Actually I think from a historic preservationist's point of view it's better to avoid making the addition mimic the original structure in a false way. I'm not talking about a detail like inserting a window, and making sure the opening and window style match the original. I'm talking about when one adds an addition, or a wing. A clean-lined modern style would identify the addition as clearly not a copy of the main house, but something authentic in its own right. The only caveat is making sure the overall massing of the new structure stays visually subordinate to the first part and that the architectural elements of the new work have a pleasing harmony with the existing ones. I would definitely try to find an architect to help on this one, unless you have a strong background in design.

Thanks for posting the new pix. It is always hard to offer arrangement suggestions because the actual space may be different than it reads in a series of two-dimensional pix, but here goes. You have such a great feel in the room already, and it sounds like this space gets used a lot - laughing about the LEGOs, as I remember those days only too well! One thing that bothers me a bit is having the back of the loveseat to the fireplace and the people sitting there, especially so closely arranged. It sends an unfriendly vibe, and makes that seating less useful when you have a lot of people. I am wondering if it would be possible to try the entertainment center on the long wall where the couch is now. Then place the couch on the wall where the armoire was, and the loveseat in the "L" shape with its back to the windows at the end of the room closer to the entry. Situate the ec so that it is centered opposite the new couch placement. Put a sofa table, cabinet or low bookcase behind the loveseat, lamp on top, for a nicer view as you enter the room from the foyer. When you do that, I think you should be able to put one of the new chairs you are considering in the corner by the windows at the foyer end of the room, with a side table and lamp, to create a nice reading/contemplating space. If you decide to put the chair there, that might give you the perfect reason to choose a low bookcase behind the loveseat - you are creating a reading area, and now have a place to put books to reinforce that feeling. I dont know what your new furniture might look like, but I would consider a large round coffeetable instead of a big square - you already have the large square ottoman by the fireplace. Or, (and here I go spending money for you) I would love to see a round ottoman, something a bit less dark and heavy, with the two fireplace chairs. If you do that, perhaps then go with the big square coffee table by the large seating, and put the ottoman tucked by the wall near the armoire as additional seating when needed. Come to think of it, if you did that, you wouldnt really need another new chair besides the one down in the window corner that I discussed, so perhaps in the end the expenditures would be the same. :-) In moving the armoire, I am trying to open up the fireplace space to the rest of the seating in the room. It is a lovely spot, and should be able to be appreciated by those sitting on the couch and loveseat, as well as just those two people in the chairs. I know you are considering a new couch and loveseat, and I dont know what style you have in mind, but something perhaps a bit less bulky than your current pieces might be nice- perhaps with a track arm instead of the rolled (sock) arm. As for end tables, if you look at what you have, they have a lot of top space, but not much underneath. I think you could get by with some tables that are a bit smaller, perhaps still iron, that would take up less space. You probably dont really need or use all the top of the table space that you have (except for LEGO building, I suppose). Hope this helps. If the ec has to stay on the wall where it is, I would move it down the wall as far as possible toward the kitchen opening. Then situate the couch and loveseat opposite, so that the loveseat is on the other side of the couch from where it is now, faces the fireplace. If you move the ec down, it allows the couch and loveseat to be closer to the fireplace. You can likely add a chair beside the ec as additional seating, and perhaps still have your reading corner chair in the front end of the room by the windows - it will just be tucked behind the loveseat. But then if you place a low bookcase behind the loveseat, that would still create a nice corner there. Dont worry about centering everything on the walls - people do that, and then waste usable space.

yayagal -- thank you! And thanks for taking the time to google. mojomom -- thank you for posting pics (I just could not figure out how to do that). Good point about the table being a little bland. Question for you -- when you mention the next layer, you mean the things I choose like lamps and side tables and other side pieces? If it means anything, the Chesterfield will be at the short end of a rectangular living room with table in the sort of NW corner.

My take-away from the "don't mix modern with old or English" was that the two are often treated differently, and look better separated. Many people treat HTs and Floribundas as bedding plants -- hard-pruning them every year, planting in groups of the same variety for emphasis. The old and English roses are more often left to grow a bit more wild. In habit, they don't match. BUT....not everyone treats their HTs and Floribundas as "bedding plants", so it's not so much "don't mix the types" as it is "don't mix the gardening styles in the same bed." In other words, "neat and clipped" roses might look odd right next to "arching and billowing" roses. At least, that's how I took it. But, in the end, it's all about personal preferences. The other consideration is color clashing between some of the brighter colored moderns and the softer colored old and English roses. But that isn't something inherent -- there are plenty of non-harsh moderns that will blend well with the old and English roses. Ultimately, I realize that Austin's books, while very informative, are also aiming to nudge favor toward his own roses and preferences. He had to carve out a new market for the roses he bred, after all. :-) ~Christopher