is it an operating wood burning fireplace? if so buy a new face plate for it, clean up the brick work and use a product that makes the brick sparkle...can't remember the name of it. The walls are way to stark making this room feel unloved and not welcoming. A beach house would be so nice with some soft beach glass colors on the walls and accents. Use a caramel as your neutral tone in the room that will bring in the warmth.....the floor can either be distressed or refinish them in a lighter color or just re stain to make them look cleaned up. The futon could be moved to the wall that's not showing or taken out altogether. Move the other couch to the long wall so you can see outside as well as watch tv or the fireplace. Two nice chairs one wing back or two or a chaise lounge adjacent to the outside wall. Adds seating and would give you that welcoming feel. Find a complementing piece of furniture for the TV to be on and raise the height to four feet at least. A nice frosted glass piece or a black stand that will blend in. You want something that will accommodate tv stereo DVD player etc....I would get rid of the book shelf and find either a sofa table or small desk to replace it or perhaps a nice faux plant. Last but not least a nice chenille throw of a soft green or blue and a couple of accent throw pillows.

Thanks! It was jjhy's suggestion. I think it likes great too. Was just worried the nubby runner was too pale, but I see now that its not. And no... I never imagined this post would generate so many responses! You guys are the best. I think the runners are too long, but I can shorten them. I just tried pinning them for now. What do you think? Btw... I did go with the blue linen.

Hard to tell. It looks as if one has died, the other has got it which means the third is probably on its way out. Before you do anything drastic - cut a piece of the dead shrub and a piece that is alive. Take it to your local nursery. They will identify it and be able to tell you if there are any blights (diseases) about.

does a painted clay pot have any effects on plant growth my soil and wetness is ok but wilty leaves have transplanted 2 three to five ans seen to be doing ok fter 3 weeks