Thank you, I'm useless at all this, so any suggestions on colours etc very much appreciated.

You definitely need a big rug. I’d go for something fairly light coloured (although appreciate that might not be ideal with kids!), that compliments the wall paper, and the add a couple of cushions in a similar colour/tone.
I’d put the smaller sofa more under the window - the spacing feels a bit off, and introduce some more textured textiles to cosy things up a bit - maybe a chunky woollen blanket.
A central coffee table is also a good idea, but be careful of introducing more brown tones that might clash with the wooden floor and the sofa.

Hi, a rug would look great in that space. Please have a look at our rugs which come in standard and custom sizes here. If we can be of any help please do let us know here at Couch Potato Company.

It has a sort of Laura Ashley country house look which is still very popular. Next have bought out LA so worth having a look at LA design at Next and on Pinterest. As everyone has said, a rug would certainly create cosiness. Think country house again or those lovely country house hotels. Here’s a couple of rugs that I think would tie in nicely.

Thank you all very much for taking time out to source ideas and images to get me on my way, and for all the very helpful suggestions. It has forced me to "think" actively about the room, and figure out what will work. I have now realised that perhaps the room needs plants too - to give that homely feel and to lift the colour, as I realise maybe the room is a bit soulless, despite being a great room for family gatherings in front of the fire. You've given me loads to ponder on, and to budget for, so much appreciated.

It’s a nice room and you’ve done a good job already. I love the rugs Sonia has recommended. Given your sofas are leather there is no need to cover for the kids. A few side tables with a few lamps and a plant or two and a few large cushions to bring it all together. Maybe a mirror.

What is/are your favourite colour/s? most colours will go with cream and brown and wood. A definite warm colour and patterns will pull it all together in cushions ….maybe raspberry, lime rust, etc. and mix textures like velvet or silk, linen which will add to the ambience. check out ebay for second hand and tkmax for inspiration.

@katlucy I had this picture which I liked, and used it to "fill" a wall. I think I am afraid of colour - and getting it all wrong. I rarely use Ebay, love TK Maxx, and love Vinted/ charity shops or upcycling. I also have JYSK nearby, but happy to travel to places like The Range and Dunelm (or similar) for bits too. Thanks for your help.

There is a formula for colour balance which might help …60/30/10.….so highlight colours and mix the colurs and textures of the painting.

I would suggest one option might be for plain deep teal and orange.as cushions in velvet and maybe a few cushions in a pattern to contrast in the same colours …check out oka if bydget allows

I think the tan/rust colour in your forest art would sit very nicely in your room. Maybe in cushions? I’m not sure how much lighting you have in the room but floor lamps or table lamps in each corner will create a lovely cosy ambiance, especially in the evening. Perhaps wooden or brass lamp bases with neutral linen style lampshades. I have a variety of lamps from Dunelm, Argos/Habitat and John Lewis but every home shop sells their versions!

Also to update the look a little, remove the tie backs on the curtains so that the curtains can be pushed right back and hang straight on either side? Here’s some accessory ideas too, but I can see you have several already.

I would also remove the throws as they look a little untidy. Leather sofas are pretty tough.

One suggestion ….Tkmax have some orange velvet cushions at the moment which would pick out the painting and go well with your wooden floor and sofas, a definite rich colour and with some greenery dotted around should look warm.

Oh my! Thank you all so much, I opened up the computer to fantastic ideas, and I can see them working for me, and even better suitable for my budget, and other stuff I can save for. I'm a "close the door on it" type of gal if I don't like the space, (and I didn't get enough use out of this room), but I really can see me loving it again - combed ceiling and all, lol. Thank you all so so much for your help and the effort ye went to.

A large rug with some or all of the colours and shades in the room would make it look much sifter and more relaxing, and pull everything together.

Tried to load photos but they didn't load even though it said they had 🤔

Never had trouble before.

The App seems to have changed a little and it has many faults, for example you can’t edit or delete a comment any more. You can’t report or flag scam posts - we get loads! You can longer add a number of photos in one go, it has to be done one by one. I think Houzz should win the award for worst App ever, even though I do love reading the advice posts. Sort it out Houzz!

Your living room looks cosy and welcoming. agree with lots of above about a big rug to tie it together. personally i think a muted green like khaki or olive would look nice and rusty orange cushions. in the future if you want that ceiling smoothed out we paid about £300 to have our 12'x16' ceiling plastered over. its messy though and would ruin your lovely wallpaper. H&M home are very reasonable, tk max, facebook marketplace, gum tree all maybe places worth looking, and a couple of nice plants yes , good luck, post a photo when youve finished!

I think some bright accents would really lift your scheme. Look for bright cushion covers and a really colourful rug.

Smart Design Hub - Houzz Advice is a forum for people to get help and advice from other amateurs with similar interests. It is not a place for you to try to get business from - that is spam.

Don't even get me started on the other one Sonia....:))

Sarah L I did flag/report his silly comments and awful pictures so Houzz must have deleted them. Pity they don’t have a a delete or flag button on original posts!

A berber style rug in cream and black or another base colour would soften the whole look. You could then just add colour with accessories. For me you need plants to add life.

@Sue.s @Isla Cherry I have been in a rug showroom, and have been suggested some of the following rugs (with colours drawn from picture on the wall with the teal and orange).....what do you think? (It is a fantastic company that I have dealt with previously). (1) https://www.kukoonrugs.com/products/blue-terracotta-abstract-canvas-area-rug?variant=43491322036379 (2) https://www.kukoonrugs.com/products/super-soft-abstract-moroccan-shaggy-rug (3) https://www.kukoonrugs.com/products/soft-abstract-distressed-multicolour-living-room-rug Sorry, please, and thank you all, my head's fried!

It's not a competition so don't stress about it. There's no rush. I would measure the space that you have in the middle of your sofas and then add on at least an extra 300mm so that the front legs of your sofas could sit on the rug. I like the examples you have provided and they would definitely work in your living room. Maybe take a duvet cover and lay it out on the floor (doesn't have to be a duvet cover, sheet, throw or tablecloth would work too) just to get an idea of size. Make sure that the rug is large enough. That's your anchor piece. Now you can have fun sourcing cushions, plants and accessories. On your website I liked this rug. If you can keep it clean with little ones it will add a dab of colour but add light.

https://www.kukoonrugs.com/products/super-soft-tribal-berber-shaggy-rug