I never knew there was a suggestion forum before, but on this thread - linked from suggestion forum, someone gave a tip to get rid of the symbols. Worked for me. Link to thread for odd symbols Here's what I did with the room. I moved the loveseat parallel and centered with the fireplace. But the room is really too narrow and there was just a narrow gap on each side. So I angled it and squared up the chair to it, and I think I like it. Both chair & loveseat face the kitchen, and I have room to add another chair later. And I moved the little table behind the loveseat. I put a couple of ducks on it for now. Don't look too closely please; they're dusty. I've never had a sofa table before and have no idea what to put there. There wasn't enough room to put one of the wall unit pieces beside the loveseat, so I moved one where the little table was, and moved the other two to the other side. There wasn't enough room for the two to be side by side. I tried and it didn't look good, plus it covered the light switch. So I put them together in the corner. It looks ok, but it has the dreaded empty hole in the corner. I put the plant stand beside it for now, but that is the spot where another chair could be placed I think. For now, I put the bench and table against the wall that will be cut out. Now I need to hang these two pictures on the wall before something happens to them. I also have a bunch of extra pictures hung on the wall in the garage too. I'll photograph them in a few minutes. I am really horrible at accessorizing. Any suggestions anyone wants to make about pictures or any other accessories is most appreciated. I go years without being able to decide where to hang a picture, much less what to place on a shelf or table. And any idea for curtain color or fabric is also welcome.

Sophie Wheeler, my budget is between thrift store and Target! I love to thrift and am patient enough to wait until the right piece comes along. The only problem is that I don't know what that "right" piece is just yet! I am also a shameless IKEA fan. m_gabriel, thanks so much for the info and ideas! Painting is fairly flexible - it's a small enough space that painting it back to white wouldn't be a big deal, though the landlord showed me other properties where the previous tenants painted. I don't think they're too picky. I looked up a burnt yellow and that would be perfect for at least some decor/accessory ideas, and would create flow with other yellows/warm colours I have throughout my place. I was thinking of going with copper accessories, but I actually like the idea of sticking to silver for all metals then adding a pop of deep yellow for contrast and warmth. I don't host a ton; my boyfriend cooks with me and my book club is over occasionally. But I'm now wondering if I don't have a great dining space because I don't host, or I don't host because I don't have a great dining space. In other words, it may not hurt to create that area so it's more welcoming to guests. However, I'm very used to having very little dining space so it's not a complete loss if the dining area is used in other ways.

OK. Here is Rev. 2. Still some measurement issues but mainly fireplace position. I think the TV over the fireplace is best because the angle and space to right of fireplace is not very large without overlapping Bay Area. I removed the soiled piece of the sectional to make everything fit nicely. (Convenient). I guessed on size. But these are fairly standard so I think I am close. I used Beverly’s idea for a console and art above it on wall to left of office doorway. I don’t know why the wall with the fireplace pops out but doesn’t go to office door. Might be worth building that out so the TV can be placed over fireplace nicely. But if not, we can design wall to have possibly a mantel that runs across and around end. Just depends on styling desired.

Is that a windowless kitchen? Don't let their furniture arrangement stump you. Think outside the box. Could your table go at the window with the heating unit? How does that unit work? Lots of people build something like a "topper" for radiators; would that work here to convert the heater to more of a buffet? Then place TV on the opposite wall with a four chair grouping out in front of the porch doors. Swivels would work well. Widen the bar at the kitchen for comfy stools. Ignore the fireplace this first year and see if you really need/want it. Maybe removal is a better option for you. Maybe later on, something like this would work for you on that other wall and the current fireplace could be eliminated.