Now it's beginning to work! Luv the rug! A few more red showstoppers, and I luv the post about matting your family pic, and larger frame for it. Looks like you might be a bit uncomfortable with the great post idea of moving your sofa out into the room away from wall. If so, could you accept putting it diagonally from the entrance doorway, across that corner where it is, stopping at the edge of your window? That's a bit of a move outward, still can see the fp and tv, and show off your new rug, which could go diagonally in front of the sofa. Then, if you like that, after a while you could move it on out as Deb K suggests. Sometimes intermediate steps are more doable for us than those big changes.Same with painting; if you could first paint just the fp wall, then later paint other walls...seems some color would really make it more homey. Would you cosider a quite contemporary fixture for the light in the center ceiling? Maybe a bit of red could go there!

Sorry I am so late coming to your site - you are an inspiration to all, homeowners and advisers alike. For your planting advice, I suggest you call Merrifield Garden Center to see if they will come out your way. They currently have wonderful garden centers in Merrifield and Fairfax (both in Fairfax County) and a new one in Gainesville, but they may come further south to wherever you reside. (www.MerrifieldGardenCenter.com) Even if they don't send designers to your area, they are worth a trip to see their huge selection for a day of pleasure and inspiration, or to pick up some plants. Most of my clients are in the Fairfax and greater Washington area, but I am currently living out west below Front Royal, VA on the Shenandoah mountainside - wonderful views. cascio.offsite@gmail.com

Just some ideas to think about? Uber big arc light Round uber big leather ottoman Long floor to ceiling curtains with print or color 4 inch trim on either side of the panels hung between the windows. Art work set in the cubes similar but different, as in perhaps, musical instruments, African masks, Art Deco Lallique vases, anything that reflects You translated into art. Back cubes with mirrors and put puck light in the top of each for nighttime drama and to light the art work. A large Fiddle Fig tree as the trendy green this year. Possibly smoked mirror above the TV screen as big as the cut out. Bring it on.

Add a fabric wall hanging – looks like there is space on the wall behind the Chesterfield loveseat? A woven shawl or table runner from your travels overseas (if you've bought anything) on a dowel would complement your Tintin in Tibet art, and not add clutter to the space. And an ottoman that doubles as a storage box or small coffee table (put a tray over it as a stable base for your coffee) would be nice to put your feet up on as well as add to the bohemian look.