I think that the problem that you have is that you have too many flat surfaces and angles with nothing to lead your eye away from the blandness. You have grey concrete, grey roof, grey walls and the emotional response to that is a feeling of flatness and blah. The only thing that brings any kind of relief to the view are the plants and the steps that introduce different levels. My suggestion would be to look at adding texture, different levels for contrast to the flat surfaces and colours that unite those elements. Take a look at how the red lid on the rubbish bin pops out amongst the muted tones. Maybe bright red pots with taller (and healthier) looking plants in them on either side of the bench with a textural artwork or screen as mentioned above in between. You could be really bold and paint the steps red!, but don't do the pot plant suggestion if you do that. Once the air conditioning unit is removed I would put more boards down the front to cover up the gap and dirt underneath the pot plants. If you have the available space in front of that, place some seating and maybe a table, perhaps toning in with the grey tones but with a colour pot or cushions that tie in with the plants in the coloured (I suggested red, go with what you like) pots. I would also like to see what sort of door you have to access the room and yes, put the bins somewhere else if possible, they are unsightly.

Do you want any more storage? A long low upholstered ottoman could be nice. Maybe a low display/book shelf under the window but I'm not sure if you want white to match the tv unit or timber like the coffee table or colour. Other idea is to dress the window with a pelmet & side drapes Add another casual chair with a tall corner lamp. (Or something to hide the power points etc.) A larger art piece over the couch would help too & can you move the exercise machine to another room?

I voted for paintings, because I have quite a few, but given the choice, I'd have voted for "quirky objects" ahead of any of the items on the list. I have African wall hangings, European ceramic plates, Afghan bags, and a carving from an Indian temple door. Also, copper and brass trays from four or five countries and lots of other things that remind me of places I've lived or visited. What I don't like and don't have is mass produced "wall art" chosen to fit with the decor rather than stand on its own merits either as art or as personal memorabilia.

Haha, Jodie. If the container was full of jelly beans...it would be put to very good use! I did a quick search for lamps, so here are a few just to get you thinking. Probably a tallish one so two people can easily read in bed. Some of the lamps have shades that look like they might match the colour of the shades on your pendant light.