I would suggest a lighter palette…both in terms of color and weight…with natural elements and pops of color…such as this living room…https://www.houzz.com/photos/mid-century-modern-living-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_718~s_2115. Use the closet to store coats and shoes. Move the round mirror to the wall next to the front door. Place the two chairs opposite the sofa with a more modern coffee table. Replace the current area rug with a natural woven fiber rug. A tall fig tree in place of the coat tree, sculptural floor lamp in the corner, colorful art on wall to right of closet. Larger, fuller potted plants on built-in behind sofa. Built-in on left would be perfect as a bar or if left as a display, perhaps filled with books or a few larger sculptural items. There are a lot of small objects scattered over a lot of shelving throughout your spaces…would be better to limit it to just the built-ins.

Sorry that link is not showing the living room I referenced above… I’ll try again…

Nice room! Looks interesting and personal. Consider placing the sofa opposite to where it is now, creating a pseudo entryway behind it, so it feels a bit less like the front door opens right into the room. Then you can consider furnishing the “entryway “ with a console table/mirror/bench as needed.

Have a mirror by the entryway, and put artwork (interesting, personal, NOT generic and mass produced) instead of random mirrors elsewhere.

Thanks for all the tips so far!

Follow up questions:

1. Would anyone do a sectional couch in any fashion?
2. Any recommendations for more delicate sitting chairs that don’t break the bank? We have small children and that large, rowdy dog so trying to budget for the next 5-7 years vs. trying to keep a forever piece from being damaged.
3. If we moved the current 6 ft sofa opposite, it makes for a pretty tight walkway to the rest of the house. Should we look at a shorter sofa to create that entryway?

Can you post pics with the sofa on the other side? Don’t use a wide angle lens so the impression of the space isn’t distorted

oh I see, you haven't tried it. Hmm. If the sofa is too long it might not work, but maybe move it (and take pics) just to get some idea? alteratively, maybe try the chairs there, although a sofa works better for creating that entryway feeling

For all of the reasons you mentioned, better to keep “your doggie’s sofa” right where it is. The current chairs are fine too...if they are moved opposite the sofa, they will open up the space, balance the sofa, create a comfortable seating arrangement, and better define/lend themselves to servicing the entry area (to put on shoes or drop bags while hanging up your coat). Any new furnishings could be added as your budget allows.

Thanks for additional input! Here is an updated picture with the same furniture rearranged. Better?

Our coat closet is jam-packed at the moment (small house, limited closet space) so the coat tree remains in place for now for quick access and guests .

I like the new arrangement better but would you consider a round coffee table?

I like the new arrangement a lot! I agree that a less heavy coffee table would be better, but I think maybe a glass and metal oval would work well. I would also suggest pulling the sofa a little bit away from the window wall. It just looks a little squashed in there. But I do like how this defines the spaces better.

And I think the coat tree is fine there. It’s not a thing of beauty, but at least now it’s in your “foyer”, not your living room ;-)

A shallow/thin console table might work behind the sofa. As a landing spot for stuff, maybe even with some storage in drawers or baskets.