Redecorating

After we installed the wood flooring, I started shopping for a larger area rug for the room. I haven't been able to decide on anything that I like, which made me do some design soul searching. What did I like about the room? What did I want to change? Would changing something allow me to like an area rug? I came to the conclusion, that I still really liked the lamps, the end tables, and of course, the floors. I still like the window treatments because I like the foliage aspect of them and they give an open, outdoor-sy feeling. The couch is really worn and uncomfortable and certainly isn't large enough for my 6'3'' husband. And I'm tired of it. And the recliner really, truly, must go. I married Phil, but not the chair.

Below are pictures of my current living room:
Here are some ideas I had after shopping and perusing a Potterybarn catalogue:

Each of the pictures can be clicked on to make larger so you can see them better. Now, the only thing I am looking to replace at the present time is the area rug, but I'd like to have a comprehensive design plan before making any purchases so that I can be moving in the right direction to create the room I'd like. The above picture has swatches of the color palette I'd like to have, the couch that I like, the window treatments I have, the chairs I'm looking at, and another foliage idea in the pillows. It also has the style area rug that I think I'd like, although sisal rugs are not comfortable.

I welcome your comments and ideas please! Let me know what you would do with the above ideas to create a better room. I am very open to any new ideas and would love to be inspired. Thanks!