I think it is hard to update an 1885 look if that is what you are going for. If you don't need the curtains, I would just take them down so you can see the view better. Or use Roman shades and lower them at night. Or you could use shutters and leave them open during day. I know they had shutters in 1885 and it sounds like a lake house.

I am sure you will get more suggestions. Seems like when 1 person starts more follow. Have a Happy New Year and enjoy your new home.

I would start with a little color on the walls to frame the windows. I would remove the blue curtains and the torch lamp. The furniture will look better on a colored wall and then accent with pillows. A natural jute rug would also warm it up. Shabby chic it a bit for the cabin feel.

That sofa is brilliant! Add industrial and color with more modern color combos, like black and white and silver accents with colorful pillows.

Oh...and get rid of those aweful curtains...sorry

I would definitely remove the curtains so the view is featured. The furniture doesn't seem to be working well. Without knowing your budget it is difficult to be specific but here is what I would do. I would recover the sofa in something with some personality. I would paint the show wood frame to update it and lose the button tufting. I don't care for the wing chair in this setting so you might replace it with something with a lower back. I prefer the colour palette to reflect the colours in the view which will relate the interior and exterior in this setting. Then place the sofa so it is facing the view and place a chair on either side. A new rug and coffee table that update the space would be nice. I also think the paint could be a quiet neutral that isn't so bright ... that will frame the view. It looks like you have a beautiful place. Enjoy!

You would pay a FORTUNE for that sofa, and it should be used. As others have commented, just add colorful pillows or a throw. It would be costly to recover......... Do you have other shots of the room? I'm having trouble visualizing the entire space. I would change the area rug; this will help update the sofa. Perhaps a rug that's more of a statement, or at least more colorful. This could be more casual in feeling. I agree about getting rid of the curtains to enhance the view; you might find you don't want any window treatment (unless sun is an issue). A lovely room, though!

If the furniture is from previous owner and have no value to you, I would start from a clean slate and working with a style that you like.

The sofa is gorgeous. If you don't like the upholstery have it recovered. The lines in the sofa are a prize. Chalk paint with some dark wax on the wood trim of the couch, and you're set. But get rid of the lamp and those curtains.

Curtains ... Gone! What are you looking at when on the couch? Should reconfigure furniture so when sitting you enjoy the view. Is that a floor lamp in the corner? As per curtains .... Have fun with this lovely looking place.

Natalie's spot on!! Updated cottage!!

Sofa is facing North, lake to the East. The other end of the room on the West wall. (piano is gone) Great comments, agreement on losing lamp and curtains, keeping couch. Thx!