How about a long planter box in front of the windows going as far across as you can afford (and still allowing for you to access the windows)? I don't think all those seats really need to be dead facing the wall unit where the TV will go, do they? How many people on an average night will be watching for any length of time and do they all need to be facing front (kids can usually turn into pretzels when necessary :-).

What is on the wall opposite the entertainment center? Where does door go?

opposite the entertainment center is a set of double swing doors that lead out onto the deck and more windows. that is a big leaning mirror on one side of the entertainment unit (and a window on the other)

I think I'd start in the corner where the two windows meet by the bookcase. I'd put a chair with a ottoman or a chair with a extra long seat for your feet, chaise lounge type of deal and a reading lamp make it into a cozy corner. Use the little round table in the pic. With two windows it's a natural place to curl up and read or day dream while looking outside.
I'd move the pit set down and center it more and split it up if it was possible. Put the piece you have with the back to the window on the opposite side. Change out the coffee table it's not working with the fabric covered pieces you have. Look for a narrow sofa table for behind the sofa.
I like the glass table, I'd be looking for something like it but not the same for the coffee table and sofa table.
Chairs I look for something very modern. I like it over in the corner.
As for the big wall a single very large piece of modern art with a whole lotta color so you could jazz things up with colorful accessories and pillows. That dark brown needs to get balanced out with some very strong colors.

I have a window wall that faces the woods, too, and I have hanging plants, standing plants, and a plant stand in front of it. Since we don't need the privacy, we have no window coverings other than the plants. I love the way it looks. And, yes, I have wood floors, too, so I have to be aware of drips.

I'm afraid I have no no other suggestions for you...I don't have as big a space as you do.

Well, the first thing I would do is rotate the sectional so the back of one part faces that blank wall, and the other faces the tv. No way would I want that lovely window view to be to the back of half of the seating in the room!

I think your idea of the table and chairs there is nice. The brown recliner would then be moved down to the window side of things, I assume.

I think you need a side table and lamp for that, a sofa table behind the wall side of the couch with lamps, and a floor lamp on the other end of the sectional at least. I donâÂÂt see any lighting in the space except the overheads, which are great for general lighting, but not warm and friendly for sitting and spending time.

I think the leaning mirror needs to come out into the room, perhaps leaning on the wall between the seating area and the space to the right (dining?) It feels wasted in the corner. That spot would be great for a table-type desk and chair, lamp, some art stacked above it.

Would love to see a colorful piece of art above the firebox.

thanks for the advice. we considered changing the direction of the way the sectional faces, but i guess what you can't tell from the picture is the traffic pattern from the kitchen into the family room. if the sectional went the other way, with the other side against the big blank wall, it would be a loooong walk from the kitchen to sit on the couch w/o jumping over the back. here are a couple of older pics that may give some more perspective. we can't change the direction of the sectional at this point since we can't return/trade in pcs at this point.

also, the fireplace is not finished yet. we are having a mantel surround built and travertine above it up to the ceiling.

and those 2 storage ottomans being used as a coffee table are just temporary.

A beautiful room with beautiful views through beautiful windows! I would not clutter this clean space with much. I'd Remove the small glass table. Instead, place a long narrow table behind the sofa with a lamp(s?) and, if room, slide a small ( shaker style, perhaps) chair or two ( or tall bench) under for kids to eat while taking in a movie on t.v.
Can see what les means about facing away from the view, but I am well aware of how tough the glare on the eyes can be facing such bright light ( in winter, anyway)...especially while t.v. viewing. Lamps will cozy up a space like nothing else. If you've no room for tables beside the sofas, I might have two sofa table: one behind each.
The recliner looks awkwardly placed, to me. A case of function over form, I guess, but just does not seem to work visually, though it goes well with the sectional. As for the shelves, you'll need to use great discretion, keeping them uncluttered as well, with unifying pieces. I always prefer books, but not sure these would hold them well. Basically, what feels right to me for this lovely room is long and lean and simple vs. several small poky pieces.

leahcate: what do i do if i don't have floor outlets? also, what things would you put in the bookshelves?

Looking again( because it's so nice to look at:>) I had another thought: One long sofa table with a lamp or two behind the sofa closest to kitchen. None nearest windows. Instead, under the window, a glass table ( the round one you have if it does not stick into the room too much) placed in the center under the windows, and a chair on either side...smallish, but comfy ones for visiting or reading, with a cup of coffee. A lamp here would be nice, too. Lighting is crucial, and often over looked. As for the shelves( boxes, really) I'm picturing pewter or mercury glass pitchers and pots, with wood boxes, or pieces of similar pottery. Perhaps lovely glass vases filled with seasonal things: shells, acorns, etc. No family pics! sorrrrry :>/ I'm being opinionated because I like this room so much. Envy you those woods in back and great windows!

I really love that recliner, can you share who makes it?

Oops, we posted together:>0 With floating sofa(s) you really should have have floor outlet(s). I mean, otherwise, it can be like living in a cafeteria under all those pot lights. I know, I know, your floors are in and it'll be not the easiest job, but do think it's doable, and worth it. We did it, but before the hw went in. Call an electrcian and a floor guy. In the meantime, what is the wall to left of windows( next to a french door, maybe? Use that space for something to hold a lamp. I'm picturing a lovely big antique secretary. ha! Well, how about a narrow table or desk with a large bright wool rug or painting above ...and the lamp, of course.

Have you thought about putting in a window type seat or banquette? A place to sit and look out at the beautiful trees and handle company overload seating. Maybe just use the corner part where you have your round table anyway.

I love plants - but, they can look messy and cluttered. I probably would not put in a bunch of plants just to "fill the space".

Your home looks beautiful !

The gorgeous view through the windows needs to be enjoyed by all who are seated in the area. So what if they have to take a "long" walk from the kitchen; we Americans don�t get enough exercise anyway. I say change the sitting group so that the short piece faces the window wall.

I'm not sure what you plan for the large wall across from the window, closest to the recliner chair. A grouping of mirrors or mirrors and prints would reflect the view nicely...or so it seems in the pic. I have two sofas flanking the fireplace. One looks out on the view and the other faces a wall. This wall has a large mirror and two large framed prints. The glass on the prints does a nice job reflecting the view, too.

what about a long window seat with inviting cushions and pillows under that window? Or if you don't want to have something so permanent/built-in, what about a long bench or two? It just looks like such a great place to curl up and read.

Assuming you have enough seating on that sofa for everyone, and the recliner is not a favorite of Mr. Srg215's, have you considered placing it on an angle, closer to the shelves, facing the sofa? It would create more of a conversation area rather than a "lined up to watch TV" look. Just my opinion.

If you do keep that table, check out the chairs on West Elm's site. I think something from there might fit the bill. I think they need to be cozy, hang-out chairs.

Gorgeous room -- and gorgeous kitchen! :) Wow!

I'd LOVE to see a long window seat all along the window -- with a tailored cushion top. The window seat could even open up for stashing stuff of all kinds. Toys, games -- even sports stuff. Or larger entertaining items or occasional-use kitchen items. IF there is room you could look for a long, thin plank-top trestle table for homework, artwork, games -- snacking etc.

On the big wall -- I'd do a FULL wall collage of black-and-white photos -- check out TTodd's wonderful full-wall photo display. It looks amazing! :)

Or -- think about taking photos of your front door with your kids, family and friends -- and re-doing them in black and white and hanging on that wall!

Or -- find an old local map -- take it to a copyshop or printer's shop -- have it blown it VERY large in sections -- have them mounted (no frame or mat) -- and hang in a grid. Or simply look for some old maps of your area -- and hang in a random grouping.

I still vote for a starburst mirror over the fireplace! :)

Jan at Rosemary Cottage

walnut creek: i can't just switch the sofa pieces. the end pcs have arms. i can't put the chaise w/the right arm against the blank wall facing the windows. that's a TV watching seat!

beekeeper: i may try that w/the recliner facing in. i really got it for my dad, but dd & dh both like it as well. maybe it'd be better in the reading corner and move the whole sectional down?

jan : i'm getting a starburst mirror over my desk which is in the transition area between the kitchen & family room.

so what do you guys think of these console tables for behind the long side of my sectional?

http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=114&f=5617

Looking at the pix of the sectional, it appears that it comes apart in a number of places - have you considered separating the pieces and using some tables to anchor the open side of some of the pieces?

It appears the chaise stands alone, which would be a great single piece, for example.

Definitely a long window seat with the end part being used as seating for the table. Put two other chairs on the other side of the table. I'd use simple club like chairs.

If you separate a sectional aren't there no arms on that part? I wouldn't' like that personally. I LOVE your room and your sectional. I bet it is super comfy. Can you tell me where you got it?

I am not very good at decorating, but I do love the idea of window benches. Maybe even just in the corners. Have you seen the banquet seating at ballards? Something like that in the corner with a table in front of it for puzzles, games or eating. then in between (if I didn't have cats and a toddler) I would love to see different size plants and plant stands.

those tables you linked seem kind of industrial looking. What is the look you are going for with the room?

i really can't separate them. the chaise has just the one arm so it does not stand alone and is, frankly, our favorite spot for tv watching.

i'm thinking that this is the TV watching, football game party, laying around watching a movie area, and then i want to make the area behind the couch (near the windows) a more conversational, reflecting area.

I'd leave the sectional right where it is. If you move it closer to the solid wall, you'll be cutting off the fireplace. There are only two seats that don't have a window view, so I think that is a non-problem.

As for what I would do, I'd make that long wall a gallery wall. I'd put a game table with two or four straight back chairs with padded seats between the sectional and the window wall, and I'd move the recliner to the nook in the corner, with the round table and a floor lamp. Should you need the recliner for football viewing, and there are too many people to fit on the sectional, have some of them move the recliner to its current spot (and put it back to the nook after the game).

suero: so what goes in the spot where the recliner is now? the round glass table (shown w/bridge chairs) is supposed to be our "game" table. still looking for chairs.

I don't think you need anything in the space where the recliner is now if you give visual weight to the walls with pictures. However, you might have a table or a lamp next to the sectional there.

I would have a very large canvas stretched and prepared, then get acrylic paints in colors you like and want in the room. Give each person in the family a brush and let them create a modern piece of art for your family room. Practice first on paper to see what sort of look you'll get. We have some fabulous "art" that was created this way.

As for chairs for your glass table, I would use leather parson's chairs. Everybody has them (Ballards, Home Decorators for cheapies and everything up to Century furniture) and they come in a variety of colors. I haven't read the entire thread but your house looks very calm and quiet, colorwise. Gray chairs, perhaps? Tan? Or something fun, like burnt orange? These could be pulled out as presentable extra seating for company and the solid lines would make a nice counterpoint to the glass.

Your room is lovely, the view spectacular, and the kitchen is envy-making. Do come back with photos of the fireplace when it is finished!

Beautiful family room and kitchen! You're making me regret that I didn't choose the dark brown color when ordering our sectional.

Do you mind sharing your paint color?

kswl: thanks for the parsons chair reco. that was kind of what i was leaning toward, but i'm also thinking a small upholstered chair like the west elm cody maybe?

chloeelise: thanks! the color is revere pewter by BM.

srg, I have a friend who has that chair from West Elm in the persimmon color, it has nice lines and might be better for a child, who could turn around and see over the back in this one. I think they would go beautifully with your table. They are less versatile than parsons chairs (couldn't use them in the DR as extra seating, for example) but I do like them as an alternative with a smaller footprint.

I am still curious about your sectional. I keep coming back to the pictures of your room. Can you tell me where you got it? How is it holding up? It seems like you really use this room.

Of course it could be that I keep coming back to this thread just to see what you do. :) I love the windows and the flow of your kitchen family room. Just lovely.

thanks boopadaboo! the sectional is from crate & barrel (the Lounge). we LOVE it. it's our favorite thing and it's insanely comfy. i have a few more pics that may give a little more perspective on the flow of the rooms.

Hi! Your home is fantastic and reminds me a lot of my own :). I know someone mentioned earlier about floor outlets...if you don't have a finished basement and your family room floor is accessible from below, I suggest you have some installed. I have two in the floor of my family room and it really helps with having task lighting ( for reading, etc) since my couches float in the room as well.
I also like the idea of keeping your glass table in the corner that it is in and having a corner built-in seating bench installed. Whoever built your existing wall of built-ins could probably construct it easily. Then you'd only need to find 2 chairs for the table.
I know you don't have a need for privacy, but have you thought about window treatments for textural/color purposes? I have window walls in my house that I custom built 2 years ago. While I love the views, it is also chilly despite brand new Sierra Pacific windows and the acoustics aren't the best. I just ordered flat fold roman shades for my kitchen/dining area from Smith + Noble ( 40% off thru Jan 31st ). I think they'll add the needed color and warmth that is needed.
I was wondering if you could tell me where you purchased your recliner and your area rug that is under your sectional? I loathe typical recliners and have never seen one with such modern, clean lines. I was also hoping your area rug was broadloom that you had cut and bound into a specific size...which is what I need to have done for under my dining table which is 11 ft x 3.5 ft. Thanks! Good luck with decorating!

our recliner is the hudson recliner from ethan allen done in a grey fabric w/espresso leather welting. the rug is from Stark and it is broadloom that is cut & bound.

As of now, I do not plan on putting up window treatments in that room. we don't have a problem with acoustics in there and the room/windows are so well insulated that we don't have a draft problem. we have radiant heat in the floors so it's very comfortable. and i love the open clean look. i think finishing the fireplace and putting art on the walls will add most of the interest i'm looking for.

Your home is gorgeous! Gotta love that Revere Pewter, don't you?

If you're a visual person like I am and haven't already, check out these sites for tons of room pic ideas!

houzz.com
decorpad.com

What a pretty room and home you have. I have to agree with everyone, the windows and view are fabulous. I don't agree, however, with a window bench.

One thing I would do is pull the sectional back so that there is no rug coming out from underneath the sofas in the back. In other words, pull the sectional to the far corner of the rug (next to the glass top table). This will shift things over a bit and move the recliner out of the walking path. Visually, it will look better also. It's not that far in either direction, so it won't be too far from the television either.

If you have radiant flooring, you probably won't be able to put in floor outlets. Moving the sectional to the rugs' edge will possible allow a table with lamp or floor lamp at the outlet on the large wall (closest outlet to your desk).

I agree, a comfy chair and table with lamp in the far back corner would be perfect. Especially the lamp.

Is there an outlet near the glass top table and chairs so that a floor lamp could be placed there? If you get three good lamps in the room, you'll be able to turn off the can lights for a relaxing evening.

If you cannot do floor outlets, I might only do one sofa table (against sectional back facing kitchen). I can't tell how much space is actually there - would there be a decent walking path to the glass table? If so, something more hefty than the table you linked from CB2. Make sure it is not taller than the back of your sofa (minus the cushions that stick up). If open below, buy a couple of woven wicker baskets with lids to hide toys, games and/or colorful throws.

the part i'm having so much trouble with is finding a decent sofa table for behind the long side of the sofa. everything feels too short (lengthwise) against the long sofa. and finding something not too tall is difficult too since the hard back of the sofa is only 24" high. and it can't be too deep either. any help would be appreciated.

Check out cb2, look at both the "storage" sections under furniture and "accent tables". Maybe something there will catch your eye. There are some longer pieces.

Here is a link that might be useful: cb2 furniture