aokat15, I saw your reference on my "boxed in columns" post. Thanks for referring me here. We're definitely on the same track. I really liked the examples that you and the other posters put up. I think we're leaning toward the idea shanghaimom posted with the columns and the arch except DH and I were thinking to panel 3 sides and install shelves on the inside. In my situation, the family room side is a walkway, so we'll have plenty of space for an overhanging bar with a few stools. I definitely need a place for my cookbooks that is easily accessible, yet doesn't take up valuable space in the main kitchen storage area and this seemed like the best solution. In the picture below, we already have the basic structure.

I love family photos. However, (and this is just me) I get a creepy feeling when they are put in such a prominent spot that for a lot of the time I am in a room, the whole family is staring at me! My beloved SO has LARGE family photos of his whole family on a shelving unit right across from our bed in the bedroom, and it is a small room so the edge of the bed is relatively close to the shelving unit. His whole clan is always staring at me, when I go to bed at night, when I'm changing into my jammies or getting dressed in the morning, and when I wake up. I wouldn't want my clan up there, that's for sure, but different strokes for different folks. He likes seeing them all the time and I am just splitting hairs with that creepy feeling. Better than in the bathroom I guess! My dad has a small photo of my deceased mother in a prominent spot in the living room, and that doesn't bother me, so I guess it depends. I have a mirror in my dining room and hate it because I hate looking at myself while eating. I would love a wall of family in a dining room, but maybe not where they were always staring down at me while eating. A montage of smaller photos that one passes by on the way to the table--wonderful. But really, just some random thoughts. As many have said, there is no one right or wrong way if you like it that's all that matters. Also, there are some frames that you can buy that mix photos with design and sometimes sayings, those would look fab in your room. You could fit a little montage on the right side of the doorway. I almost bought a piece at the local big box that was a clock where you could put a photo in every time slot. I also think that "mixing and matching" photo exhibits in one room is probably a no go too. So for example, putting that clock in our bedroom along with the photos on the shelves might bee too much of a good thing.

Thank you for the suggestions. We do have a bathroom, 2 large bedrooms, an exercise room, laundry room and utility area. It is a walkout so lots of light but yes only 4 wall sconces and a low light fan overhead. Wish I would have spent the money for pot lights. The little nook by the stairs is plumbed for a sink. The TV has wires and plug in behind so cannot move real easy. I like the idea of the longer tv cabinet. Would you suggest pulling the couch away from the wall where it currently sits? The room is 18’ x 15’ but that door needs to be accessible. The flow of traffic to the bathroom is important as we don’t have another one for pool use. Ideally I would like to move the door opening of that triple French door to the other end so it doesn’t interfere with the flow of traffic, but sounds like it would require a new set up.

Hi Pamela. These houzz discussions are quick with people offering various opinions. They often miss critical steps. The things I get from my clients from the beginning are (and I spend quite a bit of time on this) 1) Inspirational photos (based on comments you have made and your ideabooks, you are not interested in traditional decor, but what exactly, I am guessing). So, for your sake and others, photos of what you like and want the room to look like are critical, None has to be exact, just the direction 2) If you want future flexibility. If so, I'd buy neutral for larger items like a rug. 3) Photos of entire room 4) Measurements. 5) Functionality: how you want the room to function. Example: rarely used, used often and must accomodate x amount of people, etc. So, I cannot tell you if that rug is appropriate for your room, as I don't know the answers to those questions. It seems to ignore the recliners, though. 2 things I am observing: the recliners are large and brown and don't seem to fit your future direction (although could be pulled in with the right additional elements). The pool table light fixture the same: very traditional and you are trying to fit it in. Hope that helps.