It sounds like you need a rug with a few bright or light colors in the pattern to help you choose room accents. You can pull the colors from the rug to break up the brown in your space. Use the colors for lamp bases, accessories, art, sofa pillows.

To help with sofa and rug suggestions, which decor style do you like? Coastal? Transitional (Pottery Barn)? Mid-century modern? Bohemian? What are your favorite colors?

Does this rug appeal to you? It has a modern vibe.

I would use a light cream or coffee colored sofa to lighten up the room, a little lighter than the one above.