Welcome! You should repost this on the "discussions" area of this message board. The "gallery" isn't very well travelled and I'm afraid your post may suffer from neglect.

You have options! The solution will likely depend on your preferred use of the space/s. Having a sectional or large sofa back exposed to another room tends to cut off one space from another if there is very little clearance behind and around it. Otherwise, it helps to differentiate the use of spaces and simply curve the flow of traffic. You do have a smaller living area so the suggestion to maintain an open feel would be to go with smaller-scaled furniture- this can still be a sectional. If it is small enough with about 3' clearance on either side of the sectional, you could still orient it with the back to the nook/ facing the fireplace. This will create a cozy, comfortable sitting area with the fireplace being the focal point. Any other option would be better for entertaining and provide more of a social seating arrangement. Best of luck with your project!

Hi RL, So basically in the revised plan I am happy with everything left of the kitchen (ie the new family room and casual eating area that we will create by combining the former breakfast nook and a small recessed study and its adjoining covered patio). Our main reason for making this change is that the nicest/sunniest/widest part of the backyard spans the left side of the back of the house. We are planning to add a rectangular pool, landscaping and plant landscaping n this part of the yard as well. Creating this new family room/casual eating area will give us a chance to add a big glass door and allow us to take advantage of northern California's indoor/outdoor living style. In contrast, the rest of the backyard is pretty narrow and dark. See below for original floorplan shown in context with existing and proposed patio/pool. So given this new family room/casual eating area, I am struggling with how to re-assign the three remaining "public" rooms to the right of the kitchen (currently labeled "living room", "dining room" and "family room".) I have these three rooms, and I have three room functions (1) formal living room, 2) formal dining room, and 3) office/den), and need to match the space with the function. I am willing to remove/add/change walls as needed. Which of those three rooms is best suited to each function?

I appreciate the reply! We're actually trying to get away from the southwest feel, but some floor treatments are a good idea... probably will have a good effect when the hard floors go in down the road. I have to agree with you about the shoji screen--this was really a (half-baked) attempt to pull those massive ceilings down and try to complement the upward profile of the kiva fireplace. It's been a struggle making this airy room feel cozy.