"I like to have things that mean something to me."

What are they and can you share them, their colors, etc...

Less is more. The two sides don’t have to match. Right now you have too many little things. Odd number groupings

I'd go for a few larger pieces, of whatever kind -- art, lamps, vases, etc. -- on each side rather than a collection of small knick-nacks or frames. It needs to work at a distance.

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however, the windows limit your total space, so you may have to get your pops of color with accents (cushions, colorful bowl) elsewhere in the room. but a couple of large things will have more impact either way.

and no, the two sides don't need to match! I think asymmetry is preferable here.

Paint the back wall the same color as your new sofa.

the couch is fine.

Are you and your husband happy with the color in the 2 vases on the mantle? If so, get a pillow in that rich jewel color for the black chair, and a throw for the sofa.

Take the lamps out of the window nooks and add a couple more plants like the one you already have there. Don’t be afraid to use planters on legs, and maybe use metal planters with a bit of shine.

Consider enlarging your favorite photos in black and white, reframe them simply, but make them big enough to not be overwhelmed by the TV and arrange them in the window nooks. You can mix in a color photo too.

Find useful places for the 2 lamps at seat level in the room. They are nice lamps and would warm up the space.

PS: If you have objects that mean something to you because they are from your travels or talismans from treasured memories or people, consider putting them on the coffee table In attractive ways.

When we moved here I purchased bookcases that created a similar dilemma on either side of the fireplace (and we have the same big black tv in the middle that will be replaced with a frame tv if one ever arrives in working condition, ahem.) I already had a collection of blue and white porcelain and arranged it on both sides at different heights. The big platter on the right was purchased for that spot to fill in. I don’t have any good photos with the lights above thes niches on, which illuminates the porcelain nicely, but this will give you the look I have just to demonstrate what you can do with a balanced collection.

The mantel is still a work in progress 🙄

What a great looking room! No, things don't need to match but they can if you like that. This is your home. Don't worry about any artificially mandated decor rules. Arrange the decor as you like it and how it works for you. For example, I hate dusting so a bunch of framed pictures just wouldn't work for me. I'd go with a few stacked books or a grouping of large objects instead. (Love the idea of a large plant but I just don't have a green thumb.) I happen to like symmetry and think your green vases look great. Your lamps look great as well but I'm not convinced they're the right scale here. ital mover's ideas make sense.

My problem with the lamps in the window nooks is that they are totally useless for reading there, and they make the room appear that all the light is outside, and it draws the eye there, away from the conversational area where people would enjoy being together. The TV is already a big draw, so “balance” the room by bringing light and conversational attractions into the center of the room where people would sit and be together. The rest should be background.

I notice the coffee table seems to have a lower shelf which can be used creatively for display. Books in the nooks is a nice idea too. I wouldn’t crowd up the space with plants or photos or anything. But with that big black TV there, whatever is there can’t be too puny.

Think of it as you need an eclectic kind of style that has a monochromatic base with the teal accents.

I would clear out the fireplace mantle and side nooks as well.

For the nooks, add some black sconces on the side walls of each nook and you can do single large vases on each side that have different shapes. Stick to the 3 colors for the vases, black white or teal and same on the flowers/stems. unless you do branches, then that would bring in the beams from the ceiling

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add accents with the teal

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So I meant do the sides have to be the same. I have the lamps there because there are no outlets in the floor. The couch sits in the middle of an open space. I agree, the small pics don’t work. I also have a lot of silver frames and pewter stuff but have brushed gold accents in the kitchen that I love and am trying to mix the metals. I have a probably too crowded bookcase but I have books, pictures, little things my kids have made, some things from travel... our old house was much smaller so I have this big space that we are trying to make our own a little bit at a time.

Has anyone mentioned adding color to the back wall squares with the windows?.. use a pale color and add a few accessories to the room in similar shades... as to the photos.. try using some simple squares to elevate them to different heights.. or have your favorites blown up to larger sizes that can be seen better from a distance... the lamps seem wrong there but you could look for more interesting mood lights that are more like sculpture than table lamps.. the concept is to have a display that is visible from the seating... not necessary to walk up to it to view..

If it is possible start with a more colorful area rug that you love and pick a color from that for the accent walls...

In my view the sides do not need to “match” ... but should look balanced

You say husband likes monochromatic so that should be taken into account too, or not? For example, would he dislike a colourful rug or is that within his tolerance?

A colorful rug can be as little as pale variations of one color..in consideration of the entire space now is all monochromatic.. I think husbands desires are covered...

I hate the current rug. I will change it out eventually. What about wallpaper on the back walls (with the windows)? If I went with just a few big things like suggested above, could I put in a cool wallpaper to break up the all white? And I know the tv sucks above the fireplace but it’s wired to go there, so...

Wallpaper is the toughest thing to get right ... is not ideal for small areas... and is the most trouble to install or change if you decide you don’t like it

I do think the tv is fine where it is.. if the seating arrangement works for viewing

@Kristin Kiley: I don't think "all the white" needs to be broken up. These are two little window nooks besides a TV in a living room with great bones. On my laptop screen, your pic isn't showcasing an issue. Your post's title is "accessorizing for dummies" and I'm wondering if perhaps you are according too much importance to the two areas?

Copying a comment from @User that makes a lot of sense to me (bolding mine):

"My problem with the lamps in the window nooks is that they are totally useless for reading there, and they make the room appear that all the light is outside, and it draws the eye there, away from the conversational area where people would enjoy being together. The TV is already a big draw, so “balance” the room by bringing light and conversational attractions into the center of the room where people would sit and be together. The rest should be background."

After looking at the inspo pics shared in this thread, have you shopped around your house to try different things in the nooks? Seen and evaluated how things look to YOU? Figured out what looks busy, too bare, just right? If you need height, texture, shine, etc.? It can be fun playing around with vignettes like these but these nooks aren't really meant to be the focal point of a room. Heck, leave them empty for a while if you can't decide what to put in them or what "works" for you. This is your home. Where we live shouldn't feel like an obligation to stage every surface to impress an imaginary decor police. :)

Your recent comment about the rug and TV placement makes me wonder about the extent of your dissatisfaction with the room. Difficult to gauge how a room feels from a picture but I see a great looking room in your pic. (Granted, I'm not a pro but I've seen a lot of rooms in my years. :)) Why do you hate the current rug? And will a new rug have anything to do with the decor in the window nooks? Why do you think the TV sucks above the fireplace? Is it the most logical spot for it in this room for viewing? Then, it's fine. Is this room falling short of a "perfect" room in your mind?

Did you make any decisions/updates? Would love to see the pictures.