I love the cat climbing platforms! It looks like you have a black/white/red thing going in there. Even the animals! The first think that jumped out to me was the lack of a rug. I think a colorful rug and some artwork would go a long way toward making this a comfortable place to be. The television really dominates right now. Have you considered hanging it? I love your sofa/lounge. Beautiful!

Perhaps a red rug under the coffee table?

You went for red in the kitchen, why not bring some into the lounge?

Is that a Great Pyrenees or a White/English Golden? I'm seeing a huge portrait of those two gorgeous creatures as a jumping off point.

thanks Marilyn. It's true that the TV dominates, I might look at mounting it to the wall. What sort of colours would you see for the rug and accents?

Check this out? Inexpensive but kind of striking. Scroll down...the red one? You could find something similar in a better quality I'm sure if this isn't right.
http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Ziggy-Chevron-Area-Rugs/7569505/product.html?refccid=ZQIBUBSKQUXZ6PCJ7LVD36ZZQI&searchidx=88

I really like the red, but i thought that it might be too much if it continued into the lounge, but maybe not afterall!

Barnhart, she is an English cream golden retriever. A huge portrait above the buffet is a good idea. I always wondered what type (portrait or landscape, or cityscape) would fit in this space.

Charlee, would you add another colour or just stay with black, white and red?

You have a very neutral almost monochromatic look going. To add 2 or more colors could end up ruining it. I would start small and just add red. Live with it for a while, then review it again.

Pick up the red just a tad in an area rug and then in solid red drapes and some pillows.

Just found this cushion: I think that would work well... http://www.countryroad.com.au/shop/home/home-accessories/cushions/agdal-cushion-60160729-9363

I love the red but I wouldn't overdo it. Pick a rug or piece of art with red and other colors (blue, orange?) to pull the spaces together.

take a look at flor.com. they have some interesting rugs. dashed off, parallel reality and zebra could all work.

looks like these rugs would be good with pets...thanks for sharing this link.

Your space has lots of potential. A custom wall unit could help define the room and make the most use of if at the same time. Here are few examples:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/2013-collection-contemporary-new-york-phvw-vp~3836766
https://www.houzz.com/photos/2013-collection-contemporary-new-york-phvw-vp~3801385



Or consider choosing our modular wall system where you can add shelves and drawers that are interchangeable. The color choice is up to you, so there's where red might pull your home together. You can even hook up a tv and hide the wiring behind:
https://www.houzz.com/photos/2013-collection-contemporary-home-office-new-york-phvw-vp~3863941
https://www.houzz.com/photos/2013-collection-contemporary-kitchen-new-york-phvw-vp~3863948

Best of luck with whichever way you decide to go with this! Let us know if you have any additional questions.

thank you so much for all of your great ideas. will post a pic once we've decided what to do.