We have a similar space just inside our front door. We put bookcases, storage cabinets, and a table. Right now my kids (6 and 4) use it as their art room, but it will be the homework room as they get older. I love being able to leave projects out and not have to worry about clearing the table before every meal. And I will love having a computer where I can keep an eye on them when they are older. We have a separate office, but that's mine and DH's space. We wanted a similar "office" type space for the kids. I would also extend the entry wall on the dining room side to match the office side. You can place a bench against one wall and hooks on the other. I would even consider closing off half that opening. That way that room won't be the first thing you see when you come in. I'd also keep the doorway to the kitchen, especially if you are going to be using it as a kid space. Much easier to see them in there. And I'm a fellow Minnesotanite, although I'm from across the river in St. Paul. :) Now I live in a small town in Southern MN.

I would move the plants too. I think you need things made of materials that will add softness to the room. (Love your floor, btw.) Maybe one nice flowering plant in a wicker basket. I recently added a large lined wicker laundry basket to my laundry room counter. A place to toss dirty dish rags before washing. You can hang over the edge until they dry if needed. How do you feel about adding some time of window valance? I would start higher than the actual window (maybe even up to the ceiling if you don't ever plan on installing crown) and only bring down past the top window trim far enough to hide it (so that no one knows where the window actually starts). A few vintage pieces (aged wood, fabric coverered, wicker, woven leather - anything that will soften) and you're good to go!

The wall color is BM Huntington white and the trim is Simply White. I think these are all great ideas, the idea of a vertical painting is a good one, I paint all the art myself on old canvases so I just have to find the right peice. The very white painting actually had a lot of soft blues and pinks, it's just totally washed out by the window! re: the layout. I've tried to flip the side of the room the couch is on and it just doesn't look right, the chairs seem out of place on that side of the room. I agree that that I need plants next to the TV instead of the lamp. I put it there to experiment with how to add more vertical height to the room (ceilings are 9'). However, I also need more lights in the room for needlepoint and reading - it's really been hard to figure out how to add them without breaking up the sight line. Brass lamp is from Target. I also agree about the fact he fact that I have too many bins, I needed more storage and went a bit crazy at Target one day. My theory is that once the room is decorated I'll figure out which ones match best and move the rest to other areas of the house. This photo is not perfectly styled or edited, but this is what's behind the couch! I definitely need a different window treatment or nothing at all & the plant needs to be moved (there is good sun there and she's a little sick)

probably been said, but front legs of sofa would look better on the rug. These are inspiration pics to show small sofa and chair ideas and simple window treatments. Good suggestions on having a TV wall; possibly the bookshelf can go in another useful room....dining room or childrens room for extra storage? Again, just guessing and just some ideas for making your space work.....I think you can one or two unexpected things in the room....the arc lamp shown in pics or dynamic big art that works with your rug to go over the TV or the sofa? 1. big furniture feel but doesn't take up a lot of floor space. colorful rug. 2. Pair of interesting chairs and significant art work. 3. One piece of furniture, the chair, selects all the colors for the room.....including art work. Your rug would do the same thing.....love the unexpected Arc Lamp. 4.Large art work small everything else. 5. Rug adds the drama and everything else is in same colors.