I would get bigger rug, wall art, lamps on side tables.

I would like to paint the cabinet of the TV and tables but what colour?

You can go beach style and paint in turquoise may be? Or gray?

Your room looks nice. But, what is with just accepting your new husband's things and not choosing household items together? I don't understand why you're "not allowed" to paint brick either.

Teal TV stand and black coffee table?

Chanhing the rug actually makes a big difference! Thanks you gave me a lot to think about! Will put the sound system inside and paint the cabinet Will it help to put a mirror with the same dark wood above the fire place or rather light frame?

Yes rug makes a big difference. As for frame color, I would go with either one, but the same or no one , just canvas.

The lighter bigger rug makes a big difference. I would do the rug a sand color and use blues and beiges for a beachy feel. Paint coffee table base white, paint console blue. Add a light throw on the black couch. Driftwood side tables and clear glass based lamps with beige shades.

Oh, paint mantel white too.

I don't like the TV on that short wall. I would put the TV on the current sofa wall on a longer cabinet, move the sofa across to face it, put the chairs either side by side where the TV was, or put them flanking the fireplace. I'd keep the Persian rug and put it lengthwise parallel to the couch.

I'd bring some art into the room and paint the coffee table a color from the art.

3d brick panels would have been nice if you can find a company in South Africa that manufactures or supplies them. The tricky part would be matching the colour of the existing bricks.

How awesome is Houzz!! I am in Sunny South Africa so my day starts now! Thank you all for your advise during (my) night!
Can't really move the TV, no dry walls in our country and the window with the view on the other side

Wow! What a beautiful view you have

Never thought Beach Style! but with all your comments it makes sense.

Hello ellena in South Africa! I think you can do a few very simple things to make this feel better. First is all about balance. meaning balance the light and dark. Put some lighter pillows on the dark couch, and darker pillows on the light one- ones that coordinate well. And While i LOVE your persian carpet, it’s too dark and heavy. I’d put down a light beige carpet that is in between the shade of the two different sofas- this will lighten the space, tie them together and help coffe table even tie in ceiling color. I would paint the tv stand if you can. You said you don’t like bright colors- so I’m not sure why everyone is telling you to put teal in there. With a view as gorgeous as you have- leave inside neutral and let that window/view take center stage! First just toss your light pillows one the dark couch and see what happens..

Sorry, I can’t photoshop to show you- but if you want neutral and to bring in ocean view- here’s some pillow ideas-

Sorry to keep adding- I really love your walls. and that’s the neutral and grey you like. Keep that in mind as the base of everything. And check out this pic- how they tied in light sofa with dark leather ottoman...

Hi Aspano321, I think everyone's right to change the carpet! Seeing how it changed the feel of the room made such a difference! You are so right about the neutral!!! I love love the neutral tones and seeing that it can be done with the dark couch Light carpet and someone said Clear glass based lamps? I will paint the TV stand Do I need curtains? I painted all those blinds in a broken white it was white and started to flake but it looks brand new now! Thx I think I am getting picture of what could help me to make this room more mine!!! x

Hi ellena- curtains are up to you. I personally wouldn’t with that beautiful view you have!! Ha- I just looked at that last picture I showed and there’s no curtains! some people use them to “frame” a view or add an extra touch, so really it’s up to you. Where I live- I need them due too cold weather and very close neighbors, but they do add a nice touch to my room. id suggest you Get your base stuff done (balance couches and rug) and then decide. As far as painting your tv stand- same thing. get your base stuff done and then decide on paint color. Maybe you find a pillow with an accent color you love and want to use that to paint the cabinet... just keep thinking balance. good luck- post photos of progress!