I agree with the darlingsbecca - with this furniture, I think you have to work with what will work with it. I could see getting a larger coffee table with perhaps simpler lines, but not modern or rustic. The furniture you have is more ornate and detailed, and you should look for pieces that work with that - more delicate lines, nothing too big or bulky or too light in color. I think where you can make changes is in color, accessories and decor that would make a big difference. Given that the furniture is dark, I would go for lighter colors with more of a southwestern feel. For instance, I would do the couch and the two chairs in two different solid colors. If you like the teal, I would go for a medium shade teal, nothing too dark, on the couch. Really like the rugs that Carole showed. The second rug, perhaps in a lighter color and similar pattern would look great. You could then take that lighter coral color and use it to cover the two chairs. For the lamps, you don't need the same on both sides, just a lamp on the table on the other side of the floor lamp to balance it out. You could think about changing the lampshades to something more modern, say a drum shaped shade. For the roman shades on the windows, if decide to go with that, perhaps in a coral color, not too dark. For the chairs, perhaps a patterned teal fabric. For the table, perhaps something fun like a beautiful fabric checked pattern tablecloth in a teal or coral or something like that to lighten the area and make it less formal. I wouldn't paint any of your furniture. I would consider moving some of your family photos to a different form or space and replace it with larger art. And getting larger pieces of decor rather than smaller would make the room look more spacious as well.

Thought I'd update my post and let you all know that we had an accidental remodel right before Thanksgiving :) We replaced the countertops, which precipitated replacing the sink, faucet and tile backsplash along with all the light fixtures and outlets. Then we added some shelves and art, and I made some little valances. Having all the extra counter space is AWESOME.

cabinet for TV; white is light black is bold, wood is soft and comforting. Think lllllooooonnnnnggggg llllllloooooowwwww console that is at least 25 % bigger than TV. TV one one side large large art on other side. Wood Espresso and cream and taupe white Clear glass or acrylic cocktail table to show off great rug. Or any of the above elements in all three rooms!

Hi! I totally know what you mean about investing a chunk of change in appliances you won't be using yet, but also because they will be broken before you've had a chance to use them regularly! I've been reading horror stories about mother boards, cooling problems, etc. Way too many problems for something whose sole purpose is to keep our groceries cool/frozen. Honestly, I'd just keep with the old-school method until you feel you're ready to spend the money on appliances you'd use daily! I mean, I've been hand-washing dishes for two years because we haven't purchased a new dishwasher. It's all up to you and what works best for you and your family : )