I would say the room should fit your interests, yet allow for the dining room to just be. Examples: -reading room ... along with 2 reading chairs add a library bookshelf or small writing table - Game Room / gathering room: a large fabric round ottoman with 2 or 3 chairs around it. The ottoman is the center piece. A game board can sit on top of it. - music room. If anyone plays an instrument that would be the focal point. - arts / crafts room: a hidden organizer cabinet. Small chairs to the side.

Once upon a time we lived in SoCal, and twenty years later I still miss our garden there. If you do containers, you will want to plan to Irrigate them before you build the deck! Will a deck be more or less expensive than a concrete patio? Because critters sometimes live under decks! It’s so hard to find mature trees in SoCal, I would try really hard to prevent what you have, get them pruned by someone, not the mow and blow guys!

Eta: I’m planning to have a long console on the same wall closer to the door with some plants, a round mirror and lamps.

I love the reading/coffee area idea. We already have a loft for the kiddos upstairs and I also have a desk nook area which is all I need :) I’m loving the idea of a cocktail/coffee room with a low sitting table and 4 chairs with some sort of wood cabinet with built in wine rack. I need to measure to make sure I have the space first lol thank you all!