailer....and have learned my lesson)

I like the idea of painting the wood white - or cream, like the chairs. I'd save the trays just as they are. Nice space!

Thank you everyone for your helpful advice! Here is the room after taking into account everyone's suggestions!

Very nice! I like it. :-)
Do you have enough fabric left over to recover the pinkish striped pillow? The color should appear in at least three places to look intentional and finished.

You went from contemporary to country . I don't think it works,. Sorry

I'm not a frill fan so it definitely doesn't work for me either. Too country as sondramartina said. I like the fabric and piping though. Can you remove the frills edge?

Looks good! Happy you went with a slipcovered version. I think it goes well with your rug, pulls up the red tones. I actually like the pleats, and makes it more french country with clean lines. Which goes nicely with the french side chairs and other french elements in the room. Now you just need some artwork or frames on your wall. As long as you love it, that is all that really matters!

The fringe is not the right look with your modern furniture, it would be much nicer if it could be removed, but if you like it, that's all that is important.

Hi Minna
You did an excellent job. Upholstery is very difficult. I'm afraid the fringe is not working. It doesn't fit with your style. I would remove the fringe but also put this piece somewhere else in the house possibly in children's play room? It just doesn't work but you really tried to make it work so should feel good about that. We've all tried to do this at some point. I'd recommend a lighter wood with a glass top or a cream leather ottoman. No more brown.

Try turning the ottoman the other way, and scoot forward the loveseat to make the room more cozy and intimate.