For any valuable suggestions starting with a furniture layout you need to post a floor plan showing all dimensions, doors, windows, entrances to the room, etc...

Seems like there’s a lot going on.
I’d start by painting all the walls one color. And probably a lighter color. White.

I’d keep the sofa

Wait. It posted half of what I typed uo

I’d keep the sofa against the wall facing the TV.
Or you can do a sectional there if you’re wanting.

What pieces are staying and what pieces are going?

They want new furniture so wide open on those ideas

Room dimensions?

If I call my 20 year old a "kid" he has a fit.

How old are your children?

Lol still our kids The main room is 13x19 and the dining area is 13x10. The table is a transformer table and is amazing for this space. The bench is in the main room.

If they want new furniture it'a important to plan the layout with room dimensions to determine the best possible layout before they purchase the furniture.

Based on the 2 pictures you posted I drew a floor plan. You can make any necessary corrections and fill in anything missing (windows, patio door, etc.) and all dimensions.

The condo looks like grandma lives there, not "kids"!

Are these 30 y.o kids or 50 y.o kids?

I don’t have a method to do a floor plan. Will try to do one on paper. And take anphoto

@Mary Mahoney Paper is fine, if you have quad paper it will be easier.

How old are your kids? any children? how many people use this room on a regular basis?

The furnishings layout could be improved. See layout below.

lisedv, I have corrected your floor plan

Some general ideas garnered thru many Houzz threads.: No giant furniture with giant arms. Only need one sofa in solid color and buy quality. Not a sectional as usually fit only one place and take up so much visual and floor space to overwhelm this room. Also not all that comfortable for multiple people. Chairs give personal space and light to read by. Lounger chairs, if necessary, do come in more petite styles that don’t dominate a room..If dining table staying, take as a guide for additional furniture styles. More modern and airy but not matchy, matchy furniture. A vintage piece can find a home in modern design. Do not buy “sets” and take some time to make purchases. If find a rug just love then use its colors for inspiration. Make sure big enough for the room and future furniture.. Finally one color for all the walls will make area look so much bigger and less chopped up.

I agree that it looks like old folks live there. I’m assuming they furnished with hand-me-downs. I wouldn’t offer any advice unless asked.

I am still not home yet to make that paper drawing, but wow, what great ideas all of you. This is my son and his fiance and they are getting married. (and they want my suggestions ;-)

YES hand me downs and they would love to purchase new furniture and there are some very good guidelines above. They have also wanted to paint and it just confirms what they have been wanting, somehting less yellow and all one color. we are so grateful for the suggestions!!

anyone know any good affordable decorators to hire in the North Aurora, IL area? I have never used a decorator before, not sure how that works.

I realize it is tempting to help!!

But they aren't "kids" they're young adults with their own adventure. in making a home theirs.

They start with what fits..hence a a floor plan

They prowl the internet for images of rooms they love, figure out WHAT they love about any space and put words to it! It's calm, it's cozy, it's cheerful.It's moody... it is whatever

Then you tell them to make a Houzz account, and bow out: ) add money and duct tape your lips? Try? Remember your first home?! You furnished and survived it all?

Am I saying this is it above? No!!........I am not them: ), it's yanks for an imaginary couple

But it is a way to do it.....a process. A way to put a palette together from one beginning. A rug...

One of zillions

Paint? It is never the first decision.......it has triple zillion more variations than any rug or couch shall ever have.

Show them the ideas garnered here, and get out the checkbook to help with their choices.

Exactly. Because you can go on forever doing this. Their job.....: ) not yours.

Thank you all. They love the ideas.

I hope we hear your sigh of relief?: ) lol

You can't be "punished" for a deed you did not do!

Some option for conversation area

Thank you - I will pass this on!