monablair - we would have to turn the table in order to open it up. On the other end we plan to have our stools under the penisula and plan to use it as you mentioned a place to mingle while I'm in the kitchen. I'm not sure if the space will be too cluttered, but were considering a small sitting area, maybe a storage bench similar to this or these sitting stools. http://www.potterybarn.com/products/tanner-stool/popup/more-views.html#hero-image http://www.pier1.com/Catalog/Furniture/Furniture/tabid/519/CategoryID/157/List/0/catpagesize/0/Level/a/ProductID/3039/ProductName/Zahir-Storage-Bench/Default.aspx

I go with the sunroom, too, and here's why. You can build a shed for cheap at some point, and until then you'll probably keep one car inthe driveway, and all the bikes and basketballs in the garage along with the yard and snow tools. The sunroom will make a great playroom while the little ones are little. I've seen that sunroom with nothing in it but a low-pile play rug and Lego. Or balls. Or plastic hockey sticks. Or those big Little Tykes (slide, trikes, trains) Or Hot Wheels. Or dollhouses. Or art projects (easy-to-clean tile floor). Usually just one or two of those. But a great playspace, near you but not, outdoors but not. After they are done with those types of toys, it can be dining space and added living space. You don't need the shed until Boy #1 gets a car. Oops, didn't mean to scare ya lol! Upstairs, I wonder if you can steal some space from the game room to make a reach-in closet for Bedroom 2, and use its walk-in closet to expand the bathroom. 5 boys will need more counterspace, more drawer storage, and (I can't believe I'm saying this, I'm usually a 1-sink gal) 2 sinks. Downstairs, consider eliminating the study closet and adding a shower to the powder room.

Thank you everyone. I really thought it might be just a tad too big to be open but, I like thinking of it as a wide hallway or passageway as some of you have mentioned. Should I move the bench in the front hall to the table in the sunroom (it came with our large table that is currently in the basement) so that there is a more open feeling in the foyer as well? What are your thoughts on these chairs for the counter? I'd love to have some nailhead fabric chairs but with three boys ranging from 2-12yo I don't see those in my future for quite some time. I thought these might work well as far as comfort, ease of cleaning, allows my 2yo to sit higher, and still has a back to add a more substantial look to the kitchen area. I moved the blue table by the column near the sunroom and it's just a tad too wide for that space. The black wall is actually all chalkboard, I had just erased it to add our new fall quote. I agree that the blue table will need to go once counter seating is added. AnnKH - I've actually had a chair in that corner before. We've also had our Christmas tree set up in that spot. Is this chair ok? Or should I go smaller? Different angle for it so a small end table could fit? Once we bring our large table up to the sunroom the leather rocker in the corner will move to another spot.

A couch may be too overwhelming and a love seat is not comfy for two for any length of time watching tv. Maybe consider really comfy chairs (see below) with ottomans placed on an angle facing tv. Add blue cushions and a rug, to work with outdoor furniture and a floor lamp for low lighting so space can feel cozy at night when watching tv Add small serving tables beside each chair for practical purposes. The bar cart on wall next to doorway so it provides more room for seating vs where you were going to place and just add tv above on the wall