I am liking what you have so far, but It would help to see more pictures of the space and know how it will be used. Also, although I generally suggest art be hung about five inches above the back of a couch, I wonder if hanging all art even with the bottom of the windows would look better?

Lower the two art pieces next to windows an inch or three below the window level. The rug looks like an afterthought . To small for the area and the angle does not camouflage that fact. You are on the right track to make. This a nice space.

I love it! And I love the rug place diagonally! Love the silver pouf too!

Thanks so much for all the input! I relayed the message to my parents to lower the pictures (and get rid of that ugly faux flower thing in the corner, no?)

ah! The rug. I know. My mom wanted it parallel as well, but it really closed off the room. There is another half past the pole so I thought it opened the space up making it flow better as one cohesive space. I also wanted them to get a large black/grey/white-accent cowhide rug, but my mom already bought this one and likes it.

Window treatments are next. Suggestions?

What about some Roman blinds?

Instead of the faux flower arrangement a light like this might tie in with the silver pouf...as long as it is high enough that people don't hit their heads on it:)

I'd suggest that you pull the sectional away from the wall about six inches, so you have room for drapes on either side of the windows. Pulling the sectional away from the wall will make the room look bigger, no smaller, because you will have some play of light and shadow behind the sectional.

The drapes should start at the ceiling. They don't need to go to the floor, just lower than the sofa back. Add some color and pattern with the drapes, and be sure the drapery rods extend at least 6-8 inches past the windows so they leave the window free when they are open. Remove the flower arrangement.

That won't leave you room for the art work, which is fine because the current pictures look squashed into too-small spaces now anyway.

Choose 3-4 solid color pillows that are 20 inches square, and in the colors of the drapes. Preferably down-filled.

Your mom is right about the rug. If you have a matching piece to it, have the pieces sewed together (or fasten with carpet tape on the back) and use it as one rug in front of the sectional, with the feet of the sectional on the rug. It will look better than the current arrangement.

Photos of the whole room would be helpful.