I would get rid of the animal skin rug as that does not seem to go with anything in the room. Then, some brown, blue and white maybe striped pillows on the chairs and large print pillows on the sofa with the colors of the room....not the coral. Then, I would switch the sofa and chairs so you see the window seat through the chairs and maybe a small white table between them. Line the chairs up straight with the ottoman. LARGE white tray on the ottoman. The mantle could be stripped of everything but a vase of blue hydrangeas. I think it would have a huge impact on the continuity of your room.
IF you were to paint the walls either the light sage in the chairs or a lighter shade of the blue in the ottoman, your woodwork and cabinets would be stunning.
Have you ever tried the sofa facing the fireplace and the chairs one on each side of the fireplace? That would open up the space and leave the window area visible. Move the cabinet between the door and the window cabinet into the sunroom. It is redundant there. Just a few additions and subtractions and your room will be beautiful.

The additional photos are great; thanks for adding those. I love that wall of windows and the sunroom and the built-ins. Really all so nice.

I do not think that the couch looks "tired," though it seems dark in comparison to everything else. And-- correct if I'm wrong-- but it looks like that blue of the ottoman is also in those chairs(?). I would add pillows in cream and that same blue (or even a deeper blue) and throw in lime, too, to pick up the lime in the chairs. For the couch, I would also add a really nice throw (or two) in cashmere or mohair or something equally amazing-- in a blue or cream. That would bring in the colors and lift the sofa a bit, I think. Just my 2 cents-- but I love this room. I think it's all so inviting.

I agree that you should pull up the two side chairs closer to the ottoman and I would also put some power blue accent pillows on the sofa to make it blend more and a large chocolate brown tray on the ottoman. Very nice though I prefer an ottoman to a table .

I'll just add, too-- looking at the images-- I am also not a big fan of cowhide (or whatever animal) rugs-- probably because I wouldn't have a clue on how to use one successfully-- but I rather like this here. To my eye, it really seems to mesh. The shape of it somehow echoes the shape of that stone on the fireplace. When I look at that rug, my eye is drawn to the fireplace. So I'd keep it. I would never know how to place one of these-- but it sure seems to work here. And I love how the rug edges seem to point in different directions, which somehow pulls it all together visually (for me).

Here's an ideabook with tips on putting together an eclectic look. I'm not sure if that's what you are going for with the hide rug, but right now the room looks very traditional with one youthful/funky/modern piece - and it needs some other fun elements to make it not look out of place. I think you got some suggestions for that above. Adding a lacquered tray to the ottoman could help or some geometric print pillows could balance the floral in the chairs. Some of the plates (?) and baskets are taking some of the youth out of the room for me. (And I think your room is lovely as is without the rug which seems out of place - my comment is based on your explanation for having the hide rug and maybe wanting a bit less traditional look).
http://houzz.com/ideabooks/1331123

http://houzz.com/photos/1867363

I think the ottoman color is a little off. I would do a light beige color for the legs and upholstery and a large brass tray with some books and props on it. I think the couch with the pillows makes the couch seem like it doesnt belong in that room. The first pillows are better I think.

Looking again, maybe try to bring some pillows with the couch color over to the chairs to tie things together a little more.

This room may not be "chic" or trendy, but I find it comfortably inviting. Brenda's suggestion is spot on, because where would I set my coffee cup while I checked my email? I've never been a big fan of the ottoman coffee table for that reason. Looks good, but impractical for me. Just add a couple of blue accents to the room. I love the rug!

I love your room. The ottoman is beautiful, but I can't tell if the color goes with anything else in the room? Love the fabric on the chairs. I would change out the sofa color, have it reupolstered. Maybe incorporate someo of the colors from the chairs, and the ottoman, into some sofa throw pillows, a throw for the back of the couch, or main sofa fabric. Keep it in the room though, as it has a great shape to it. Love the bones of this room. If you are keeping the ottoman, I would have a much bigger tray on it. Maybe a small table between the two chairs, for a place to put drinks or a book on. I would go for the wow factor and get a new mirror. The hutch in the corner looks a little sad there, maybe angle it different, or move it over a bit - can't tell where it sits in the room. DO you need 2 doors to the sun room? I would close out one. I would also take the planter down from the hutch, and find some piece that is maybe vintage, or personal to you and display it there. Good luck. You have a great room to work with. I especially love that sunroom peeking out there.

I also love the sofa. Could curl up on it right now.

anyone like this table for between the chairs?

anyone like this table for between the chairs?

anyone like this table for between the chairs

anyone like this table for between the chairs

For me, it would seem to light and delicate given everything else-- but I'm probably in the minority here.

Theresa, since you have children (could easily knock it over) and you want to go more modern/funky (this appears traditional to me) and you already have a lot of legs going on in the furniture around it, I would go with more of a drum style table.

For example, see the 2 in the picture that Sam0275 posted or here is another idea

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I don't think the cow hide goes with this. It looks strap range with your furniture

how about this side table?

how about this side table?

how about this side table?

Round table and angle the chairs. Square table and square them up. I agree with precariousness of the table - too much of an accident waiting to happen. Low center of gravity is important with kids. How about that cowhide rug in the boys' room (assuming there are boys?)

The only "criticism" I have are the throw pillows on the sofa, the rest is lovely!

Wait. Am I the only person who actually likes the cowhide??

The cowhide isn't working here, IMO. Too pale to make the statement needed and a bit out of sinc with some of the cottage features in this space.

I would change the throw pillows. I also think that the ottoman color doesn't seem to pull the room together. I would use green and brown as your main colors. I think it will tie the couch and the chairs together better. Maybe slipcover ottoman or recover? Here are some throw pillows I think are nice choices. Good luck in your decorating! :)

I like the subtle statement the cowhide makes, and it does tie into the fireplace. That's what "eclectic" is all about.

Love the blue ottoman and the comfort of the room. The coral pillows didn't do anything. The first suggestions to bring blue are spot on. Consider a picture over the mantel with some blue from the ottoman and greens from the chairs. You need some blue pillows on the sofa and chairs and don't rush it. Carry a sample of the ottoman color (paint chip would work) and keep your eye out for pillows that pull in a similar blue. Consider a stripe like on these pillows from Etsy to balance the blues on the sofa or a similar fabric like for a window seat cushion to balance the weight of the fabric of the sofa. . http://www.etsy.com/listing/122303372/designer-lumbar-pillow-cover-multi?ref=shop_home_active&ga_search_query=stripe or this http://www.etsy.com/listing/119444163/designer-pillow-cover-12-x-18-multi?ref=shop_home_active&ga_search_query=stripe

Thanks again all!! Here are some changes based on recommendations- let me know if they help!

Absolutely lovely! Very welcoming. I have a similar ottoman and tray and just for fun, I put the tray askew on the diagonal a bit, might drive you crazy though if you are a perfectionist!

Love the changes...time to stop and relax and enjoy!

I very much like the chairs straight on like that, and the blue pillows and throw. Those additions/changes make a big difference. I also like that you moved the topiary from the mantel, too. It has a very clean welcoming look-- and the blue looks so tied in now.

And now that you've removed the hide rug, I don't miss it-- but I saw nothing wrong with having it, either. I did think the lines echoed that of the fireplace, and it was an interesting and unexpected touch. This looks fine as well, though. Nicely done! Love that whole room.

I will add that I'm particularly impressed with people who have room on their ottoman/coffee tables to put trays. It looks so nice-- but do other people not have newspapers and magazines and mail and laptops and -- gosh-- just reading stuff? Where does it all go? I must be the messiest person on the universe.

@Diana. That's what the kitchen island is for!

Hey Lisa-- thanks. That certainly explains a lot. My kitchen is spotless. ;)

Your room was very nice to begin with, but now the ottoman seems like a part of the grouping! It is sometimes amazing how changing accents like throw pillows can really help make or break a room! Your room looks very lovely and welcoming :-)

Great job! I like how you squared up the chairs. The amount of powder blue you brought into the group now makes the coffee table look like it belongs. I especially like how you added blue to the couch.

One of the hardest things for many folks to do is to remove. But, remove you did. Removing the unnecessary is sometimes more important than what you add: removing the topiary from the mantle, the greenery gone from the amoire and the rug removed from under the table---I can't tell you how much this declutters the room.

Let us know if you are interested in any additional tweaking.

Yes more tweaking please!! Cdrdesign- would you like a like fixture above the ottoman? There is wiring in the ceiling

well, everyone's certainly put in their 2 cents worth! I didn't read everything, but with the latest photos, it looks good. No -- it looks great! Don't miss the animal rug at all. However, still a little table between the 2 chairs -- perhaps a small wooden "barrel" with a cut-out design or something metal. Love the new trays and the mantel looks clean and classy.

Actually, the only thing I would change is the white cabinet behind the sofa which blocks the left bookshelves with the glass doors. Too much. Also, a long "thin" table behind the sofa would help to anchor the whole living room vignette.

Don't be afraid of pattern -- the sofa cushions in blue could be a pattern -- something geometric or a stripe with cream or brown. And don't feel you have to have a lot of cushions. Frankly, they're useless except as decoration -- most the time, people would just love to throw them on the floor as they aren't comfortable. LOVE the throw.

Perfect.

Your space is lovely, I would set the mirror on the mantel. Just my choice. I have a chocolate sofa as well and have changed my recliners several times and still am not happy with my room.. I really like your choice of chairs, they work well in your space. Great look!

Tweaking suggestions: (are you sorry you asked???)

The room looks fantastic.....don't get me wrong....but a few little extras you could do:

1) Fold blanket neatly and drape over edge of couch arm.
2) Place couch facing the fireplace. Chairs in same spot they are now, but move them closer to fireplace. Turn coffee table 90 degrees, so longer part is parallel to both fp and couch.

$stuff

3) Table for between chairs-solid and square-no legs
4) Paint fp mantle similar color as stone surround underneath it. This will give a larger presence to your fp and give the mantle some needed weight.
5) floor length panel drapes on window and same on window seat (down to seat). Taupy color of rug and mantle.....something with texture like faux raw silk or linen or linen-look.....doesn't have to be expensive. There is lot's of good-looking stuff right off the rack.
6) chandelier-yes-great idea. A couple of photo ideas below. You could do a flush mount or be a little more edgy and drop the chandelier. You want something that does not overwhelm.
7) Mirror - If put a chandlier in, I would keep it. Otherwise, I would switch out the mirror for a contemporary or impressionistic artwork with the blue and a little burnt orange.
8) the window seat area needs work and seems out of place with your now WOW room. I would have to see a better shot of it. The couch is blocking it.

[houzz=]
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It works, but need a much bigger tray.

Good grief...

I think you now have an absolutely lovely room :-)

I must be way off. The room looks boring to me now. I miss the rug, and although the coral pillows were too much, these are not enough. No pizazz. Glad to see the topiary gone.

Using the ottoman as a coffee table is a great idea!

Well, I admit it. I agree with Susan above. This is a beautiful room-- love all the elements (those built-in cabinets and the fireplace and the opening to what looks like a sunroom)-- and while Theresa did a great job bringing in the blue -- I do think the room is not as interesting without the rug. I honestly think the rug was just an unexpected and smart choice that really did tie in with the fireplace. The house looks to be 1920's or 1930's (?)-- and that stone on the fireplace seems unusual and slightly rustic. So I don't know if that was added later-- but I think the rug really tied in with that so well. As is-- it's a beautiful room, no doubt-- but with the rug, it was less generic that it is now (to my eye).

I say bring the rug back. Place it on an angle. You have a lovely chartreuse in your chairs. Bring that in to the mix. It will add to the organic feel of the fireplace and give the room a punch. Also, to add some funk and counterbalance the formality of the seating arrangement, I would move the hydrangea to another room and use some branchy, less balanced greenery on one side of the mantle with a collection of 3 objects (grouping always in odd numbers!) on the other side.

That last set of photos is gorgeous, Theresa! :) Great work! And I have to thank you for the inspiration on the ottoman as coffee table - it's one of the issues I'm working with at the moment. Peeking into this thread was a great help!

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