Bunny, there is a big learning curve in learning what can and can't be in a picture for commercial stock. The biggest problem I'm hearing here is you don't have a definite subject. Find a subject like a child, dog, model....something important that tells a story in the picture. Focus on them and the rest won't be important. My motto is, if in doubt, take it out. Anything that distracts from the main subject should be blurred in the distance or nonessential in the foreground.
Cappuccino on the restaurant chain wall would have to be removed and then there could still be a possible rejection depending on the shot and the agency.
My editorials without people do sell well. They are used in blogs and other non commercial usage.
You need to tell a story within your picture.
