I'm with Sharon, and was going to suggest black & white zig zag! Something that will make a statement in the room! You also might want to think about introducing some fresh new yellow tonal cushions to compliment the black & white rug, and irregular placed wall art (like Sharons pic) good luck!

fabric always seems cosier.

Congratulations on your new home. I think you have been very sensible to live in it for a year before starting your decorating, it has given you time to consider the lighting and aspect of each room in all seasons as well as time to evaluate how you want to live in your home and exactly what you need. The lounge does look very big and bulky and will definitely dominate the room, so I would keep to the lighter colour. Don't worry about the kids and dirt - as Kookykaren said, leather cleans easily - sharp objects and textas are your bigger worry regardless of what colour you choose. Laying newspaper on the floor to the size of the lounge is another way of checking how it will look as it gives you a better indication of bulk than tape. I would keep your ottoman simple (one with storage is an excellent idea with the children), just a tone on tone fabric or a pattern using the colours in the rug on the floor of the photo of the lounge. I don't think you have room for too large an ottoman but I would have a square one made the same height as the lounge so when just you and DH are watching TV you can push it against the other end of the lounge and both have a chaise. You can then bring some colour with art work or some patterned cushions on the lounges.

It depends where you get it from. If someone has been storing the lounge in a old dilapidated shed, then yes maybe not purchase. But if it is someone that is updating their own lounge and selling the old one, then don’t worry. When we were young we accepted anything that was second hand. Our home was full of second, third, fourth hand furniture. Even some roadside collection articles. It seems a lot of people want everything new these days. It’s a consumer nightmare that causes landfill problems. Buy second hand first, unless it is a mattress. The buzz word of “cost of living” should point you to the second hand shops always first.