it's hard for me to estimate the size from the pics..think of furniture placement first. you want it to be a welcoming area-meaning some seating, a light or two, a side/coffee table with maybe books to look at, art or mirror or both..I'd take the etagere to other area where the books for sure will be taken out unless that's the only spot it will fit...then I'd think how to place it in a way that it blends into the sitting arrangement I'd definitely do curtains as they'll help to ground high space..no, they won't take off height but will make the living more cozy and down to earth so to say. I'd go with furniture that's also not too light and ethereal, if you want to ground it..meaning: I wouldn't shy away from colors, prints, etc..same goes for curtains. future curtains in your dining don't have to match but do have to play well with the rest of window trreatments, and other fabrics. No, it's not a priority of course, I myself wait for months and years when needed to find right curtains; but do keep it in mind as a part of your general plan. You didn't ask advice about your entry fixture but I'll dare to say in case it's fine with you, that it can be bigger/or maybe just a different shape/or a color-will help with more human scale feeling or so I think..I know, it's not easy because of the height. Don't worry about embellishing and decorating upper parts of walls, decorate as usual, eye level or so..the feeling of height will stay there, the feeling of intimacy will come along it. I speak from my own albeit limited experience of handling entry, living, and dining with very high ceiling. I love cozy-I went with darker flooring, colorful furnishings, patterned curtains, plants..we did inherit huge, extremely nice mirror from previous owners which helped my direction. You can also pick an object or art you love whether you own it already or not. that will help your general vision. It can be painting, rug, fabric, light, chair...you name it. If you prefer less bold pallette, simple patterns-you can still reach that very cozy feel. You need to be comfortable in your room, then others will pick this feeling from you. I'd look at a lot of inspiration pics-they don't have to be of rooms per se btw. Very different things like nature, art, movies can inspire us about the general vibe, the colors, etc. Of course I'd look at rooms as well. On a very practical note, first thing first-Take dimensions, put together a simple plan-room, where the openings are..figure out the things that are most important to fit there and sizes they can be. Post it here if possible-I guess will be easier to give suggestions for furniture placement. If you don't post it put it in your bag anyway, take measuring tape too. That's how you'll always be prepared in case you see something Good luck..it's overwhelming at first but then at some point it's fun:) PS I see you've got some great suggestions above while I was writing, and some visuals as well. Take your time..and again, it'll be fun!

When we were piano shopping, we went to a piano store and they gave us a paper template— so we could unfold it and see how different size pianos might fit in the room...Keep in mind that the piano bench will tend to stick out further as well.

Since the piano will be the star of this space, you need to consider these guidelines to ensure high quality sound and a healthy location for the grand. The visual bulk of the piano with the lid open will be sufficient to replace both of your tall casegoods pieces. A good spot might be to place it diagonally across the corner where the keyboard is now. The lid should open against the corner so the sound will be thrown out in to the room and not against the walls. That might also locate the pianist somewhat under the chandelier, which could be helpful in reading music. With the two tall pieces out of the room, move the sofa and sofa table opposite their current location, and then work on placing the two chairs at the best spots for enjoying the music. Perhaps one could go in the corer with the drop leaf table for a reading/listening spot near the window. The other one Might angle near the hearth or under the sconce near the doorway to the other room You'll have to play with them a bit.

Hi thank you so much for the quick response. And my apologies, I should have clarified a little further! This is just a portion of the house and layout, there is a family area by the kitchen which was not shown. So to answr your question, yes there are areas for seating and TV (we're throwing TV in the basement, since we rarely use it). That means technically we can have a couch in the family room, leaving the 'living room' as a space that is to be defined Haven't really considered putting a piano elsewhere, maybe in one of the bedrooms upstairs... but that might be an option. What would your suggestion be if, say, we keep the grand in the living room? Here is the entire first floor layout: