Hello the days are brightening up by now and I'm sure the room is looking less drab for it. However I think furniture rearranging will work wonders. You seem to have nice low window sills: show them off. If the sofa goes to the left between window and built-in unit you'll have a view out to the garden and more light in the room. Equally: can you fit the piano between the radiator and the double doors? Again: more light through the window. Low sills are a god-send, and so many of us are stuck with high ones. The room will feel more spacious with a good view to outdoors. The armchairs then: one to the left of the fireplace and one between the other window and piano. TV then between the two windows. (No shine on the screen) Does that fit maybe? Or do you need all five seats facing the TV? I rather like those stripy cushions. Can you find a striped wallpaper in matching colors and with an irregular pattern repeat for your accent wall? if going with wood floors how about a sheepskin rug for each of your doggies? Black or white. One last detail. A lower table for your side lamps would be good: At sofa arm or seat height. Coffee table could work in corner between window and new sofa position. Btw: I liked the suggestion to replace the cupboard doors above the fish tank with full-height ones. In some kitchen shops you can find ready-painted, wooden, panel doors that might fit. It's a long shot but you could be lucky. It would brighten up the corner if you got a light colour.

Love your floors good job. Good luck in design school. I find working in the field is more help than taking classes. There are many furn stores that hire designer or want to be designers, for their stores. To help clients, and go to their homes, to help them buy furn. You can gain so much knowledge this way . And make a living at the same time. Working as a assist to a designer, is a great way to break in to the field. A lot of designers will hire from the school. I'm sure you have a job board. Check it for even part time work. It pays off. Now your room. Like your sofa. Good color to work with. But, don't forget the small stuff. Like window covers, art, area rugs and accessories. Putting a room together is the hardest thing to do. It's very easy to put a sofa and chairs in a room. It's the accessories that bring a room together. Study a designer you relate too on TV. There are many I used to love Candice Olsen. Not sure if she is on the air. She does have books out. Study them see how rooms are pulled together. Then copy it for your room. Color is a matter of taste. Look for unusual things to add to your room. A simple thing like stacking some books together with a art item on top,is inexpensive and space filling look. You don't have to spend a lot. Rug, pillows window panels are found everywhere. Unless you have unlimited budget, can shop, Ikea, Pier One, World Market, Z galleries, West Elm. Even some deals at Restoration Hardware. Sometimes just go window shopping at above, to get ideas, find fun things. Don't rush. Take your time and find just the right thing for you. Good luck. That being said go a 6x9 rug in a traditional look with yr red and gold print. Stay with those colors just go different tones. Going the dark reds over bright is way to go in traditional. The bold colors work better with a modern look. Mix up design, size and prints in pillows. Panels on end of windows with a bamboo shade in dark brown. A inexpensive look that is timeless. Panels could be a gold velvet, that will give you a more traditional look. Move media for TV closer to firepl. If in budget go a round or square 24" coffee table in glass to show off rug. Over firepl a big 36" sun burst mirror hang 7" from top of mantel. TJMax has great price. Also ck them for pillows, rugs. They have a great return policy, which is very important. Always ck store policy on returning. Because you will be returning, it's part of the job. I will buy. 3 rugs at a time, to try in clients home. That's OK. Things look different in different light. Also coffee tables should be no more than 18" from front of sofa.

Hello CG, you can buy some of these and try them on site. From the pictures you posted I get the feeling you have 2 colors with similar saturation both fighting for attention. It's a little too much. I would keep the green but go softer on the red (i.e rust). You can also let yourself be inspired by the grey/silver/bordeaux floral and stripe pillows to create a brand new color scheme using these colors instead. For example, a very soft gray on the walls, gray carpet, grey/bordeaux combo in the curtains and for the sofa accents, pillows similar to these 2. It's decision time. Go for what speaks to you, but do it with elegance :-)

I've been thinking of you,Fragle - I remember those sleepless nights when the babies first came home and everyone was sleep deprived but life-as -always still had to go on, esp for Mommy. So happy for you that you have a 'good' baby, I love the name too:-)