The Bold and Going-to-Be Beautiful

I've heard it said before if you love interiors, your home is always in a state of flux. There's always something new and inspiring, something to switcharoo for a change of scenery. I certainly fall into that group.
Truth be told, I'm least content with our current home. I imagine it's because our homes in the States were ones we selected and loved, while our home here in Brazil - nice as it may be - is one that was assigned from a housing pool. There's a lot I would like to change, but can't. **Is there anything more nerve-wrecking for a design junkie than having a lot of decorating roadblocks???**
Fortunately, we were able to bring all our own furniture, so I have some flexibility to work with and change it.
Hence, my obsession with redoing our TV/Family room.

I really, rullly cringe at the thought of posting this pic (my husband even said, "aren't you wanting to show your best work?", but I'm. Keeping. It. Real. (eek!)

Try not to be jealous.

So, on my agenda is:
* Possibly replace, or certainly reupholster the couch. (Velvet ranking very high on my wishlist)
* Camouflage all the media components. (Possibly a tailored skirt situation)
* Bring in more/better assortment of art for the large wall
* Buy new curtains that aren't expecting a flood (these are Ikea - washed after installation)
* Change out rug with one more size-appropriate
* Manage the kiddo epicenter

The room is very shallow, so I can't commit to an ottoman or coffee table option for flow purposes, but we would definitely appreciate something to prop our feet up.

In trying to round up a style aesthetic, I culled some of my fave Pinned images - and whadya know? Velvet couch takes the lead! But first:

I considered doing something like this - keeping the couch in a neutral, and working in lots of color and pattern elsewhere, but really, a fug couch is a fug couch, and must be put out of its misery.

Since our room has so much natural light, I would love to go really dramatic like this room BUT all walls must be white when we leave. *Arrggghhhh

Can you get OVER that peek of stripe inside that skirt corner? No? Me Neither.

This room is looking a bit too Trad for me, but I've made mental notes on the greatness of velvet + animal print.

Jewel-tones and a cacophony of ethnic pattern. No harm, no foul.

Again, honing in on my tireless love of ikat, and wishing I knew where I stashed my Indian wood block, so I could recreate those curtains.

That's two pics with humongo lumbar pillows! I love the pattern play they allow, but think they would do very little in terms of comfort.

Where there's a will, there's a way, and I have will to spare.

*Please don't harass me for photo creds, Pinterest made me do it.