I will look to see if I have a floor plan, but if not, how would i go about creating one for you. I know I sound like an idiot but obviously I am clueless as to this kind of stuff and wish my husband would just let me hire a decorator lol! However, he just now gave me another big fat NO to hiring one lol! So needless to say, I am going to have to learn how to do this on my own and asking for help, however annoying I may be, is the only thing I know to do! So I apologize in advance for my ignorance! I will look for the floor plan! Thanks for responding!

Don't have time to answer all of your questions but here's what I can suggest: 1) Lower the mantle on fireplace a little, as well as the painting in the niche. (See #2 here) Consider changing the mantle to something less rustic and paint in color A (see next suggestion) 2) Open spaces should be cohesive - which you can easily do with paint. Choose 2 colors or 2 shades of the same color and vary placement in different areas. (see #5 here) Consider adding a simple chair rail to the dining area. For example, with minimal effort, you could use color A below the chair rail in dining area, as the dominant color in window treatments fabric (I"d use draw drapes) , the back wall of niche, throw pillows, lamps ac, and maybe an area rug in living room, and in accessories (see #3 here) in living room and kitchen. I'd consider adding some of that color to kitchen also -- back of open cabinets for example, recovering bar stools and dining room chair seats to match drapery fabric and possibly slip covering one of the armchairs in the living room in a pattern that incorporates the wall colors with other colors in the space. You want to use coordinates, not just the same solid everywhere so look for different textures or patterns to add. Hope that helps. I've inclluded links to additional info about topics I mentioned that I think you'll find helpful. 3) see #2 - I'd choose lamps with either a base or shade to match color A. (See #7 here) 4) Add plants. If you aren't there often enough to take care of them, use artificial greenery.

How many people will regularly use the space? Just you? Family of 5? I think that makes a big difference. I lived 15 years in a DC neighborhood where basically every house had this layout, so I feel like I know where you’re coming from 😆 If it‘s usually just 1-2 people at home, a dining room table with one bench and chairs on the other side works really well. Keep it pushed against the wall with the bench underneath, but if company comes you can pull it out and have room for them. Another option would be to swap the position of the living and dining sections. Get a small round table that fits well in the bay window, and then you have the widest part of the condo for you sofa and TV. If you’re feeling handy, or have the budget to hire someone, you could build a banquette window seat into the bay, using kitchen cabinets (I‘ve done a version of this in every home we’ve owned, and I love it). That gets you both seating and storage, and it could look really cute in that space. Good luck!

The (real, licensed) architect drew in the same layout we’ve seen in suburban model homes everywhere. He freely admitted that these layouts are not his strong suit and didn’t want to spend any time in it. I didn’t share the drawing because I don’t want to get hung up on tweaking the original idea. I thought starting with a blank slate would inspire more creativity. Also, I’d prefer to have a round dining table for better interaction when we’re all together. I’d also like to avoid placing the TV above the fireplace if there are better alternatives.