My brain works a little odd -- let me offer that at the start. I guess I consider room functions first, then assign a subset of the area to achieve it. Any shape can include a (visual) square or rectangle to make the placement work. I can't move my fireplace or the flat TV, so if I get bored with a layout I draw the shape of the room and place the squares/rectangles differently to help with furniture placement. Last year I replaced a sofa with two chairs and that one part of the room became good for conversation and a perfect spot for reading by the fire. Reading this, it sounds weird. :\ My problem is I tend to incorporate the whole space rather than breaking it down into pieces. The drawing helps me focus and shows what can or can;t be done.

Does "formal" imply you have another space for tv watching? A family room? Or is this the only room for tv? If the former? Make the tv more secondary........use an adjacent wall. Better by far as the need for built in expense will be less, and same with media console and tv. As below...and I will hope that is the case. - you've another tv spot. Truly....... the view into the room is far better this way in EITHER case. A room needs to make CONVERSATION possible; nobody wants to shout at another off in the distance. And that love seat can just as easily be two VERY comfortable chairs. One quarter inch to a foot below. Don't forget a great rug.....9 x 12. Lighting matters.......art matters. : ) The very last thing you need? An accent wall via paint. One paint color will do it.....please. You will get more help if you post some inspo pics of rooms/styles you love. There are no mind readers here...

Thank you all for the great suggestions! i love the raised platform idea, Cathy! The play area was a temporary set up, but your suggestion is a great separate seating arrangement, right by the windows to get some late afternoon sun! Rinked, thank you again for the various suggestions! I will look into sconces. the TV is a temporary set up (we will move it to the basement and keep the fireplace. The opposite wall has in built shelving so nothing really can be mounted there. good call on moving the liquor/bar area. i also liked that you switched up the two armchairs to be on the north side - it seems to fill up that area nicely. do you think i can/should add a sideboard/credenza/buffet anywhere in the living room? Some follow ups: we are planning to get rid of the grey chaise/couch and get a regular 3-seater sofa. do you recommend we stay with the cream/beige color scheme or perhaps try a green/chartreuse color or another gem tone or cognac-colored leather? will that go well with the two beige mid-century armchairs? we plan to buy a low square heavy coffee table to replace the current one. similarly, can i get away with not doing a cream/beige carpet? im worried about maintenance. lastly, do folks here think i need two separate seating sections in the living room given the size/length? id prefer not to since the raised platform is already a separate seating area. maybe by moving the two mid century armchairs, that would do enough to fill up the space. PS: eventually, we’ll do a full electric overhaul and add ceiling lights too!

I think I would do a cozy vinette in the fireplace alcove. .A pair of chairs for watching the fire. Once you remove that alcove frome the shape of the room, it is easy to place the TV on the long wall and position a sofa in front of the closet. Two chairs on the small window side facing the large window.