Here's a concept. Paint the entire room in white (choose one with a little bit of Gray in it). Use a lighter paint on the mantle and trim. Consider moving the TV to one of the bookcases and conceal the controls below. Turn a smaller sofa to a position facing the TV/Fire place wall. The you can add an identical sofa on a side wall and a pair of ottomans or a chair to the opposite wall. Use the wall behind the one sofa as a family story wall by adding photos, the baby's pictures (congrats!) and other momentos as your family grows. Keep the furniture simple and use a small geometric pattern on the sofas.......(check, plaid or stripes). Upholstered bench-style coffee tables are a good choice with children in the house. Let me know how this sounds.............Regards, Jeff Brooks

Duplicate post.

Maybe take out the wood paneling and paint it a brighter neutral color that would make it more modern. You could also try some bright pillows in your sofa.