mdln, can't tell you how much we like the new set-up . I am a very "straight lines" kind of person, and would NEVER have thought of it. Best part is, it requires no new furniture purchases! I can get right to my fall accessorizing! I think it will look even better once we can do wood floors and an area rug. I have a bunch of kids playing in there now, but will take pictures when I can. Thank you again for your input, so glad you shared your designer info. with me!

I'm not clear on why you don't like this placement? To me, this looks ideal - kids zone at the end of the room with shelving and baskets for storage, TV on wall by windows with couch facing it. You have a nice set up for ease of conversation and looks warm and inviting.

Center the loveseat on the window. Push the sectional over toward the window so it is centered on the wall. The loveseat and sectional will be corner to corner, yes? Use a round table in the space left between the arms of the loveseat and sectional, with a pretty table lamp. Put the red chairs across from the sectional with their backs to the fireplace. Make sure the legs of all the furniture are on the rug. If the ottoman is used daily for propping up feet, keep it. Utility trumps fashion especially in your main relaxing space when you're on a small budget. You could drape a red plaid blanket scarf, a chunky knit throw (beige or taupe), or for summer a silvery grey or taupe pashmina (can be fake) over it to break up the black. You could paint the table that is next to the left side of the sectional a shade darker or lighter than Revere pewter to further lighten things up a bit. For curtains go with natural linen colour panels. Adding some pillows with a pattern will soften the sharpness of the black and red. I'll look for some pics :)

Move round table toward wall for now so you have a pathway to slider door. Not sure what the person you had helping was thinking but we ALWAYS map out walkways and “transportation” around and between rooms. The basic furniture is too large for your space but this is probably best arrangement for now. At some point, I would put chairs in a media room or game room. Two smaller scale swivel chairs in a complimentary fabric would improve everything. A “gate leg” table behind sofa would serve dual purpose. When leaf is raised 3 could eat a meal. When lowered it would act as a sofa table.