Thanks for the responses. They made us think a bit more about the space and have decided to add another foot or so of width so I can put some shelves on the non-window wall. We mocked that up & it works just fine. Ohhh, inglenook! I want one of those so much, but I think it will have to wait until we finish the lower level. Gosh, after I posted, I was afraid of how the comment about DH singing, humming & talking to himself would sound, so I'm glad it gave y'all a laugh. He has always been an auditory learner/thinker, but I believe it has become more pronounced since he retired. I don't want him to change, but I know that it sometimes just gets too much for me. I kinda feel like our dogs must - we have a couple of small dogs beds tucked into some nooks in the living areas. They go there to sleep when they just want to get away. (Like the two of us intrude so much on their little doggie lives. LOL!) The "full service" turret sounds grand! Our sitting area will carry down to the lower level, so that might be a nice place to put a small fridge, sink and coffee maker for the guest suite. We want that to have a feeling of being a self contained enclave where a house guest will feel comfortable and not as if they are intruding. (Hint: Want DD and future SIL to be willing to stay with the old folks for longer than they might be inclined if they were stuffed into a tiny guest room.) Thanks again for the responses. I'm glad to know that so many of you like your cozy MBR sitting areas. - Jo Ann

Wow! What amazing changes! Your room should be pinned as an awesome example of a Tuscan “before/after” makeover. :) I think your idea of a reading area is perfect. I’d keep it simple and cozy — very plush, comfy chair and ottoman, pretty throw, table with lamp, rug. Or, two chairs with ottomans, or large chaise (I can’t tell dimensions in pic). I have large window seats in both my bedroom and guest bedroom ... they are never used for sitting. They look good, but are just more surfaces for me to dust (I took the cushions off). I keep a few pillows and a couple of plants on them. If I were building, I’d rather have the space they take up for furniture or whatever. And since you have a view to the pool, I wouldn’t want anything blocking the area right in front of the windows. I’d want it open. You and your husband are clearly talented and have great taste, you shouldn’t feel nervous at all. Take your time, do lots of researching for ideas and inspiration, and enjoy. :) This is the only way I’d do window seating. 😉

Start with bedding; find something you love that will set the theme color wise. You can always match window treatments to the wall color for a simple fix there. You have the space for a mini living area, so I suggest you look into getting a very large area rug to anchor everything. If you keep the bedding simple, classic white, you can go for more interest in the rug. Would you consider an electric fireplace on the wall where the bookcase is? Looks like there's a corner outlet set up for TV. Do you want one in the bedroom? Bedrooms can be family gathering spaces too. Here are some inspopix.

I like the zones you have created. Bed facing door, dressers by the closet For East in getting dressed, and sitting area niche between. I think before you decide on anything you might decide on furniture as it’s design will drive future choices. I think your sitting area might benefit from some type of shelving unit floor to ceiling with closed storage in bottom, open on the upper sides with large niche for the TV in the middle.You could then have a pair of lounge chairs or chaise lounges opposite the TV. Maybe a console table in the window? But definitely go shopping on Houzz and find some rooms that you love and furniture showrooms to be inspired. Take your room measurements with you when you shop! Just off the top of my head ideas!