I would get rid of the sofa with that has it's back to the dining table and move the other sofa into that position with a large coffee table in front of it. Two chairs would look good on the wall where the sofa currently resides. The picture on that wall where the chairs will be is hung too high and should be lowered by about 10".

But your primary problem seems to be the color. The room seems bland, lacking in interest. If you don't like color you can use neutrals and create interest with contrast.
You can also add color with art and pillows as you see in the room below. If you want neutrals, I suggest Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige for most of your walls, but with
SW Tony Taupe on your TV wall.

If you want color, let us know what colors you like and we'll suggest some different paint colors.

I can see why you are so excited - it's fabulous! Love the floors in the main area. You can really make this apartment a show stopper. If you like a cozy industrial look then think about going with a dark charcoal grey on the walls and keeping the built-ins and trim white. That's a good classic palette for any style and you could then introduce your Restoration Hardware inspired furniture. Don't get everything from RH - otherwise it will look like devoid of personality. Look for original pieces elsewhere as well. If you are feeling gutsy and eclectic you could paint the ceiling beams black. Good luck from Montreal!

Wow! Fabulous apartment! Here are a few pieces you may like:

http://deciture.com/leonard-industrial-lantern-large/

http://deciture.com/leonard-industrial-lantern-small/ (love this pair of lanterns together)

http://deciture.com/gilbert-galvanized-occasional-table/

http://deciture.com/cki-brunnel-planters-set-of-3/

Hope this helps!

First, I should clarify: the furniture in the picture was from the previous owner and is not mine. the apartment is empty right now so I will be buying new stuff (including hopefully a sectional couch). I love the idea of grey walls with white trim, though I think I would choose a lighter grey to keep the room light and open. I prefer neutrals and muted colors generally as I prefer a calming space, and the thing I enjoy most is mixing textures.

What do you guys think about furniture and furniture placement?

Note to other dilemma posters: you should always state if the furniture in the photos you are providing is not yours, so that we don't spend our time giving you suggestions based on what you are showing us. It's absolutely amazing that someone would leave out this important detail.

Nan7, I prefer a basic furniture arrangement with a sofa a two chairs, as it gives you flexibility in how you can place things in your room. A sectional usually has a given arrangement which cannot be varied. With the sofa and 2 chairs, I would place either the sofa or the two chairs facing the TV, and the other piece(s) against the wall.

However, if you have a sectional, then I would add a chair or two on the open end.