Additional photos of room

How does your current sofa recline as it looks like it is pushed all the way against the wall? If your husband wants another hulking recliner, will it need to come out from the wall?

Would he be open to a recliner chair for himself and a regular sofa?

Do you only spend time in here watching TV, or do you enjoy looking out the window during daytime too?

If i were walking into this space the first thing I would do is empty it of everything. Paneling that is knotted and wood that has a lot of color variation is busy on its own and having a lot of clutter in the space will never help you achieve the "lighter" feeling you are hoping for.

"note we love to host get togethers"

News flash the majority of people do not enjoy sitting on a sectional with a lot of other people. The majority of people like having their own chair or cushion section.

As far as layout goes and what I would place in the space I would do the following

1. A standard 84-86" sofa

2 get your husband a recliner angle it near the window seat window which will provide reclining room and a good view of the TV

3. two swivel chairs opposite that will give you seating as well as the ability to turn towards the TV

4 . embrace the paneling and choose selections that tie into the architecture of the home. and fabrics that work well in your homes environment

5 . anchor it with a large area rug to cut down on the wood on wood on wood

6 hang some warm toned cream drapery to further break up all the wood. hang them as high as you can and don't skimp. you need a double width for them to look right and a longer rod so they can stack back off the window with only about 6' covering the window opening on each side

7 have a cushion made for your window seat (your sweet dog would enjoy it) and this will further give you more seating

8 . an upholstered cocktail ottoman vs a wood one will further eliminate more wood , giving you a soft surface to kick up your feet on

9 end tables in a painted finish

10 upated three blade ceiling fan with led light

in this rendering the leather recliner is not positioned where i specced it but based on the one dimensional floor plan you can see where its placement would be

This layout would work as well

https://www.roomstogo.com/furniture/product/harrison-beige-3-pc-dual-power-reclining-living-room/1179040P

Recliners have to float in the room. Chose a Wall Hugger/Zero-Wall Recliner, needs 4-6 inches from wall to recline. Just do a two seater (light fabric to work with the light floor). Add at least two, better with four, non-reclining (swivel) chairs for your guests.

All the stuff around the fireplace looks like it could go to open up the space.

What's your budget for furniture? If your husband insists on a reclining sofa, there are lots out there that have a more modern look.

I am a huge sectional fan but yours is not inviting I am sad to say. You really need to warm up the space. Multiple seating options, rugs, chairs, lamps, coffee tables, etc,