Do you need to accommodate the TV in the room?

This size home would probably be better suited to a slim line Xmas Tree. You just don't have the room for standard size anything.

The first thing you may want to do is discover what your style is. Put in the top HOUZZ search box (one at a time) different styles. You may want to start with these examples: eclectic, casual. Another thing I would recommend is regarding the lighting. Ceiling lighting for a living area is not recommended unless you have high ceilings. The concern with ceiling lights in a living area is that it may look like a hospital or doctors office. Best is to start with a table lamp or wall sconce in each corner at chest height. Regarding accessories - they represent your personality in addition to being conversation starters. Don't put just anything in your space just to fill it up. Better to wait and get some peices you really love.

I think it is a really nice space and represents where you are in your life now. I would add art pieces of either pictures you’ve taken or inexpensive ones in colours and styles you like. These can easily be changed down the road if you don’t like them anymore etc. I would probably get a coffee table and a second seating option for the living area.

the images and the drawing are deceiving.

take photos of what you have in the room right now, not removed items that you will end up bringing back in.

If you are up to getting anything new, I'd look for an enclosed, tall storage for games and things you need in the room, but could put behind closed doors. a large area rug to define the seating/conversation area. Did you remove the window coverings?

I would 'shop' your other rooms for pieces that may work better in your public space. Larger artwork? Furniture? Lamps?

Sometimes just taking stock of what you already own will help guide your design.

What happened to the cat? The coyote got my sweet girl.

What could you remove, permanently, (not move to another room)?

And, do you have any $ set aside for an update?

The ceiling lights are not good. In such close proximity, having two of the same would be a good investment.

Thanks for the fast responses, everyone! Really appreciate it.

I couldn't find an option to respond to each one individually, so I suppose will have to respond in a separate comment?

@BeverlyFLADeziner -- I don't need to accommodate a TV, we have a separate family room. Thanks for the slim xmas tree idea; will keep in mind for future, but we are already set for this season! :)

@Elaine Doremus -- Good point about the ceiling lights (and to others that mentioned this as well), but I don't really know how to DIY removing/replacing those. For now, I am only planning to do changes which I can do on my own. Thanks for the tip about the decor and style as well. The style I was going for was playful/eclectic/cozy I guess? I'll take a look through the search results for those styles as you recommended. Thanks!

@WestCoast Hopeful -- Thank you! :D Will look into some artwork... I have two sisters who are artists (one does it professionally), so maybe I could get a custom piece from them. Will look into a table and more relaxed seating options as well, thanks!

@Lyn Nielson -- Sorry for the pictures seeming deceiving to you; it was my first time using the tool for the mockup, and I did the best I could to get the core pieces in there. :) The only things removed are the cat tower and bird cage, nothing else. I just removed them this morning while rearranging things and now the whole room is a mess since I've been playing around with all the arrangements, hence no updated picture, but it's just those two pieces. And I don't plan to bring them back because they were not getting any use in this room. Thanks for the tips on new things I could get -- I just bought a new shelf with closed storage as per your suggestion, will look into rugs next! And thanks for the tip about looking at what I already own. Great idea!

@Kendrah -- Usually 4-6 people when we have guests over; most of our parties are board games / dining parties, and people generally just sit around the round table for these, but I do think adding more relaxed seating would be nice. Good point about moving around furniture being free, haha. I will try moving stuff around as you suggested!

The dog bed I have is one I found by searching "human dog bed" -- great for a human and dog to share and cuddle in together. :) The exact model I got is no longer available but you can find similar ones by searching that term on Google!

@JUDY GRAHAM -- Oh no! That is terrible news. :( I am so, so sorry to hear that.

My cat is thankfully doing well, she just does not show any interest in cat towers! So I just ended up using this for decor/storage, but I decided it doesn't quite fit the vibe I want for this room, so I moved it to my bedroom (so in case one day my cat decides to use it, it's still readily available for her, but I doubt she will.)

Thanks for the tips about the lights! Will keep in mind for future.

I don't have a specific amount set aside, but trying to look for inexpensive/budget options, and only looking to do changes I can do myself for now (i.e. I don't know how to change the light fixtures myself, so will have to leave that as a future project.)

Thanks again, all!

Can you tell us a little bit about who lives in the space? You mention board games and no tv. Do you have kids? Are you big readers? How does this space work for you as well as for guests,

Yes definitely need different pendants in that living room maybe something else abstract ceiling light or something that hugs the ceiling like a drum