We are building a new house. and the living room is huge and has 18' ceilings and is open to the second story. We will be ordering custom sofa and 2 accent chairs. I have already grid-ded out the room to allow for walk space along all 4 walls. I want a rug but we will have carpet in the living room. Is that a no-no? Carpet will be neutral grayish white (very light)

This view is from the kitchen. We will be having a cabinet and floating shelves made for the niche and the arched doorway is our master. TV will be mounted above the fireplace. We have 8" baseboards painted PPG Greyhound. Walls are PPG Whiskers. Accent pain in niches (not the big one next to the fireplace) will be PPG Downpour.

This is the view from the foyer. (to the right is the kitchen)

This is the view from the fireplace.

Kitchen Cabinets are Cherry Java. Floor in kitchen is gray 13x13 tile. granite is Verona White
Sofa will be this one:

There will be 2 chairs in this style/pattern. Sofa pillows will be this fabric as well.

I am thinking square side tables. Not sure on coffee table. Hubby doesn't want one. This will be more of a formal living area. Mostly used for entertaining. Hubby has media room upstairs and kids have their space upstairs too.

Would you do a rug or no? Why? I'm thinking something with a pop of color. just haven't decided what color yet. We have a lot of gray in the house already.