I was reading old magazines on a long car ride yesterday and even though the article about window treatments for window seats was (mostly) dated, the advice was good! They said that today most window seats are made too shallow - and they merely become decorative accents not usable seating. I threw the magazine away on the trip so I can't tell you what depth they recommended! I do agree that location is important! Also your lifestyle. I have three young boys and a very busy household so I can only dream of the day I might have time to sit on a windowseat! However, my grandmother had a wonderful nook at the top of her stairs - it was actually a twin bed recessed into the nook with curtains and bookshelves on either end. I spent hours in there as a child reading - it was fabulous!

Hi Annie, Thanks for your thoughts. Your opinion is valued. Just to clarify, the TV would be in a cabinet a bit like the one below, but with wood painted cabinet in a lighter colour. We are planning on a much smaller TV than pictured too. The electricity and other wires for the TV would go through the floor from the basement below (floor plugs). Powering the TV is not really a challenge, and nor is cord control with the right designed cabinet. [Contemporary Living Room[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-living-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_718~s_2103) by Other Metro Photographers Elad Gonen As per running around the TV, that could be an issue, and maybe it is just plain awkward. My youngest is 8. In general I am striving for a practical design where some seating can see the fireplace and some the TV. We hope to rework a few other versions. Hopefully you will come back and let me know if you like any other other versions better. Is there anything else you dislike about the latest design after my clarification? Any other opinions on the 18:41 version posted today? Thanks for the help! Carol

OK it makes more sense now seeing the other rooms. I like the idea of moving the bookcases to the living room as you mentioned. Have you considered a tall slender storage cabinet for the solid wall there in the play area? Some of the toys could be behind the doors. And you will still have room for a chaise or whatever you choose. I have several of those types of cabinets they are not very expensive.

Lucky you! It sounds like a wonderful setting. I know absolutely nothing about the roses that will thrive in your location but I do have a suggestion or two. First, how close to the bench will these roses grow? Is the bench purely decorative or will it be used as a spot to relax and enjoy your garden? If the roses will be very close to someone sitting on the bench, consider how user friendly they'll be to your bench sitters. Most roses have thorns but some are especially thorny and vicious. Rose de Rescht is one of these, I'm afraid. I own this one and am about to do battle with it yet again as I have to move it. I believe that Felicia and Marie Pavie are near perfect choices if they will grow for you. They should combine well with wildflowers, perennials and herbs to make a wonderful little oasis. Why not consider another Pemberton hybrid musk? If one worked well, it's likely that another will, too, and their colors blend well. Or what about a tea noisette like Madame Berard? This is one that Marlorena recommended but I have no idea how it would grow in your location. The color is a changeable pastel that blends well with many roses and it is very fragrant, although the scent may not waft like a hybrid musk. I love tea noisettes and if you can grow this one, I'm envious. Whatever you decide, I hope you'll post pictures when it's complete.