I thought I would post an update and thank all those who offered suggestions. We ended with a version of #3. We still don't have a table for the corner of the 2 couches, but have a place holder there. We plan to put a natural wood table (cheap black place holder now to see how we like it) behind the kitchen backed couch that can have 2 stools and will then get 2 small ottomans to place under a table we plan to place in the window that will also have a few lamps and plants. (the huge dog bed is only there for a temporary dog guest....) We were very pleased to see there is plenty of room to walk around and we both enjoy how we live the other 90% of our lives in this room -- watching TV, surfing, and listening to music and reading. No recliners, but the coffee table is natural wood and metal and is fine for putting feet on and even sitting if needed. It also has 4 huge drawers for laptop storage, games, books, etc. If anyone has window treatment ideas -- feel free! The room needs some color and patterns. The rug is black, sage, tan, crimson. The shelves are a work in progress....

Redfeather, I lived most of my life in TX and I agree that silk greenery on top of the cabinets (and lots of it) seems to be a TX thing. We moved to the Carolinas 2 years ago and my kitchen felt so stark I put up several items on top of the cabinets to soften the look and make the kitchen feel more homey. Some of my neighbors have left the tops of their cabinets bare, but their kitchens have backsplashes with some visual interest. Personally, I like the look of the plants and I think it's a matter of personal preference and decorating style. I think your pottery would look nice grouped with greenery or baskets or some wrought iron pieces. I am posting a couple of my kitchen photos (hopefully no one will tease me too much :) ) Please disregard the tupperware and Halloween buckets! I also wanted to add that my original intent was not to put so much stuff on top of the cabinets and just do a few groupings instead. Personally, I feel like grouping smay work better in kitchens with taller spaces above the cabinets - but that's just my 2 cents : )

I agree that you have a lot going on, but it's wonderful so far. The thing I would avoid is having too much stuff or detail on that mantel and let the fireplace be the statement. I saw this and thought it looked great, but am not sure if you can reach the mantel to light candles or turn on battery operated ones. I think they make some remote control. The other option I'd consider would be a large painting there with nothing else on the mantel. Not sure what to do with the niche. If you don't do candles on the mantel, then I might do some remote control ones in the niche. [Contemporary Living Room[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-living-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_718~s_2103) by Woodinville Interior Designers & Decorators Interiors Okay, maybe cows aren't your thing, but something bold like this :) [Traditional Porch[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-porch-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_726~s_2107)

Pretty bowl, boxes, statues and books on their sides. With that said, it looks like your TV is hung too high. I am thinking it should be 1/2 that high up. Could we see a picture from far away to judge the height?