How much seating do you need on a regular basis? I would be inclined to get a leather couch, that would sit to the left of the fireplace, facing the dining area. Sofa table behind the couch, with lamps. Nesting tables at the fireplace end, to be used as needed. Opposite, on the right side of the fireplace, a pair of chairs that recline. No ottomans, as I see that being an obstacle for your son. The recliners let you put your feet up as desired, but are not in the way the rest of the time. A nice table and lamp between the two chairs. No coffeetable needed. The tv moves to the stairway wall, where the couch is now. Wall mounted or on an entertainment stand. If there is room for the bookcase beside it, fine, but I have a feeling that wonâÂÂt work, in part because I believe I see the thermostat there. In that case, you could put another chair against the wall for extra seating. with a wall-mounted swing arm lamp beside it, and a narrow table next to it. I wouldnâÂÂt necessarily drywall in the space over the fireplace - it could be a cool display niche, especially if you could add some lighting into the top of it.

That is very exciting and you might want to do a gallery wall of his art on that dining room wall. Very special. You can research further and see what you can discover. Thanks for sharing. You might want to contact a local museum and see if they could recommend an appraiser so you could insure your pieces. Obviously, they are family heirlooms so protecting them is key. As a minimum take good photos of everything front and back in case of need to prove their value. Good luck.

Hi Elizabeth, Yes, the rug is fairly thin, but with the rug pad it should be good. This is one of the actual customer reviews; I think this little one looks pretty comfy.:) Btw, I like your original idea for a black rug...and not because you can’t use other colors. You definitely can! But the black is striking; plus, imo, a simple black rug works well with your furnishings/style and with a number of the existing elements in your space. And I also like how it provides a nice backdrop for the granite, without competing. As I mentioned, personally I really like the existing granite, so I love a simple backdrop that lets it shine. From my perspective, your instincts on all of this were spot on. You are much more design saavy than you think! :)

Sort out the piano first. The way the lid opens now, you're throwing the sound against a hard surface, the wall, not out into the room. The pianist has their back to the room, and you have no softening elements like a rug under the instrument, drapes at the windows. I would move the loveseat into the bay window so the piano can be turned to get the most out of it. Here's a nice way to handle the drapes and sofa in the bay.