perkiplus's Profile

Simon,
If I understand your post correctly, you are saying this is the first room your guests will see. And what you want them to see is not the lovely light from the windows, not the lovely fireplace, not the lovely wood floors, but a very large, doesn't-quite-fit, probably not so lovely, very modern TV?

Surely not...

The mirrored doors are not being used to their full effect, if you get my drift...

I second the flashlight by the breaker box idea.

I would put the desk on the other side of the kitchen doorway. I would get rid of the plastic and wire desk accessories and look for ones in different shades of wood.

I would float the dining table a little off center, and also turn it the other way. I would put a nice centerpiece on the table-maybe a simple, white ceramic bowl to pick up what's going on in the kitchen.

Whatever you do, I do think you are going to have to play around some with this room-as someone pointed out, there's an awful lot of furniture legs going on, plus take into account the direction of the wood flooring. I think you either make this room as simple and clean-looking as possible or take another poster's suggestion of "BE BOLD!"

Upholster the doors with pleather. Trim them out with studs. Get some retro knobs.

With two windows being so close to the front door a deadbolt is a must-have. I would suggest a double-keyed one if that is not illegal in your area.

I would be more concerned over access via the kitchen window. I would put some glass shelves across it. Actually I would put glass shelves on all the windows and lots of twiddly knick-knacks on them. No burglar is going to want to crash thru that, but if they are stupid enough to do so, you've heard them coming a long time ago.

If concealed carry is legal where you live and you would be ready, willing, and able to use it, then I suggest a firearm instead of a dog.

Good! I'm painting the inside of the kitchen cabinets then!

With the TV and bookcases elsewhere in your home, it sounds to me as if this space functions more as a reception area. I would square off the room with four comfy chairs in each corner (two of those will be invisible), some interesting accent tables that can be easily moved about, and use wall-mounted lighting here and there. Keep it casual yet structured, if that makes any sense.

Paint all the walls the same color. Hang your favorite whatevers wherever. Install a small stereo unit and you can use this space for impromtu dancing.

I do agree that in this room the focal point should be the window, not the tall wall.

That's beautiful :)

I think whatcha need there is some faux leather black contact paper lining the inside of the bookcases.

another reason they don't look right is because they have arched tops and nothing else does.

Basically this living room is nothing but a passageway. I would separate the sofas, back to back, right where the room description and dimensions are on your diagram, thus making a continuation of the hallway and giving you in effect two distinct living rooms. The balcony side gets the armchair and the other the TV.