Lightening up the Living Room

I recently rented a tiny NYC apartment. I currently own a nice dark brown leather small couch with clean lines and an antique persian rug which has rich reds/blues and small patterned.

They are both nice pieces and I hate to get rid of them.

Although I often like dark "library type" rooms, this is my only living space in the apartment and I want it to be light and welcoming and as large looking as possible.

I would also like it to be somewhat feminine.

Any suggestions would be great.

Some thoughts i have (but am not dedicated to) are to get a very small white/off white upholstered slip chair to add brightness.

Also put a rather large mirror on one wall to open the room up.

I have a small glass coffee table so it wouldn't necessarily be overbearing but could also use suggestions on what color wood my other living room furniture should be.