Couch Searching

I am ridiculously excited about getting a new couch. Our current couch has visibly sags to one side. And it's got this weird car seat material and pinstripes. I've never been a fan of it. But couches are tricky. They are such a literally large part of the living space that their purchase requires a little bit of forethought. In doing some inspiration searching on-line there seem to be two main schools of thought: embrace the couch as a focal point or find something neutral that complements other aspects of the room.

As to the first category, here are a few of my favorites: I love how the bright colors or unique shapes become a focal point for the rest of the room. But there are some strong arguments to something more simple as well:

I love how these moer neutral colored couches allow for fun pillows, crazy wallpaper, and exciting coffee tables. At the moment, I'm leaning a bit more toward the second category. What do you think?

Images via Anthropologie, From the Right Bank, Living Etc., The Diversion Project, Hollister Hovey, Living Etc., Living Etc, the city sage, sfgirlbythebay.