The things that I would change are:

Brown and white pillows - while pillows would be good I would select some with texture. The current style does not go with the other earthy elements of the room

Cow hid on top of the rug - do one or the other. I really prefer the cow hid if it is placed on an angle but either would work.

Mirror on the mantel - looks like it is reflecting a door frame and is too big for the space

Mantel - not bulky enough for the space and too high

Fireplace opening - imo this is the biggest obstacle. I would try and figure out some sort of mantel to hid the weird angles of the fireplace opening.

Lamps - I would change the shades.

Set of 9 pictures - I would lower them so that there is equal distance between the floor and the ceiling.

I think this room has good bones but looks disjointed with too many different decorative styles. The room is nice now but with a few minor tweaks it could be amazing.

I think there is a TON that is working; i like your room a lot.

Off the bat, the mirror over the fpl is less than optimal for 2 reasons. One, its shape and size is too similar to the fpl itself; instead i'd choose something shaped more like your coffee table. But, a mirror may not work at all given that is doesn't seem to reflect anything particularly desirable?

As far as softening, i'd say window treatments. And I would bring in some color (just a bit) with the WT, and then echo it in throw pillows. Also, a throw somewhere. Flowers would help too.

I think the color scheme pulls the room together, don't see is as disjointed at all. And I like the layered rug and cowhide; certainly just the cowhide alone would be insufficient and having it on top adds interest and is au courant.

I do think you have too many pillows. If you look at it, there does not seem to be room for a fanny.

One last q --- why the lamps on tables across from each other? Not sure I get their purpose. Generally id want a set of something to flank the entryway or flank the fpl. The lamps may also be too skinny for the table. May be a good place to add visual interest.

Add a tall green plant in the corner to the left of the fireplace. I agree that the mirror over the fp is off--it doesn't reflect anything but the doorframe from the foyer which is rather disconcerting. Look for a piece of art that you love.

Can you put a lamp on the sofa table? You have two lamps but they don't relate to the furniture. Perhaps this is because of a lack of plugs in the floor?

Perhaps the lamp to the right of the fp could be a floor lamp to add height.

You have the beginnings of a beautiful room. How do you use the room? What does it look like when the lamps are on--warmer and more focused light will cozy up the room,

You know, I think you've done a lot of things right here. There is a clear color scheme, the furniture is well sized, the decor is appropriate, and the flow is decently good. It's a nice, warm space.

In terms of ideas to make it more inviting:

• Yes, I think a round mirror would soften the space in the same way your coffee table does; there are a lot of hard angles between the modular furniture, the 9 rectangles of art, the boxy entry arch, the mantel, etc
• Though you have lovely plantation shutters, I would still add curtains. Nothing makes a room more inviting than fabric. You don't have to actually use them, but they would make the room cozier
• I would consider adding an accent color to break up your monochromatic scheme. I'm thinking a burnt orange, burnt mustard or deep wine would work really well with the color scheme. I would incorporate that color in the curtains, in the coffee table flowers, and by adding a throw pillow in that color to your sofa. You could also incorporate it into the framed art if you'd like.
• I recognize this is a tricky space with large entry points on two walls an a fireplace on the third, but I'm still not sold on the furniture placement. Adding the sofa table definitely softened the blow of walking into the back of a couch, but it still bothers me. I presume you've tried having the back f the sofa face the window wall, but pulled off the wall by about a foot or so. How did that feel?

Sorry, didnt submit in timely manner, but heres before reading replies all but first one.

I really like your room and think with just a few changes, it'll be wonderful. Wouldn't change the cow hide on top of the rug, nor do i think that the elements dont go together.

But looking at your pics, three things stand out:

I'd switch out the rectangular mirror for art or maybe, just maybe for a different shape; however, it looks like it reflects a door opening, so not a great view.

I absolutely can see floating shelves or bookcases left and right of the fireplace. In the meantime, I'd put a large plant on the window side. I can't see what the plant or lamp stand on.

Your art between the windows kind of recedes into the background. Maybe paint the frames or replace the mats.

As far as pillows, yes, you could try different colors for the current black(?) ones, but I'd hold off. Another idea, try a black lampshade for the current white one.

I think it is well decorated overall. The big problem for me is that it's lit entirely from the ceiling and that makes it look like a commercial space, not a residential living room. You need about 5 good table and or floor lamps in there and you could dim or turn off the overheads altogether. The all overhead lighting is creating glare and flattening the color, texture and dimension in the room.

Darn, Pal beat me to it. I was just going to ask if you could put lamps on the sofa table, with floor outlets.

BTW, is this "the" Jules? The one I shared India tips with? Is this your new home in FL? How exciting! Wasn't your name slightly different?

I agree with what others have said. I do like the rug on top of the other rug. I think the layering and texture is great. The only question I have that no one has addressed is.... are you able to sit on the couch? With the back pillows and front pillows, I am wondering how ppl sit on it.

"waving hand" Akt, i did mention that too, above. It is easy to do, you get so hung up on how it looks you forget to leave room for actual people!

I agree about lights, plants, window treatments..different pillows/less of them too..

it's a very pretty room. it just looks like you were too serious while putting it together

(that was a feedback I got once from my work supervisor btw..no. I'm not a designer lol..she told me" You're great in this..and you're great in that..and this, you have a good grasp of..and this, I'm pleased with how you handle it..now a question though: do you even enjoy it?"

I stayed silent. It was like she hit me on the head with this question of hers. It's not like I didn't enjoy it; I was passionate about it; I was just never relaxed..)

Relax a bit. Have fun. Find accents that you really love just so. Things that seemingly don't fit. Like in this "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.." They'll fit because you'll love them.

You're good. You're serious. You did a great job. Now it's a fun time.

I agree with something other than a mirror over the fireplace. I think the room could use some color and maybe some whimsy (as April noted, it's a serious space), so maybe a large colorful painting - something fun and unexpected? And I think the suggestion to darken the mats or frames on the grid of pics was good, too. They do kind of blend into the wall color.

I like the clean look of the shutters, but I'm not a fan of draperies, so I probably wouldn't add them if it were my room.

What april said.

It's neat, put-together, and looks like an ad. I don't see an individual's stamp on the interior and could be why you feel it isn't working.

Starting with artwork above the fireplace and a new home for the mirror (reflecting the outdoor view, maybe?), I'm craving some color to keep the pink flowers company.

I agree with the above comments about the lamps and their placement.

I wonder if the mirror could be rehung tilting it downward a bit to reflect the room more rather than the doorway.

I would just change the mirror above the fireplace, add two floor or reading lamps behind the chairs and in the corner behind the sofa something like a fiddle leaf fig, faux.

It is a beautiful room that is shown off much better in the second picture. I don't think the frame on the mirror or the mantle work with the rest of the room. Not sure if your fireplace opening warrants a mantle. Art sounds like a better option than a mirror, its the frame that I think is off. If warmth/cozy is the goal then I would add curtains.

By now you are on overload with suggestions, but I will add another. Agree with most, biggest problem--mirror over fireplace and odd look of opening. But, if you get rid of the mirror over the fireplace and put a darker piece of art there and then beside the fireplace place two tall, long mirrors with consoles below the whole room will change visually for the better. Here is a picture of this concept.

The two mirror framed mirrors completely steal the visual show. This is what you need. they will reflect the room, not the archway. And a console below each will give you a place for additional lamps for ambient lighting.

Great advice from everyone. Your room is beautiful from the outset. I would really think about adding a significant piece of art above the fireplace. I thing the room needs a little more contrast than what it has now and art just might do the trick.

Replace the mirror with art. Vary the pillows a bit. Use the new art to inform them. And the biggie: change the shape of the firebox. That one I have no idea how to do.

The rest of the room looks great.

Art would be great but I think it would have to be a square print. I'm not sure if they are really wanting to redo the mantel. Maybe a Sunburst Mirror

And New pillows

Maybe something like a framed Fragment art piece in acrylic frame

I still think the side areas need work. Maybe the small each side with 3 photos instead of the wall of nine. After all, the fireplace wall is the focal point in this room. I do like the softer blues you introduced groveraxle. Nice touch.

I love that fragment art. That would be great. Give some dimension to that wall.

Your room is perfect - too perfect even to the point where the two things on the sofa table are right on top of the pedestals. It's too symmetrical, too perfect and needs to be mussed up just a bit.

Now some people need this kind of perfectly symmetrical space about them and I guess that's ok but as someone else mentioned, do you feel relaxed in this room. There doesn't seem to be anything personal in it (could be wrong).

Great suggestions already - Remove the mirror and put something smaller up there, either a mirror or some artwork which will allow you to dress up the mantel a bit more.A little colour would be great as well, perhaps some blue or lime green.

You see that jug on the floor in the next room - try that on the sofa table - it's a different shape and adds some oomph to the neutral palette.

As others have said = it really is a nice room.

Wow! You all have such great advice! I’m a type A and visually like things symmetrical and perfect. However, like many of you said, this is exactly why it doesn’t feel warm and cozy! Need to have a little more fun with this room and add some color and personality! First change is the mirror above the mantel. Thank you again for taking the time to comment. I have loved reading each of your posts! Please feel free to keep them coming!

It is a lovely room with good bones.

I look at this room and wonder what is its purpose? Is the fireplace something to try to just accommodate in your decor, or do you want to use it?

I do agree there are too many squares/rectangles. The mirror just doesn't work. I would look for some art pieces (I would want color, you may prefer monochromatic) that varies more in shape and sise, and hang them in a pleasing arrangement.

Another thing that bothers me -- the edges and corners don't seem to be connected to the middle. Why is everything clustered in the middle of the room?

Could you push the two chairs back a bit, angled into the corners, to flank the fireplace more (and make nice seats to enjoy a fire) -- maybe with small chairside tables and floor lamps behind for reading? You'd probably have to bring the sofa a bit closer to them, then, to make sense as a seating arrangement.

I know you said this was the best arrangement, but I would like to see how it worked with the sofa in front of the window, and maybe remove one chair or have one by the fireplace and the other where the sofa is now.

I'm gonna disagree with Flo (maybe for the first time ever). I don't think you need anything on the sides of the fireplace. I like the spareness and simplicity of the room. A knockout piece of art or sculpture over the mantel and some more interesting pillows is all the space needs.

I love what you've done with the mantel by bringing in the blue vases,etc. but I have to agree with Flo - something is missing on at least one side of the fireplace. Maybe a large and tall plant to the left of the FP?

Take a look at Restoration Hardware's throw pillows. They're pricey, but so luscious.

Here are their Shibori pillows in indigo:

I think that cute dog is the perfect accessory!!!

I love your monochromatic space. I would add curtains, a chandelier, and a few accessories...

Dogs go with everything!

IMO, flo hit it out of the park ! That is so elegantly cozy.

The single really unique feature of this room is the opening to the fireplace. I would celebrate it not change, not hide it with the current mantel. I am surprised at how conventional the suggestions are, where that feature is concerned.

Lovely room -- it's almost there : ) . In addition to the other great comments you've had, I'd put in the middle of the console table a beautiful big ceramic or porcelain bowl, in a dark green or blue, either empty or filled with lemons or a plant depending on the season.

I do agree that the room needs something on either side of the fireplace for balance and to "spread" things out more, with everything else centered down the middle of the room (fireplace, sofa, chairs, coffee table).

Did the artwork in the nine frames come as a set? If you're not overly attached to the art itself, I would consider swapping out the art for nine similar pieces with a bit more color and contrast -- whether from a calendar you like, children's art, photographs you've taken -- that have some meaning to you.

Warning to anyone considering pillows from this line! DON'T

I ordered a pillow from this line (from Anthro, but they are very distinctive so it is DEF the same line). It smelled of gasoline. I tried airing it out but it was awful. Anthro took it back and even paid shipping, but it is still a PITA. The person I spoke to said they had had other complaints. Frankly, a lot of third world textiles are malodorous.

PS love GroverAxle's mantle decor with the blue vases. The color adds color but doesn't unwind the serene vibe. The round smoothness is very welcome.

Thank you again! If I go back to my original plan, this room was meant to be more of an adult space where I could work, invite clients/agents to meet, etc. I own a small real estate brokerage and we all work from our homes. It’s located right off the front entry, so the idea was it would be a space that remains clean, inviting, etc. despite having 4 kids running amok:-). If I reposition the furniture or remove a chair, is there a layout that would allow for a desk? There is enough space between the windows for a desk, but I would be looking at a wall:-(.

You could put shelves on either side of the fireplace, and have a small drop-down or pull-out desk on one side. Having bookshelves/cases on either side of the fireplace would also give you useful storage for work. Something like this, which I know is wider than what you have room for,

Or you could find a sofa console table that could double as a desk.

Thank you Becky! The challenge with console tables or a desk on either side of the fireplace is that the hearth runs along the full width of the room, so I can push anything into the niche.

Jules, did you mean you can or can't push anything into the niche? With a different console table, like below, it could work (what I found when I did a Google image search for living room office with fireplace),

I'm not entirely sure of the dimensions of your room, but if you were to replace the large upholstered chairs with smaller narrower ones, replace the coffee table with something longer to serve as a work surface for clients/agents, and remove the console table, you might be able to move the furniture closer to the fireplace and make room for a desk against one of the walls, depending on traffic flow. You might have to remove either the sofa or both chairs, though, for that to work; I'd keep whatever gives you the most seating for meetings. I would also definitely consider floor lamps for task lighting with that sort of arrangement.

Switching out sofa tables would probably be easiest, though : ) .

Sorry, I meant I cannot push a console table into the niche because of the hearth.

I meant a console table as a desk behind the sofa, not in one of the niches flanking the fireplace; just like the last photo I posted above. The base of the current sofa console table you have now looks too wide to allow a chair to be pulled up underneath. Two table lamps on the console table/desk would work well with your need for symmetry : ) . The lamps in the last photo I posted work well in that room -- they work well with the black accents (doors, fireplace, chair) and are narrow so they don't obstruct the view; and the lampshades blend with the walls.

I'd consider either that option or a bookshelf/case with a drop-down or pull-out desk, as part of a pair of matching bookshelves/cases flanking the fireplace. I think those options would be the easiest changes to make to the room, and let it stay substantially as you've arranged it.

So this isn't the best Visual.

Maybe I can explain.

Fireplace wall options.

- Sunburst mirror with either floor lamps flanking chairs or candle wall sconces in the space to the sides of fireplace.

- Sunburst mirror with your intaglios on either side and maybe some adjustable arm floor lamps flanking chairs.

- Fragment Art with adjustable arm floor lamps flanking chairs.

Corner behind sofa

- Fiddle leaf fig adds some green and movement.

Introducing Hints of colors like Sea Green or Celadon green would work with current items. Throws, Pottery, Pillows.

Have you thought also maybe incorporating a plum or lavender purpleOnce again everything is really lovely as is. Unless you plan on being photographed for a photo spread, In which case they would stage the room to their liking for the magazine anyhow.