@valinsv, thanks for your clarification of how they would work on my doors. But I think this solution still doesn't allow me to open one door up 180* and lay flat against the other, right? And that is how that door is for most of the summer. We open it all the way, then just use the sliding screen door to get in and out (and keep the bugs out.) I don't want to give up that ability, as the door just sticks right out into the room if it's not all the way open or closed. @blondie...I will try today to take a picture of the fabric close-up. It's actaully got reddish and greenish cross-threads, It's not really "pretty" close-up, but it reads a a beautiful beige when you see it. As for the decision, we have leather in the living room, and it does wipe off, but there is absolutely NO coziness factor. No cuddling in with sick kids and lots of blankets--they slide right off. It's cool year round. And the thing I hat e th most is I have to dust it regulaly because everything shows on it--ugh. We also have some of those microfiber ottomans, and those things are a wreck. They always look bad, like they need to be cleaned, b/c someone smooshed banana into it, or wiped a syrupy mouth or a boogary nose on it. And the lines they can draw in them--my sons love to practice their letters on it like a chalkboard! Now, they were not a high-quality, I know, but I'd never get a whole couch in that fabric! I did inherit 2 Fairfield chairs that I love but really need to reupholster, and I think Stainless Steel might do the trick--thanks for the suggestion :)

Afraid we don't have access to another room for TV use. We're also both quite big film buffs so a decent TV set up to us is essential. I've looked more at the idea of a 3-seater sofa and 2 arm chairs as shown in the previous arrangement and the compromise might be, as you say, an adaptable living space; where we can move chairs around to suit our needs. Not ideal though and permanent arrangement would be soo much better.

XW: Every once in a while, I can tell from the nature of the question that the poster is in over his head. This is the case here. You do not have the skills necessary to do this yourself. This is not a paint job; if you screw it up you could do thousands of dollars in damages. Get a plumber please.

That wood work in your home is to die for! Honestly, often part of the charm of older homes is the "evolution" of different types of hardwoods over time - are you completely opposed to sanding the existing hardwoods down and refinishing in the same stain? The ones in your pictures look to be in great shape and definitely fit the feel and age of your home. Could save you a lot of money and headache and end up looking great - just a thought. Whatever you do, please avoid putting in wide plank engineered wood floors (that are everywhere right now) - vintage hardwoods are incredible elements in older homes. Newer wood floors can zap the charm right out of an older home IMO.