We have a sump pump and today it is going continually due to the nor' easter. Yes we can hear it. It has not been able to keep the water out this storm.

Ded, did you call Mainline Waterproofing? They are honest, everyone else tried to sell us on things we did not need. In our case, after Ida, the water was coming in thru windows, and the window wells were filled with dirt, You may indeed need the sump pump, but these people won't sell you something you don't need. Mainlinewaterproofing dot com.

The other basement "specialists" didn't even look before starting the sales pitch.

Sushi, yes i did and thats who Ill hire. They are highly recommended. Thanks for your vote of confidence.

Personally I don't like pillows on furniture that is pillowy looking. I would just do a throw as suggested in @Emily picture. Add art and window treatments also as in @Emily picture. The black rug is very high contrast and the black pillows are very dark.

No accent wall - coffee table + art + accent colors for throw/rug/different throw pillows. Add some texture with the throw + pillows + window coverings. Adding something in stone + a plant. All of the foregoing helps make a room look "cozier."

Emily has made a nice image already - so, I decided to make one to see what the room would look like if you replaced the existing rug with a new one.

I'm not sure why it put two pieces of art on the wall by the floor lamp (looks too busy) - I only wanted one! Also, I decided to try a floor lamp + move the plant out of the corner just so you could see something a bit different than what Emily posted.

What should be missing is all the black. The sectional is dominate. Consider using a rug in the same color. Throw pillows, that have a bit of the floor color in the mix. I like the Kravet print and the trim on these pillows from PB.

I like the last picture because everything is the same color. You could do a light charcoal color. Make sure you can paint the window grilles befor you change from the white - they should not be a different color. If they are between the windows you may have to stick with the white. The door should also have the grilles painted not left white

Yes, go black on the driveway. Paint the front steps, railings, front door and garage door black. Keep the windows and all the trim white.

I like the last pic all one color and IMO never white with brick

You prints get a little lost on that large wall. Consider doing a slatted wood treatment behind the console and extend it to the ceiling. It helps “lose” the opening on second floor and makes the openings and furnishings cohesive.