It would be possible to put a play corner in the first two drawings but not in alternative 2. I would recommend a corner of storage furniture to corral the toys. I am usually a fan of built-ins but not in this case because eventually the kids will outgrow their toys and you won't need that storage there anymore. The built-in exception would be a window seat under one of those windows on the plans. Some of the storage could be cabinets or bookshelves for bins or toys underneath a window seat. I'm not a fan for toy box style storage because they either become a black hole or the kids throw everything out of them looking for what they want and then do't put the rest of it back. As for the kitchen placement, near to the deck would be best in you like to eat outdoors on the deck or entertain on the deck. We entertain a lot and the kitchen is on the other side of the house from the patio. It's a real pain and a big part of my design brief for the architect was for the kitchen to be next to the patio. I even wanted a pass-through window from the kitchen sink to the patio for ease of clean up but unfortunately I wasn't able to work that out.

cozy room, and what a great window! a sofa plus two chairs sounds like a great plan. If the TV is to be on the wall-make sure is normal viewing height for all family members (since for example I know one lady who can't watch their wall mounted TV, so it leaves her out of this family activity) decide whether just a credenza beneath it would work(should be larger than TV..say, TV takes two thirds of credenza length..smth like that), or you have additional storage needs for that room-maybe books, maybe games, maybe collections..? If yes I'd think how to make all the storage concentrated, cohesive and well balanced. If your storage is going to be wood-I'd go with other material for coffee table..maybe ottoman in a case of room for comfortable lounging. I'd put a tray on it so it can be used as you wish-sitting when you need it, or table for drinks, or whatever you fancy. If you have ottoman you can forego one chair..make one of side tables a stool for example so can also be used for sitting when needed. Comfy and nice to touch pillows(don't need to be many..I usually prefer 3 for a normal sized sofa as I love odd numbers) and a throw or two. Look at it less as "decor" more " I want to indulge myself and family every time we're there". More chance to get things right if you look at them as something that can make you happy from several points of view:) I'd incorporate a table light or maybe two. and a floor lamp. So I can play with lighting per my mood, read, etc. A side table or two. The idea is everyone has some surface next to him/her when sitting down. They don't need to be big or matching, or of similar shape. Even better if you bring some different shapes, like round etc I'd bring plants too. Obviously curtains..for when you want more privacy/less light for TV watching..the rod is there for you already And last but very much not least, art of course. You probably already have some art you love. Do you have preferred style, colors you love? Patterns that you like seeing? Materials you prefer in upholstery and casegoods? Saved pictures of rooms you love? If you can share your preferences we'd be able to better help with specific suggestions My main advice is not to hurry but rather to lovingly gather. Discriminate..:) Choose only things that speak to you and to each other so to say. Congratulations on your new home!

I like the idea of banquette seating in the dining area as a space conscious solution. And there are some really nice examples above. But if that's not feasible right now, you could consider a drop leaf table against the dining window with a couple of chairs for every day use. (It looks like you already have one against the dining wall.) For dinner parties, you could extend it and center it in the room. But I do agree, that the living room should be reserved for seating since you'll be entertaining relatively often. Here's an arrangement to consider. Apartment sized sofa against window wall and three arm chairs. Along the back wall, where you currently have your dining set, consider a long horizontal bookcase. You can top it with art and lighting and before it place a couple of ottomans for casual seating when you're entertaining a large group. I think an 8x10 area rug would be a good fit, but you can use painter's tape to be sure. It's a neat looking home! It'll be fun settling in and putting it together. Congratulations!

I would create a "foyer" by floating a 3-seat sofa or a reversible chaise sofa facing the two windows with a flat screen TV on a low credenza. Hang the clock on the wall opposite its present location. Flank the large front window with a pair of fabric armchairs, a new side table and a table lamp. A new rug should be at least 2 feet wider than the new sofa. For proper installation of a dining chandelier, your table will need to sit under the current fixture. Try doing that to see what you can achieve. Do you want to hire an electrician to remedy the offset? You can probably find a paired semi-flush and a pendant or chandy for both your ceiling lights and maybe the kitchen too. Once you find the seating and rug, we can find a new, brighter paint color to really bring this room out of the shade!