A larger rug for sure -- big enough to extend under all the furniture in the seating arrangement -- light with maybe a little color. I'd consider painting out the blue walls too, as they are quite dark in a space that needs light already.

I guess it was the lighting, the walls are dark grey.. I want to brighten up the area, but not clash with the surrounding areas.

I greatly appreciate your advice. What colour do you think and what would you change for accents..

Pillows and choice choices? any pics as a reference would be very much appreciate it. I live in a very isolated area and everything has to be ordered in. But this weekend we are going to the city so I’m excited to go shopping. Thank you for responding to my post.

I would first paint the walls on either side of the fireplace the same color as the rest of the walls.

Your ceiling fan is big and clunky - if you need and use a ceiling fan, I'd get one that has finer lines.

Replace mirror over mantle with art that is light and has some brighter colors.

Get a larger rug - the light color looks good, though you could add some color in there - color that looks good with your art.

Replace coffee table with something lighter/less chunky.

Get the larger rug, and call it a day. In my opinion, it’s the dark sofas that need to be changed.

In the meantime, just enjoy comfort of room.

The mirror is a mirror tv.. I can’t replace that one.. love that when we finish watching tv, it looks like a mirror..

Coffee and end tables.. -any pictures for reference? Maybe something with a soft gold tone.. maybe nesting tables the same Colors?

Any idea is welcomed.

Thank you everyone..

The main issue is the dark sofa and all the other dark elements against the dark floors.

It just sucks up every bit of light.

the adjacent dark wood cabs just intensify the problem. (the dark counter top and chairs!)

Try bringing in chairs like this for a start.

I'm also noticing a dark door, dark wood shelving, dark coffe table, dark fan, dark mantle, dark picture frames, dark clock, dark accessories. ,,whew.

No wonder its so dark. there is nothing in there to reflect back any light!

Bringing in a larger, whiter rug is not going to do much.

But, start w/the counter chairs, the shelves, the table, and any other dark object.

Here's how you do a dark accent wall, dark floors and even a dark fan. Look at everything else in this room.

See how this lighter sofa looks against the wood/dark blue? white lamp, pillows, throw.

something like this would be nice. I like the slat bench too.

Paint the walls a brighter white, remove those dark-framed phots. either replace them w/white frames/mats, or get a diff piece of art.

See this one w/the light framed pictures? Bright white trim/wall, lighter fan, lighter sofa/rug against the dark floor

silver/blue sofa w/white fluffy rug. already looks lighter.

your fan blades are way too short to do any cooling. do you need a fan?

you could bring in more light.

or bring in an updated fan.

I love the elements in this room. They'd look so nice w/your stone fireplace. and the light bluegray sofa plays well w/the dark blue wall

So, don't know what else to tell you. You have too many dark objects.

I think rugs are the hardest part of the equation. If you find a rug you love, it will be easy to pick up colors from it for accents. Try looking at Rugs.com. In the top menu, (on the desktop version, anyway). there is a Visual Search option. Give it a few preferences - say 8x10, geometric pattern, gray. It will return choices, and if you click on something it will give you further options. If you click on the actual product link, between the photo and the details there is a "see in your room" button. Upload your photo and you can look at all kinds of options. Some random examples are attached.

Good luck!

I would take down the fan, it brings down the ceiling. If you really need a fan, try to find something that blends into the ceiling. No lights and maybe 3 blades. I think youre getting some great advice. good luck

Thank you everyone.. this picture has me inspired., I’ll work from this

Try a rug from Loloi II. They come in great colors and are very budget friendly. I really think something like this would look great. Use a high quality rug pad and youll love the feel.

I would paint all the walls, including the accent walls, bright white. New light color coffee table. White throws and pillows.

I may just get sofa slip covers until I get more time.. buying new coffee and end tables..

Love this chair, too dark too hey?

Change your sofa pillows for something whiter and brighter. Add a throw with a lot of white in it. There’s white in your lamps and looks to be in the fireplace stone as well. Too much cream is dulling.

I didn’t see Amanda said the same thing — but you need a few more and different pillows. https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/how-to-put-pillows-on-a-sofa

Kerry, you could repeat yellow/gold/ochre - from candle, pillow. Could an antiqued finish in harvest gold work on the coffee table? It's good with grey. Could you add colorful art over sofa? I think there are other options than sofa covers. LD showed rug ideas.

Brighter than the wall? doesn't have to match exactly... what do you think about this one?

Nourison Karma Blue Area Rug · More Info

18" Microsuede Square Throw Pillow Inserts, Set of 2, Aqua Blue · More Info

I do like this one…

Blue and gray are standard together. This might be same hue as wall paint, just more saturated/ brighter.

Bring out your blue lamps too?

Tweed Knitted Throw Blanket, Snorkel Blue, 50"x60" · More Info

'The Great Kanagawa Wave' Canvas Art by Katsushika Hokusai · More Info

Yellow and grey! Home Goods sells these around late Spring.

This could work with accent walls painted same as other walls.

Momeni LUXE LX11 GREY RUG · More Info

Solid Chickadee Yellow Jute Bordered Throw Pillow · More Info

If we went with a blue rug.. white pillows and blue pillows? Any other Color.. got into the city tonight.. shopping tomorrow morning.. so excited

Great idea.. the blue lamps.. oh I’m staring to see a vision..

They display this pillow with soft grey fur. I recall an inspiration photo with furry throw - if you want a bit of glam in LR, why not?

Sparkles Home Rhinestone Lattice Pillow - 16" - Emerald · More Info

Pale almost buttery yellow? could be in the mix. Fan has a crown look to it? shine on with pillows!
Say you like a wow opposite of visually opposite yellow and purple - not overdoing it - it's contemporary.

Alexandria Pillow 18 x 18 x 4 · More Info

18" Microsuede Square Throw Pillow Inserts, Set of 2, Lemon · More Info

Yellow Floral Pillows Cotton 20"x20" Chair Cushions, Leaf, Silver Meadow · More Info

Dressy items - would it seem to vibe like your kitchen is too? Wall color - possibly the golds would blend nicely. This pillow's deep color might be nice against grey.

Throw Pillow Covers 14" x 14" Pillowcase Plum Velvet Floral- Paintbrush Flower · More Info

Seven Lucky Fish Canvas Wall Art · More Info

Green pillows or those above will help. Paint the dark walls to match the rest. Lighter rug as said. Remove the art over couch & put large art there with no more brown trim. U have enough of brown.

Ok.. I’m starting to see this.. I’m starting to smile..

Seen the blue throw you suggested, funny you can get it for $34, here it’s 104 for me.. don’t feel it’s worth that much.. I’ll see what’s in town.. there is a lighter blue, would that work.. seen grey fur pillows too..

If this type color isn't too bright [for the wall paint]-- or too soft [for the sofa color] -

it might be a "pretty bridge" between them.

20 x 60" over the bed?

Beata Czyzowska Young 'Sonata in Red' Canvas Art, 30"x47" · More Info

Summer Blooms, Canvas Print · More Info

Long Silver Magnolia, Canvas Print · More Info

I like your white / yellow / black pillows, but seems color is needed, more than white is needed. I'm trying to repeat the hue of paint, but add depth, deeper variation of it.

Golden Glow Zeal Pom Throw Pillow, Golden Glow, 20" X 20", Poly Fill · More Info

Seven Lucky Fish Canvas Wall Art · More Info

Can get these..

And I have green mixed material .. I could make pillows

A larger light colored rug and/or slipcovers.

And maybe a dimmable chandelier, if you don’t need the fan.

Or alternatively, you could bring in a floor lamp, and/or maybe change out the table lamps.

I’d remove all the dark brown pieces and reaccess room with fresh eyes. Look at lots of inspiration pictures to help create a plan. Mix things up for more intetest and stay light (wouldn’t spend money on slipcovers).

Large art over couch, lighter tables, mix up the cushions and suggest a large jute, sisal or flatweave rug.

I’d paint the blue walls and aim for symmetry.

Suggest painting shelving unit white (near doorway) and accessorize with a lighter feel + remove the picture above.

I’d definitely remove clock and pieces on floor. A table, mirror and lamp would be really nice there.

You could paint island stools for a much lighter feel and reupholster if there are padded seats.

Whatever color being used in living room, bring into kitchen.

Drop cloth slipcovers are another option, also. There’s lots of info online on how to DIY— with sewing and also without sewing.

Here’s one link: https://refreshliving.us/diy-drop-cloth-slipcover/

Thank you everyone so much.. starting to bring the vision together.. I purchased some blue material today to make some pillows..I’m going to paint the chairs as well later this week..

Going to order a rug with blue in it..

Hopefully I can find some coffee and end tables..

This has been a fun adventure..

And I will paint the shelves next to the door white and remove the picture.. also have blue lamps..

Sorry to say I don't like the white pillows you posted. If we see gray upholstery like a man's suit, and we want it to invite us into the room [wha?]... don't put it with a white shirt...

freedom's large, impactful rug was good, and could make white pillows go better, but I don't think that's a high priority.

But rug, and purchasing?

Dark suit, white shirt? ;D

You dance with him, in a beautifully lit, and wonderfully romantic place....!?

Lol… sure would

Do you like a dye project? I think that'd do something lively for pillow fabric. I read of those wanting to brighten, but enlivening with colors is 'big' too.

The 3 dark frames above sofa, place elsewhere, since dark doesn't need to be in all areas.... ?

Let's please see the expensive, larger rug there? :)

Not gaudy this isn't, but richly shiny, can't tell... do you have any color in a tube wax? from Michael's etc... for an item you like but could have sheen...
Next to love seat...

Anita End or Side Table, Antique Polished Gold · More Info

Is this slim frame sort of style of doors we see -office?

It seems if the blue is too muted, the 'look falls flat'... if too bright a blue, it won't flatter the wall color.

Nira Two-Tiered Metal Side Table, Black, Teal · More Info

Found similar room, and risk of yellow rug which sets the foundation, and these like your pillows! bit of teal [good with a yellow-green pillow]

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Eclectic Transitional Ranch Style House · More Info

Eclectic Transitional Ranch Style House · More Info

Eclectic Transitional Ranch Style House · More Info