First things first: I like your couch and your art.

It looks to me like you enjoy playing off the red. That's good in moderation, but when you have dark floors and a dark rug and dark furniture, it tends to get very..well, dark. The white slipcover is a good idea, the white wall is not. Keep the slipcover, paint the wall.

Paint is not very expensive, nor is it too time consuming to paint one wall. I understand if you can't paint the wall, but it seems that you can but just would prefer not to... I'd say reevaluate that first, because it's the most cost effective way of bringing in color to the room because...

My next suggestion is to replace the floor lamps. They work, but aren't doing you any favors. The sconces don't provide enough light - why not just remove them and patch the wall? The sconces and the floor lamps together remind me of the people who put a new TV right on top of the broken one.

And instead of matching floor lamps, I would do table lamps. It'll break up the space a little bit more and keep light closer to where you need it, which is your eyes. If the lamps are closer to your face, where your eyes interpret light, you will not think it's too dark. And again, even though their profile is very slim, those lamps are dark in color and adds to the weight of the space.

Since you have so much dark furniture, the best way of bringing in light is to keep things in contrasting colors, not necesssarily in keeping things the same color. The white wall would be fine if the couch wasn't white. But since it is, and it's cheaper to paint the wall than to replace the slipcover (I bet) or the couch (definitely), I advise painting the wall something that will bounce more light.

You should get some colorful lampshades to balance out the color and pattern going on in the artwork and pillows. Pick a color that's in the pillows and/or artwork like red or steel blue or a graphic black and white pattern. Maybe a drum shade!

Try rearranging the artwork - personally, it bugs me when the tops of the pieces are all in a straight line. You might like it more in a different arrangement. AT has a lot of tutorials on how to do this without putting tons of holes in the wall. Just search for "hang a gallery wall".

You're on to something with the scarf! You should get a red throw blanket. When in doubt, try new pillows and throws. And try finding a pretty basket to corral your study clutter - you'd be amazed what a difference it can make, especially when it frees up more room on that end table for you to put fresh flowers.

You're being too hard on yourself, it looks like a nice space! I'm not going to talk about getting different textures (definitely think TEXTURE) and cushions for your lounge as I'm sure others will do that better than me, but I do think that the lamps and the sconces are clashing with each other and the lamps are cluttering the space. Is it at all possible that you can change the sconces to something a bit more "designer"-ish. I'm thinking (knock-off) flos lights or something with birch beams to add texture and lightness at the same time. I also think the coffee table could do with an update and voila, there you go, apartment therapy worthy lounge.

Would it be possible to get rid of the sconces all together? If, as you say, the light from them "is not the best" then why bother having them at all? Also, I think the black frames on your art (which I really like) are clashing with the light, relaxed vibe of the linen slip cover. So if it's an option I would swap those out and maybe add some more art (some lighter pieces would be a great addition) and really make it a gallery wall focused more on balance than perfectly aligned edges. A striped throw would look great with your current pillows.

Ideally, the sconces would go or the lamps would go. At least, remove the lamp nearest the door and get a drum shade for the other one. The pictures aren't exactly even across the tops; this needs to be corrected and the pictures lowered a bit. Probably a couple bright color pillows on the couch and some bright color accessories (no more than 3) on the coffee table will help. Consider adding a dimmer for the sconces and maybe better shades if possible.

I think this looks great--I would recommend getting a throw, as someone mentioned, and perhaps some additional throw pillows in different textures and colors. That'll liven it up a bit.

I would have to agree, the pictures are hung too high. Lower them or rearrange them all together!

1. paint the wall. you need some contrast between the wall and couch colors unless you are intentionally using only whites and other barely there colors in the room and if that is the case, then you need to incorporate different textures as mentioned by canopenergirl
2. determine a fuller color palette for the room. right now its a little two-toned and comes off as flat in your picture. l love your pillows--maybe draw your color scheme from them?
2. coffee table is all right but consider a simple tabescape in white or a similar contrasting color that ties in to your palette

You don't have to start from scratch! Canopenergirl is right, don't be so hard on yourself! I'm no genius designer either, but here are some of my ideas (for what they're worth):

1. The lamps and the sconces are redundant. If the sconces aren't doing the trick and you don't use them, pull 'em out and patch the wall. Trade out one of the floor lamps for a table lamp so you don't have so much of a "sandwich" effect around the sofa. Try a drum shade with an interesting texture for the remaining floor lamp.

2. I hear you about not wanting to paint, but your wall and sofa read a little "white-on-white" in the pictures. Have you thought about dyeing the slipcover? A light grey-brown dye would help break up the color and bring out the texture in the slipcover.

3. From the angle of the picture, your (lovely!) art looks a little high and tight. Bring it down a few inches and mix in some different shaped objects to relax it a little.

4. Your baskets are lonely! Pair them up and mix in some other shapes so they have friends.

Good luck!

From your post, I don't know if you own your home. If the sconces don't provide decent to good light, take them down if you can. I'd go with two end tables (with maybe some baskets or shelves built in for storage) and two table lamps instead.......one at either end of the sofa. I don't see a reason to paint, but maybe a large tapestry over the couch might look better than the three little things. Maybe some candles or at least something on the coffee table - just looks stark as it is.

...continuing here because i couldnt scroll back through my comment to edit it...

3. replace the floor lamps with table lamps. something with color or with more visual heft/presence than what you already have.

4. remove the sconces.

5. maybe some sort of fun throw for the couch.

6. bring some more of your personality into the room.

you have some nice pieces to work with.

I think you are off to a good start - each element in the room is attractive and inviting. I think the problem you are having may be that none of the major elements (wall, sofa, lamps) are able to stand apart from each other because they are all just shades of white. I know you said you prefer not to paint, but painting the wall a darker color (grey, green, blue, etc - just something on the deep side of saturation) will make everything stand out by literally framing them in color. I probably wouldn't do a red, though, because keeping that in your art, pillows, and rug as accents is nice, but making an entire wall or room red will begin to undermine those pops of color in much the same way as the whites currently are competing with each other.

I would center the outer pieces of art based on the center eyeline of the middle piece (so the tops would be staggered), but that's just my own personal preference.

If you need the lamp for your study space light and don't have room for a table lamb there, I think just moving the lamp to the inside of the table so it is not directly under the sconce, as well as moving the other lamp to another corner of the room, would help. Then you have a more random effect rather than two matched & lined up pairs (sconces and floor lamps). I mention this is as a free fix you can try easily, all the other suggestions are good (and the wall screams to be painted... I get it though, we never paint).

Then if you like the lamp there consider a coloured shade for contrast :)

I agree with PI, paint the room. And can you replace those sconces with something that will illuminate your art collection? I'm thinking a cable light or track light that runs from one of the sconce junction boxes to the other with down lights over each of the pictures.

Like this: http://lightingsale.com/store/p/4201-Progress-P8707-09-Illuma-Flex-Traditional-Classic-Nickel-Flex-Track-System.aspx

Remove the sconces, install coverplates, and then hang artwork to cover them :)

I don't recommend a throw - your slipcover is already a little slouchy (I don't mean that in a pejorative way) and if you put a throw on it you're going to risk having and "unmade bed" look going on. Get some long lumbar pillows that will span the entire length of the sofa with a bold black & light neutral (ivory, light gray, beige) pattern.

Having those lamps right underneath the sconces doesn't work. If you don't want to go through the agony of taking the sconces down and patching the walls, get rid of the floor lamps and put table lamps on tables on either side of the sofa. Get something larger (side table) and having two of them will give the overcluttered one on the one side a break. Try some metal or wicker - you've got a lot of wood going on with that coffee table.

If you don't want to paint the wall, relocate the art you've got over your sofa and replace those with a large textural piece. Maybe hang a rug or a blanket. You need to break up the beige/off-white/whatever that is the sea of your sofa and your wall

Finally, scrap the baskets underneath the coffee table and replace them with something that's a little more substantial (stack some books or just get a more interesting, better quality basket). And put something on that ginormous coffee table - a tray, some books, a taxidermied baby seal - anything!

You have a beautiful blue door in the background...in the carpets and in the art. you could dye the cover to match....or look for a big luxurious blue blanket to cover the couch with some texturized pillows to offset.

Love the couch and the art and the coffee table. Overall I think this has the potential to be a really nice looking room. My suggestions:

The two pillows have too much red and are too busy and look a little old-fashioned. You've already got a lot of pattern and red in the rug and in the art. I would love to see you bring some other colors into that room. The couch would be a great place to play with adding some blues in the form of pillows.

The lamps and sconces all look too busy and I would get rid of all of them. If you can't get rid of the sconces, they will still look better if those lamps aren't there.

I'd replace the tiny side table with something more substantial and put a nice big table lamp on it. Also, I understand the need for that table to be heavily utilized but I would put some baskets to work there, which would also add some nice texture to the room.

Decorate that coffee table! You've got a nice big canvas there for something beautiful.

I realize this is no help at all... but I love your blue door.

Update/upgrade the sconces to something more your style and make certain that they illuminate the space as needed. Get rid of the two floor lamps. Add a potted tree to take the place of one of the lamps. This adds color, texture and dimension to the space with very little effort.

I reread the comments and it made me notice the blue door - with the linen-colored sofa cover, seems like blue might be a better direction to go than red. It would lighten up the room instead of darkening it.

you have that thread of blue on the side chair and in the pillows. how about these shades, the shape is better for spreading light up and down:
http://www.target.com/p/mam-hardback-lamp-shade-medium/-/A-13932151

or these larger, lighter ones:
http://www.target.com/p/mam-maverick-lamp-shade-medium/-/A-13932153

swing by target. they have a lot of variety right now and large sizes.

http://lotusandfig.blogspot.com/2012/03/retail-odyssey-global-designs-at-target.html

Paint the room cafe mocha and you will be satisfied. The room looks great just need the paint. Maybe switch up the lamps. Say no to being so matchy matchy

Get a copy of one of the French decor magazines like Cote Sud. You've got sort of a Provence vibe in this room; you might get a lot of ideas from looking at similar ones.

Personally, I'd look for distinctive hand-made lamp shades from Etsy.

I think the addition of a larger block of color behind the sofa would help. Instead of three small dark pictures, how about a larger art piece, a fabric wall hanging, a rug or even framed wallpaper? Then add more sofa pillows for interest.
I would also put a table of similar height on the other side of the sofa, and use 2 lamps
instead of the floor lamps.
My last suggestion is to use a slipcover on the upholstered chair that is not so pale.
I get most of my ideas from pictures in magazines and on line. Good luck!

This room is very symmetrical which is boring to me. One pillow on each side, one lamp on each side, one sconce. Blah. Seems too placed and not fun or inviting, comfortable or layered.
I think rooms should look like you've added things that you loved not just things that all "go together" Now I'm not saying go all eclectic and weird because that's not obviously your style but it seems too placed.
Add a few more pillows, maybe in a bolder red or a different pattern or two, don't have two pillows of each pattern. Keep the two flowers and the others should be different.
Throw the throw on the couch instead of neatly placing it on the arm rest, it goes undetected and doesn't say come cozy up on here. If you add more pops of colour with the pillows and have the red throw be more obvious I think that the slip cover wont be boring, it will just be neutral which is what you want. It's easier to change up little decor items with spray paint then buy an entire new slip cover when you get bored of the colour or trend you've added.
Your art is awesome but awfully low and not enough. Add a few more pieces and make it A symmetrical. Three is always good in design but the way you have them all set side by side makes it boring. Spray paint your side table RED! Add some family pictures or little knick knacks, add some items to the coffee table. Coffee table books, a cute ceramic animal, a box for your remotes. Keep the lamps but maybe move one into a different room and add a table lamp to the side table. Get rid of or change the sconce's.
You don't have to start over, work with what you have, update some and bring in little decor items you have in other rooms, get rid of what you don't like and layer what you love.

Oh and add some blue from that door! Blue and red look amazing together too.

I'm dealing with a similar problem at my house. I like the room but here are some suggestions on what you could do to change it up:
1. Remove the sconces.
2. Re-frame your art with large mats (side ones white, middle one black?). Frame them all the same size. Or, see link below and make a picture frame ledge which can be changed whenever you want.
http://www.thelittlehouseinthecityblog.com/2010/10/our-new-couch-finally.html
3. Replace the current tapered lamp shades with drum shades.
4. I've seen people drape a throw over the whole back of the sofa and tuck it in between the back and bottom cushions (so it just covers the back portion). It adds a pop of color.
5. ADD A PLANT!!! It will totally liven up a room.
6. Add more texure.
Have fun! I've been agonizing about my living room re-do. I feel like the more I plan and try to make it perfect, the more "staged" it looks. Let your room reflect you.

What I see with your room is a lot of high contrast along with a few elements that make it seem more dated (like the lamps and the sconces). It also needs a bit more warmth and coziness.

If you can, get rid of the sconces. If you can't or don't want to, think about replacing them with a more contemporary style. I have almost the identical floor lamps. They're great, but beginning to look dated, especially with that style lamp shade. Try a drum shade--maybe larger than the current shade. I'd move one floor lamp either out of the room or to another spot. Add a table lamp (something chunky? sparkly? vintage?) for contrast.

A throw for the couch is a great idea. The red works, so would blue, so would a neutral.Personally , I'd play up the white of the slipcover and wall and would add a chunky cable-knit throw in either another shade of white or gray. You could also go the other direction and get something with an ethnic vibe. Go for texture. Odd number of accent pillows.

A gallery wall for your art is great, but you need a few more pieces. Mix it up with horizontal and vertical, thick frames and thinner, pieces that read dark (like you have now) and those that are lighter w/ a big mat, framed gallery style (which you need). Good tutorials on AT and on 20 x 200. Since only the center piece is low to the couch, and it's vertical, the art kinda floats away. I also mix frame materials and colors, but they're similar styles.

The dark wood of the coffee table feels a bit heavy. You might consider swapping it for something completely different--a light wood, lucite or glass. As is, the coffee table is lonely. Create a little tablescape. A coffee table book (or books), a plant in an interesting pot (succulent, maybe) or a terrarium, and something whimsical. I'd also pull the area rug back so the front legs of the sofa sit on it. It'll make the space feel more grounded. If possible, pull the other chair a little closer so it feels more conversational.

I say embrace your nice slipcover and your newly-painted white walls. Check out blogs for Scandinavian design. The Danes and Swedes, especially, know how to use white, white, and more white. They often balance the white with light wood. Even IKEA has great room ideas. And they sell a sofa style that looks remarkably like yours.

I would paint the wall behind the sofa blue to match your door. (Only that wall, unless when you are IN the room, it seems like it needs to go further.) (Having only one shot of the room is a handicap for giving advice...)

Art groupings work better if the BOTTOM edges are aligned, or if the Center of each piece is aligned. Not the tops. (That just emphasizes the uneven bottoms making them look crooked.) They should be hung even with the biggest of the group, no higher than that. (A bit lower would be fine, though. maybe 4-6 inches from the top of the sofa.)

I'd go to a lamp shop with this photo and ask if they have sconces that could replace these to actually light the space. Then, if you like but can't afford their suggestions, go to a box store (Home Depot) or online and see what they have that might be similar, being careful to remember that you want both the look AND the amount of light -- don't settle for something cool looking that doesn't throw enough light!

Or, as has been suggested, just remove the sconces completely.

I'd replace the floor lamps, too. They are too flimsy-looking (visually, I realize they are metal) for the rest of your furnishings. If you get decent sconces, you still want a table lamp or two in the room somewhere for ambient and reading light. NOT under the sconces. Maybe next to the arm chair? They have nice ones for a reasonable price at places like Home Goods. Even sometimes at thrift stores. Get one you actually like, maybe with a contemporary styles base in a ceramic color that works with your color scheme, and probably a drum shade.

Your room is almost there -- tweak it into perfection!!

I'd like to replace the sconces with some wall lamps and get rid of the floor lamps. And btw these will not have to match. I don't know how old this space is or if you own it or how old it is. In general wiring in a new light is easy if the wires fit in the box in the wall. There is something not just redundant, but I don't have a fully formed idea for how to say it, about lamps in front of lamps. Maybe try different scarves and throws and whatever till you like the look of the sofa. I would not put stuff on the coffee table just to have stuff there. If it is a study area in the corner of the couch some books or laptop or study related stuff would be nice, and interesting. Spoken as a person determined to use what I have and move elements all around every few weeks.