I would use the space off the kitchen like a family room with the T.V there . The other space like a nice LR for adult conversation and why would you want a brown sofa when there is already so much brown in the space.With 2 kids I would be looking at getting rid of the carpet and getting wood floors and I for sure would not have T.V. in both spaces. I hate TV in my LR use that nice big space for some seating , not a sectional, that is conducive conversationand I would probably add a fireplace in that large space for a focal point.

Here are my thoughts. The living room windows are 72” x 72”. There is only 12” each side of window to the end walls and 21” between them. I like a tailored and lightfilled look. I am considering sheer shadings with a 2 or 3” horizontal vein Mounted inside the window. There is no window trim. Decorative or functional drapes? How high to hang? Fabric? Colour?Other ideas? I look forward to your ideas.

I had an inspection done, the plumbing and electrical are all up to date, thank God. There is no HVAC but I am going to see how this summer goes before I decide to install it through the house. I live in Virginia and the summers are hot but being up in the Blue Ridge keeps some of the humidity at bay. The windows are original and there are exterior aluminum storm windows covering them. I am hoping and praying that they are sufficient to keep the house from being windy inside. I think the cafe curtains and tension rods will work perfectly while I get settled. I was not planning on working on the exterior of the home right away but it looks like the porch roof will need to be replaced and all of the windows and trim around the exterior need to be painted. The 115 year old wood is exposed. The previous owners did NOTHING in the way of maintenance. The walls have been scribbled and written on by their children, they didn't bother to paint over it. So it has been at least 13 years since any exterior wood has been painted.

I love fireplaces personally and yours looks so nice. In addition to having that ladder shelf on 1 side, I would put a tall potted plant on the other side, right in the corner. I googled "tall potted plant living room fireplace" and so many of them look similar to yours! White is in now. I think your couch is too short. Work with the length of the room and get a longer couch (3 seats instead of 2 or whatever) If you can remove that shelf above the fireplace, you can place your tv directly on the fireplace. That will help with the height. Definitely keep the end tables! I would put a tall lamp on/near the end table closest to the window maybe TBH I would reupholster or swap out that side chair just because I don't think it goes with the decor of the fireplace and other things. You can get chair covers from IKEA and stuff that's cheaper. Just my thoughts :)