Hi MJ, You'll probably get different opinions, but I have several in a similar mix. They are at the mercy of Mother Nature. Rainwater doesnt seem to bother them as much as tap does, in my case anyway. If its alot of rain, Ive heard of people putting plastic bags around them securing with a rubber band to sheild most of the water. Ive never needed to be that diligent. Hope you stumble upon what will work for you! Happy Growing, Randy in Savannah

Hi! I agree I don't like the stairs blocking the arch. Are there arches on the back of the screened porch where the stairs have been relocated? How do you see you using the stairs? I expect there will be a lot of down through the basement out to the pool, and not as much from the screened porch to the pool? Am I right? What are you issues with where the stairs are now (behind the screened porch)? It seems to me like a good, unobtrusive place to put them . . . I would think that stairs off the grill deck would interfere with the area around the pool and block the view from the inside of the basement. . .

Their current lay out block traffic flow. I would much rather go with a love seat and a few comfy chairs. How many in your family. That is how many seats you need. The rest is over kill and does anyone actually FILL a huge sectional or do three people use it? I am just not a fan. As for the TV placement, most want a visual of both the fireplace and the TV so your plan seems to be a decent option. The built in would be worth looking at...It is ironic how often the MOSTLY unused fireplaces everyone desires really messes with furniture arranging. Your new floors are to die for. This gray fad confuses me. Gray is cold,like stainless. Your kitchen and flooring are so warm and rich looking. Half your new space is painted warm the other cool... Which colors will you embrace?

Any reason in particular why you are keeping the tv over the fireplace? That must be over 8' high. That's some serious neck strain. I would probably recommend a similar layout to the previous owner. It has lots of seating, divides the entry from the living area. The window looks fine with current shutters. If you do not have furniture, start with the rug first. Find one large enough for the room. Use the colors in the rug to guide you for picking out furniture. Artwork and other wall decor can come later once you have the basics. You could always put the tv on a stand to the left of the fireplace. Have fun.