Flooring ~

 

Rugs are a must!  They are also one of the more difficult accessories to incorporate into a space, so you are not alone with your second guessing.  I am not a fan of sisal.  It can look cheap and the texture is uncomfortable.  Go with a jute rug.  These are good for high traffic areas and are just as durable and much cosier than sisal.  I agree with you, keep the colour darker than lighter to not show up the dirt.  Some braiding could add texture.  You need to place one under your desk (desk must fit onto it.  There is nothing worse in winter than having your feet on a cold tiled floor!  I would also place an additional two rugs in the room, one under the coffee table in the couch area and in the other seating area where the winged-back chairs are.  Perhaps where the two chairs are you could add a shaggy rug, lighter in colour, adding some plushness, as this area probably won’t receive as much foot traffic as the rest of the room.