Love the color of the couch, You have a lot going on on that wall. Get a wide TV console. Move the ladder somewhere else. Pull the rug so only the front legs of the sofa are on it. Bring the chair to the other side facing slider. Hang a piece of art that is 2/3 it's width over the couch.

From wayfair

Eliminate the ladder shelf - too collegiate. Lower the TV and use a credenza under it that is at least 25% wider than the set. Now would be the time to invest in a larger TV if you want one. Are you allowed to replace the vertical blinds? Properly hung drapes would be a major upgrade from the rental apartment look. They can close if you need privacy. I like your coffee table, but it looks to be too long for your loveseat. If that "set" is still available, I would get a 3-seat sofa and maybe even sell the loveseat on Craig's List. They are so hard to work into an arrangement, and rarely seat more than one person. A 3-seat sofa and two chairs are the most versatile pieces to get.

As mentioned, you can have media console under television.
But, you can also have a cabinet under that. It would be helpful. You can have that litterbox under the sofa
or the media console. Just like the shown image, you can have it customized
in a media console or sofa. Or you can a widespread console that can store
additional belongings as well. Or a solid wooden cabinet with a segment in it
for the same will also do. For more ideas on designer furniture for your living room, you may visit the given reference. Hope this helps you.

Thanks for the comments, everyone!

Yes that wall is a mess, I know. I have to install track lighting in the living room area and get rid of that lamp. It’s the only light available in that area right now, though. The bookshelf ladder is probably going to be moved into my bedroom. (I have too many books and not enough storage space!) The vertical blinds will be going, eventually. They are broken anyways but are of my least concern. (Also have a weird situation in the nook, there are some nice pull down blinds I’d like to work with)

My parents have the matching long couch. Either I’ll be taking that in the spring or getting something longer on my own. The loveseat is a bit ridiculous but works right now. (Color/fabric advice? I do have a cat otherwise I’d be going for navy velvet because I found one I love)

I’ve lived here for awhile but just getting around to doing everything. And unfortunately I’m doing things in pieces.

your idea sounds good. what about the rug? so for now we will decorate with dark blue and the brown sofa. how about these? got rid of the others.

Here is a design we did for a client that has some specific pieces that might work well in your space with your orange couch. We think a wood TV console would be really nice as well.

A wood console is an option I’m considering. Deciding on the color/finish/style is what is frustrating. The wainscoting makes me hesitant to purchase white and a darker color just won’t gel well in this room.

you do not match to the room but to your vignette you know your rugand everything on it.

This is true. I keep looking at that 3rd rug you provided and liking it more and more. I found a white washed wood rustic looking cabinet with brass drawer pulls.

what are we going to do for blue accents, the pillows? blue chairs?

Yes I was thinking navy pillows and trying to find a navy based piece of art work for behind the couch.

Please don't install track lighting. Harsh lighting from above makes people look awful and your room cold and bleak. Several sources of light from table lamps and/or floor lamps cast a warm light that is much more pleasant and mood-enhancing.

Why do you think track lighting is better than table/floor lamps? Overhead lighting is good in the kitchen and maybe other places if you're vacuuming. YOu don't want track or any overhead lighting if you intend to have any sort of ambiance. A dining chandelier is an exception.

thanks everyone i keep thinking i am the only one who only likes upper lights for utility.

ok, so some blue pillows all should $25 or less for 18x18

i would a couple pure blue a lumbar one and then the brown and blue. can get different if you like?