Wow - AKtillery's makeover is inspirational! Here's a link to Overstock's version of the silk curtains I have in mind (I'm looking at mine at Tuesday Morning, so I need to decide today or they'll be gone tomorrow!) Because they are so light as is my sectional, it would have a tone-on-tone effect rather than contrast. But I really didn't want to call too much attention to them by making them a darker color -- I just wanted to add some layering and warmth. Or am I altogether too boring? By the way, the curtains are a much less expensive option than shades. http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Signature-Pearl-White-Textured-Silk-Curtain-50-in.-x-108-in./3846748/product.html Thanks so much!

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.

Thanks for your suggestions! The throw is a gold color. I actually took it from my living room (which is next to my family room) and the Living room is painted gold (BM Adam's Gold). Because the LR is painted a gold, I did not want to paint my Family room gold. SO...I took the bold move a painted the room chocolate brown. I like it...I looks good. The White frames really pop against the chocolate brown. On a wall that is not pictured, I want to do a wall collage of white frames with bright/fun family photos. (If anyone has suggestions for photo collages with white frames and a template, please let me know. I found one online but it was $350 for the template and 10 frames...and I am not willing to spend that much $$) We painted the wall with the TV a light blue as an accent. The TV/Entertainment center is gone. We got a new flatscreen...I am waiting for the new console. I am shopping for blue panels to add some more color/warmth. I agree with the coffee table suggestion...I will be buying a round coffee table with stools that fit underneath so that my kids have a space for eating a snack or playing a board game. Thanks again for all the suggestions and feel free to keep them coming! I will post pictures of the final product (assuming I ever finish...LOL!)

The natural jute or seagrass rugs will not look as good on carpet and may permanently discolor the carpet. Plus, it is just another edge for kids to trip on, so I personally would not layer flooring in that room just for looks. Reluctantly agree with above poster who speculated that bar table, while cute, would end up as a horizontal surface only (read: repository for anything you need to put down) and not as an eating area. I would maybe get a bigger ottoman than the chair (if you replace the chaise) would need, and get a nice big melamine tray with sides and a handle for the top for their food. (If you decide you want to try a table I wouldn't try a round one if it is going up against a wall for obvious space considerations, and I would get a regular height one, not the pub height...... think kids horsing around and falling off those high stools, their center of gravity is pretty high.) I bought a bolt of green and white mattress ticking fabric online years ago and had slipcovers made for two sofas. The slips outlasted the sofas! The navy and white (more in real life like navy and off white) is very durable if the fabric is cotton twill and woven, not simply printed on the surface. If you google signal flag pillows (images) you'll see an embarrassment of riches. If you go the signal pillow route you can always just do solid color pennants on the rafters. There are etsy shops that will make them to order in the colors you desire or you might find them already made. I have to say though that I really like the flags on rafters picture posted above!