I think the shade of pink on the pillow works very nicely in the photo. I like those colors together.

I realize it may look different IRL.

Perhaps for the rug a shade of green that reflects the greens in the painting?

I think it looks great so far. Does the rug you had really not work? I can't quite see the colors so I am wondering if it's a definite no.

P.S. When a photo comes out too dark, you can edit it and increase the exposure to make it lighter.

Such a pretty room, those windows are fabulous. You have a great, neutral start here that could lend itself to a lovely, eclectic style.

I‘m currently crushing on this rug and thought of it for your room:

Horchow

Since I was already on the Horchow site, I took a quick look at coffee tables ... love the mother-of-pearl one:

Coffee Table

If you wanted to go a bit more casual and organic, but have a very elegant, eclectic, sort of vintage look:

Rattan table

I‘m just posting these as examples to see if this is a direction you like ... or maybe you’re wanting to go more modern, etc?

Do you still have the coffee table and side table in the “before” picture?

I like the rug jinx shared. I think one with colors from your piece of art would be beautiful. As for chairs, how many are you looking for? You could always do a pair - matched or unmatched. I would look for some kind of print - stripes, plaid, small dot/design, etc. in green. I prefer unmatched, so if it were me, I would probably go with a patterned chair and a leather chair. It looks like you would have plenty of room for a chair and ottoman combo where the plaid chair is, so that's an idea. It's coming along nicely - I really like the colors in the print.

All great suggestions. I really like the art you have above the console table. Can you tell me it’s source?

The rug in the before picture is long gone. It was pretty "bossy" and I feel the room improved tremendously once it was removed. With the black background, it was very dark and I'm leaning toward a much lighter look. The room has a northern exposure. I like the rug you posted, Jinx, and the coffee tables. Thanks!!! I feel once I have chosen a rug, choosing a coffee table will be much easier. In my head, I keep going back and forth between a patterned rug as you suggested and a light rug with texture.

We love the new windows. The original windows did not open, but now we have casements on either side. I like sitting in the chair near the window and enjoying the breeze.

The coffee table is also long gone. It was metal and glass and the corners made me very nervous with our young grandchildren. Even if I end up with another metal and glass table, I'd like to avoid corners. The little side table is still around, but not at our house. My son and DIL are using it right now.

I keep going back and forth on chairs - pair or 2 different chairs. Either way, I am considering having an ottoman at one of the chairs.

The art over the console was from Crate & Barrel, but I believe it's no longer available.

Bac, are you actual stores that sell area rugs? I just went through what you are.

I looked at thousands of rugs online, just the thought of returning...,,,

We went to a few places and decided on three. They delivered to our home and then we decided on the one we liked best.

You are so neutral that you can go in any direction. I knew I wanted to add blue with all my beige. So having a direction does help narrow things down.

I do need to visit some rug stores in the area! I'm also considering having some carpeting bound, as well. I just need to get out there!!!!

I've lightened this picture

And added one more.

I went to one carpet and rug store today and the store owner said many people are using bound carpeting instead of traditional area rugs. The choices are endless. I was overwhelmed.

I would stay neutral but bound carpets a great option

I'd circle back to shopping for chairs and after you have those selected you'll have a better feel for the direction of the rug. As at that point, you'll know if you need to stay in the "neutral" lane or something with a bit more interest. And then the coffee table.

I think a light- toned rug with some gold in it would work well. Here's are some examples.

Living Room · More Info

living room rug with golden tones - Google Search · More Info

living room rug with golden tones - Google Search · More Info

You are fortunate to have such a beautiful open space to work with!! have you thought about adding drapes to your windows, just to soften and add the cozy factor? Somebody may have mentioned this already. I think once you get to the point of choosing a rug it will be gorgeous!!

I feel I should choose the rug and the chairs at the same time, so one does not necessarily limit the other. The coffee table will be the easy part!!! I hope to get out again tomorrow to do more looking. I like your inspiration pictures, yaya. And, yes, I'm seriously considering adding drapery panels to the windows, but that will probably come last.

I think my main concern is keeping the room calm and serene, without making it boring!

If you want to keep the room calm and serene and not boring is to think texture. Your velvet pillows are a good start. More texture will keep the room from going flat.