I'd like to see color as well - I like the orange idea. for example or

or
if you like teal
I think zigzag rugs add a lot of energy!

Initially I was going to say a rug with texture, but then I read about the dogs, so not such a good idea. What about carpet tiles? Check out FLOR.com they have such interesting stuff, and easy maintenance. Mod Cow, could be fun, Parallel Reality for color, or Sound Check in Lime .... the possibilities are endless

Great tips thanks guys.. I love the idea of adding a touch of color in the rug.

I've also read that I can either have the rug under the front feet of the couches, all the feet or none of the feet.

I'm keen to put under the front feet of both couches as I can then perfectly square it off with the edges of the couches. Would this look ok?

The flor tiles look fantastic, but I'm located in Australia so I don't think I could get them here.

A designer could answer the question about the rug and furniture. Mine have the front legs sitting on the rug and it looks great. Being a guy myself I would suggest you look at some vintage posters from "All Posters.com". Pretty much fool proof, once you get the posters pick up some cool things that interest you and go with the theme of the posters. Pillows are good, you can mix patterns and colors. nothing matchie-matchie. Like the others said repeat the color in the rug, don't go crazy on it though

You don't mention what color(s) your dogs are. I've noticed, oddly enough, that light color floors and textiles are better at hiding dog hair than dark ones. So I worry more about lint and hair showing on your chocolate couches. Unless, of course, you have chocolate labs. ; )

I'd keep the rug to medium tones, and find something with a punch of color. The room could use it. Look for something moderately priced so if it does eventually get destroyed you aren't gnashing your teeth. A wool rug or olefin with a fabric backing can be shampooed periodically. Beware of "rugs" with that hard, cross-woven plastic backing: They won't hold up to cleaning because the backing disintegrates when it gets wet.
A rug big enough to go under the front sofa feet is a good idea, because then it won't shift around.

If you're willing/able, consider painting a color on the walls. Use a lighter version of something drawn from the rug or pillows. If not, just repeat the rug accent colors in other pieces, like a console, pillows, table lamp, or drapes. DecorEnthusiaste had some fabulous tips, including wide curtains that could scrunch back to hide the a/c during the cool season. I'd look for one large, dominant canvas to go above the long sofa.

If you find that one piece of art you really like, the rest of the room will follow. Good luck!

Newly single guy, you can do what you want now!
You don't need the approval of any women.

Good suggestion by trisn , live with Freedom !

I would paint one wall a rich turquoise, then get a rug with a swirly brown/turquoise design. Stores like CB2 or Chiasso have some like that. Wall decals are also a fun way to decorate a wall space, especially if there is an awkward space (like on either side of the window.) Your couches look great, I'm sure it's going to turn out wonderful! :)

These frames from ikea would look good above sofa either in group of 3 or 6! This rug also from ikea! Teal or lime green would liven the room up!

Keep it simple not to crazy on the pattern or color of the rug and bring in more color and pattern on the artwork and throw pillows. Here are some options from Surya a company I specify.

I would put whole sofa or front feet on the rug. I don't care for the look of the rug "island" floating out in the middle. :)

Oh, and I've found pretty much all my rugs on Overstock.com. Excellent resource with a variety of price points.

A nice geometric, colorful dhurrie rug would look great, and they are practically indestructible. My cat can claw them all he wants and do no damage. Plus they are reversible if you do get an accidental stain or shadow.

Cushions this, curtains that.
Ah, Mate!
Go and buy the TV you really wanted.
And some speakers: not like them decorative tinny little things that she so generously let you have as a compromise, get some big ugly ones that sound the muts, and put them just where you like.
Done that? Good work. Job done. Leave the house and enjoy your life.

given the floors add nothing but utility (and easy to wash) be not afraid to cover all your floor area with a beautiful rug - that zigzag up top has the punch and brightness the space wants - would conceal doogie fluff. Overlay something washable - like cotton throws over the portion of the room and area rug where doggies shed their outdoor coatings; wash the throws and vacuum frequently. maybe trisn could pick out the colours.

Hey Trisn . . . . pull the claws back in a bit. Racram might want company occasionally and we should help him look like a classy guy.

This website has some photography with great color. Not knowing your personality I don't know if it "speaks" to you, but I think one would look awesome in your living room. http://www.arthappy.co.uk/2010/12/gabriel-dawe.html

Add some grommet drapery panels to the window (on a metal rod) and then there's the rug . . . . the rug and art should complement each other. If you find one you like we can help you with with the art, etc. or if you find a piece of art, we can find you a rug. Keep us posted. . . Cherry

Hope these images attach.

And Trisn, he did ASK for decorating advice; let him enjoy feathering his own nest. He's already a guy; he will get the TV and speakers, no problem!

I suspect there is a bit of projection going on, no?

I've found that a well-designed room actually -helps- one enjoy their life, not the reverse. When you have adequate seating, colors that resonate with you, decor that lends a bit of interest, and surfaces that look good while holding up to pets, parties and pizza - it's a win-win! I think most guys would like their place to look cool. Sometimes they (and women, too) just aren't sure how to get there. I love nothing better than hearing back from a client who's made the changes we discussed, and is now thrilled with their space.

Just ran across this article; you might find it useful. http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/9-tips-for-a-chic-pet-friendly-home/index.html. If you follow paintcolorhelp.com's advice about parties and pizza, we can help with that too!

I can see a nice big 60" panoramic print working well behind the couch. Just so happens to be we have an incredible Australian photographer with a decent selection of panos on our site to choose from.

Check out this work by Neal Pritchard. Tip - save yourself on the shipping and just order the print, you can have it FedEx'd and just frame it locally. Cheers!

http://bit.ly/NealPritchard

Thought I would throw out a couple more really notable panoramic photographers. If this isn't your style just let us know. We're always happy to search for you.

http://bit.ly/PeterLeeming
http://bit.ly/JasonBaxter

Mick, did you finish decorating your room, it would be fun to see an after picture. Or maybe you followed trisn's advice and ended up the TV of your dreams and possibly a Kegerator? Either way it's been an interesting conversation with lots of great ideas.