There is no window in the dining/playroom? If so, I think it would be fun to paint the back wall with chalkboard paint (any color you like - would not have to black), or use cork panels. With flat molding around it, it would look nice, and be frequently used by kids. It would also serve as a focal point. Alternatively, you could wallpaper the rear wall, or hang fabric panels as an accent. What is the room with the mirrored sliding doors? I have never been a fan of sliding doors - I would consider replacing with a pair of regular doors. If you like the mirrored aspect, you could have mirrored inserts in a panel door. Or with kids, maybe not.

Thanks! I'm hoping it will be a cute space!! That doorway opposite the doorway is a little redundant, but it leads into the entryway/front door, so I'm not sure how it would feel walking into the back of a sofa. But maybe I am wrong! The condo is a converted 2-bedroom, where they turned the dining room into a living room, and the living room into a 2nd bedroom, which explains why the space is so awkward! What would anyone think about doing a sofa along the window/in front of radiator, and putting a chair or pouf under the TV (between built-in and bottom doorway)? Or a sofa along the right-side wall (where I have the random door/beach photo leaning) with a comfy accent chair top left next to window? Would something like this work at all or am I crazy?

I'm pretty sure the real reason (as opposed to it just being about my superior tastes, lol) that the mister defers questions on all decor and furnishing matters to me, is so he won't have to disappear for an undetermined length of time like the OP's husband. ;) The rug thing has always been a bit confusing to me when the house has what looks like lovely hardwood flooring - rugs cover that up! Unless it's a basement, in which case I totally get wanting to be able to use the space during the winter and not freezing in the process, therefore a rug if not carpet is needed. I can't tell if the curtains are sheers? Honestly I'm more of a 'put blinds up' for windows kind of gal, if the windows require covering for privacy (don't want to give the neighbors a show or anything, lol). Window coverings also help protect darker upholstery from fading due to sun exposure, and to a lesser extent the same goes for noticeable fade and discoloration of lighter colors. Everyone loves a room with lots of big windows providing natural light, all I can think of is what their utility bills during the summer must be like and that they probably don't have a sapphire blue velvet sofa they're anxious to keep from fading and vacuum religiously despite the utilization of a throw blanket strategy to win the war against dog fur.

The table top in your inspiration pic caught my attention. It's not the usual furniture showroom table top. I really like this cedar "countertop" and was wondering if something like it might work as a table top or as a top of a rolling cart island that could work as kitchen prep space and/or guest dining if not as a table. http://www.devoswoodworking.com/designing-wood-countertops/wane-edges.html Legs could be bought separately. https://carolinalegco.com/products/x-metal-table-legs-set-of-2-modern-industrial-legs-custom-sizes-available?variant=32186224640097&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_term=&utm_campaign=DR_PLA_Smart_200%25&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=7051262680&hsa_cam=9915659242&hsa_grp=103137792649&hsa_ad=432122759881&hsa_src=u&hsa_tgt=pla-296303633664&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6p_wwNPU6gIVgbbICh0T8w-jEAsYAyABEgIkX_D_BwE