All your items are jammed against the walls. Move them out a few inches. It will make the apt appear more spacious.

I have added a tall plant & arc lamp in the corner and a large piece of art above the sectional to 'ground' it and add color and texture to the room.

Turn the rug the other direction.

A rug with a bit more color could really help the room.

Thank you! These are great suggestions - appreciate it. Your mock-ups really brighten and liven the room up!

I like @BeverlyFLADeziner suggestions for larger art over sofa, turning rug & more color. I like your plan for larger piece under TV - I suggest closed cabinet for more storage. I don’t like plan for shelving above TV - seems like TV is too low so either hang on wall or have the new cabinet below be a taller one. My suggestions are getting a chair to angle into room at end of TV wall & put the small end table & lamp you’re thinking of removing next to the new chair. A swivel chair would be good choice. Try the ladder shelf on wall with closet - move that small art higher so it’s just above shelf or slightly lower between the top side pieces if the art fits. Center desk on wall between ladder shelf & sofa end. Maybe put the floor plant in that space to hide desk a bit from sofa for room separation. Would you use your island counter for seating if you had counter stools that slid under the top when not in use?

You can add a floor lamp to the left side of the sofa. Its design can resemble the one shown in the picture—both practical and aesthetically pleasing. It provides soft, localized lighting, creating a cozy atmosphere and making it convenient for nighttime reading or relaxing.

On the right side of the sofa, you can place a small storage rack. It can serve as both a decorative element and a practical solution for storing everyday items such as books, remote controls, or small ornaments, helping to keep the space organized and tidy.

The wall can be decorated with a combination of framed artworks. Choose smaller pieces and arrange them into a group based on themes or color schemes. This not only enhances the visual appeal of the wall but also reflects your unique personal taste.

If your budget allows, you can opt for a custom-built full-wall TV cabinet. This will provide ample storage space and elevate the overall design of the room. If you're looking to save money, you can combine two standalone TV cabinets and complement them with some plants nearby to add a touch of nature. Additionally, you can install a simple wall-mounted shelf for displaying photos, books, or small decorative items—both functional and visually appealing.

I truly understand you LOVE the couch: ) It limits your arrangement and the coffee table is all wrong in size, look proportion.

Can you make a sketch of the entire space, include the dining/office right to kitchen and any closet storage et, Feet and inches.?

It's up to you to .......but it will get you the most suggestions.

"I’m so excited to turn the place into a cozy and beautiful home.".........

A plan that really works is where that begins: )

I hear you on the coffee table being the wrong size. Here’s the layout out with dimensions—hope this helps!

Specific furniture dimensions:

Desk -
39.5x23.5 inches

Couch -
124 L x 40 smaller width, 64 longer width

Tv stand -
59x16 inches

Let me know if I can provide anything else to help!

Ignore above photo. Here are the correct dimensions: