Carmel is a good neutral and much more forgiving of kid spills than some. It will also look better with your flooring than the white, not so stark. Great choice!

I like navy and rust with caramel when you get to the point of thinking about accent colors.

I think a camel or taupe color sofa would be amazing. Then you can always add pops of color by using throw pillows, if you want.

I like both of these concepts. It comes down to whether you want a darker look or a lighter look to the room.

For heavens sake. First measure the room. Walls, windows, openings, columns and all. Feet and inches then.... what is next to that room? Note it. . You need a rug, before anything. That's your jumping point for furniture coverings, paint etc . Don't buy a stick of anything .....YET. Sit on lawn chairs if you must....: )

Failure to do this; to plan ? How big a couch, what about some chairs, Just because a prior owner had two white sofas, does not mean you need two. Failure to plan

Is how you end with BIG REGRETS, after the money is spent. What is the BUDGET? Over what period of time. A year? Two years?

It's called.....you plan.

Also look for rooms you love online ( inspo's ) and what you love about them.

I have white cowhide leather sofas 15 yrs old look like new , grand kids , parties spilled wine all no problem and I would not trade them for anything. As for actual pieces we have a huge LR so 2 seating areas and added 2 chairs along with the 2 sofas'