We are a family of 8, with 6 kids ages 9 months to 17. We've lived in our home for 12 years and are looking to renovate. Ideally, I would like to open up the layout and make the space more open and usable by more than one person (particularly prep/cooking while another person is cleaning). We never entertain on our main level, instead having to use the basement. Our basement works well for that, but I would like the option of entertaining upstairs, especially since we are currently converting our covered deck into a four seasons room. Dependent upon cost, I would like to add on a mudroom/pantry from our garage. We have an extra deep 3 car garage and and 7'x11' room would only take from the extra space, not a stall. We are also planning a new garage on the other side of our property, so space isn't a problem. I would like to have an island or peninsula if that can be worked out. We are keeping our current appliances - only 2 years old and love the slate! I would like to do as much work ourselves as possible, contracting out only where it makes the most sense. Electrical is not a problem to move. I would prefer plumbing changes to be minor if possible. Thanks for any help!

Does your husband need a special chair when he watches t v? And area rug is no problem? I have found that leather furniture doesn’t seem to absorb sound as much as upholstered furniture. How much floor space is there with which to work? Do the windows match on either side of the fireplace? Is the slider the main egress out to the patio? I don’t see a lot of space for stack-backing fabric panels. Would you take another photo of the slider? You might have to do fabric Roman Shades on the windows with draperies on the slider. A good liner on the window treatments will help with the echo, as well. I could see another sofa to replace the one you have now…a great, large piece of art between the two sconces…smaller, but thicker rug…but instead of a coffee table, do an upholstered bench…then depending on what space remains, two more chairs…swivels on either side of the fireplace might be perfect. Love those windows... Mirror over fireplace is very big... This kind of treatment, possibly for the windows…the shades with a wooden, padded valance, and depending on how much room you have at the slider either a matching panel or just another padded valance….all hung at the same height.

Your Pantry would be next room leaving the kitchen towards your family room! It can be configured how you need to based on your large entryway, and this pass-through doorway. I used your dimensions to create this kitchen. As might imagine an Island just gives it a slightly more crowded feel, unless you wanted a non-fixed island, like a piece of furniture that wasnt too large, which wouldnt be too bad I suppose! Mike

There are 21,810 photos of living rooms with brown couches on Houzz and you have none of them in two empty ideabooks. I would suggest you start there. And don't just look at rugs, but look at the rooms as a whole and note how everything works together. I would have selected some photos to start you off, but I can't see enough of your living room to determine your style. The 21k photos are here: https://www.houzz.com/photos/living-room/query/brown-couch/nqrwt Use the filters at the top of the page to narrow your choices.