If you do go around the corner, I'd suggest using only lower cabinets with counter space at least 18" along the wall to the left and to the right from the corner, with a carousel inside, like in a kitchen corner...otherwise, you lose a lot of space in the corner that you can't get to. I'd wrap the corner with open shelves above, with an angled bit across the corner, for the same reason. And because you have the tray ceiling, take the high cabinets all the way to the ceiling and tie them in by continuing the crown molding and wrapping the units to the wall (as you have done in the kitchenette). So if you face the short wall and look left to right, first you have a tall cabinet, then next, a counter and shelves wrapping the corner. Then I'd continue with another tall cabinet (drawers below and maybe glass doors or bookshelves above...depending on what you need to store), and then another low bit for the television, with drawers and one open shelf underneath for things that you need the remotes to communicate with. Then another high bit the same width as the first, for balance and scale, but configured to store what you need to store...drawers for games and puzzles, shelves or cabinets, maybe with glass doors and lights inside...whatever suits your life. If you break it up like that, it won't seem so massive. I would mirror the wall between the counter and lowest shelf in the corner (like a backsplash) to open the space visually, and I would paint the back walls of any open or glass upper cabinets to match the room's walls, which will also lighten the look. I would run one shelf between the two tall cabinets over the TV about 15" from the ceiling, and half as deep as the cabinets (so it won't loom) to pull it all together. Boy, it's fun to wantonly spend other people's money!

Hi Mary Lu and Julie and thanks for your ideas. Unfortunately, we are going to have to move the TV to the right hand wall. I found out today that it will cost us twice as much to do surround sound if we have the TV against the stair wall as speakers in the ceiling are much more than speakers in the wall. Also, the light from the two windows at the bottom of the page will cast light on the plasma screen making it very hard to watch TV during the day unless we cover up the windows with dark blinds. I do not want to cover up the light as I think basements are dark enough anyway. Sooooooo, it looks like the TV is moving. I did post a second draft of the layout of entire basement including the games room, mudroom and basement powder room on the building a house forum. I have not added the round table yet, but I do like that idea. However, I also like the idea of the counter height snack bar. If the round table does not go in the games room, there is room for it on the main level as we need one good area to play cards, board games etc. I welcome any more comments! Carol

We've decided to go ahead and move all the boxes I've packed and the furniture that has been redacted from the rooms (now residing in the attic) to storage in our new home state. DH is coming home next week and wants to load up a truck to take back. He's crazy, but I love him. I'm trying to locate a professional home stager but it is not easy when you live in L.A. (lower Alabama) I need help getting them in the front door - that has been our biggest problem, then the inside. I don't want to spend another dime on the house without real professional advice rather than real estate agents who have had "classes." Obviously, their advice hasn't worked. I read up on them and thier fees and it appears that you can get a variety of services from an initial consultation, to a stage using your stuff, then one with their stuff and on up. I tried to get one earlier but she never returned my call, probably cause most of the interior designers work for builders and don't have time for us little folks. I think if you are in a slow market and have a hard house to sell it would be best to consult with a professional. Just my .02 cents.

I love having a dedicated INformal dining room! Yes, it's 'The Dining Room,' but it's not formal. Long farm table, comfortable chairs, warm lighting, flooring and surfaces that won't get damaged by kids or spills. A really warm and welcoming place to eat meals as a family or with friends. The 'breakfast nook' has just never been my favorite. Even when the space is nice, the furniture is rarely of a caliber that brings joy to the users... I'd replace that with two comfortable wingback chairs and a tall side table -- the kind of place you could have a cup of coffee and read the paper, or sit with a glass of wine while your spouse makes dinner or cleans the kitchen. The other great use for a 'breakfast nook' IMO is as a kids' homework area or auxiliary baking table. Another great use for an unused dining room is (if you can close it off) as a TV room. Get the TV out of your family room and reclaim that space as a family gathering area without the constant racket of a TV.