Great, Sally. Hope we didn't overwhelm you with too much information. Most of us do go for a holistic approach to space since no single element exists in a room by itself; they connect through layout, style, finishes, palettes. Sometimes the "problem child" isn't the actual problem, or the only problem, and getting a bunch of alternative suggestions can be useful. Your room is lovely as is, frankly. If you are getting wood flooring, that will definitely modernize the room without your doing anything else. Feel free to post again with all the details at the outset--i.e. not loving the paint, getting wood floors, etc.--then people won't chime in with too much information. Good luck with your new home. You have beautiful pieces.

I do think the wall that backs up to the utility room is the best place for the tv. I would change the uses of the rooms. The gorgeous zone becomes the entertainment area and the long cabinet would become the focal point of the room. The long cabinet is unusual, both the design and the wood used. I would not paint it. Without seeing some up-close photos, I can’t be certain, but it might be crafted of (solid) walnut. I would float shelves on the TV wall as in the photo provided. A portion of the bookcases can be relocated to the back wall in the entertainment area. For wall colors, I would consider something like Sherwin Williams colors SW6525 Rarified Air or SW6238 Icicle to suit the airy mood. I would change the former formal living area into a formal dining room. The fireplace is awkwardly located, with a modest mantle. It is not unusual to have a fireplace in a dining room. Eventually, I would want to expand the kitchen into the adjacent area, with a large island for casual dining. The kitchen designer can design a server that makes the column less noticeable and creates a buffet space for guests in the adjacent dining room. This plan would require a big budget, but could be done over a number of years to keep the cost manageable. I would split the utility room into three spaces. A storage closet could be constructed in the front of the house and enter from the garage. Since the space in the middle has a notation indicating that there is water, it could become a future laundry room. The space at the back of the house could become a mud room. Get a storage building for your lawnmower: it is a lower cost per square foot. The current stacked laundry area could become a future linen closet or give room to expand the downstairs bathroom. I need a lot more closet space than the downstairs bedrooms have. On the marked up floorplan, I expanded the closets in both bedrooms. Putting a closet in an area with a window is a challenge that can be overcome by a good closet designer. Click to enlarge my marked up floor plan.

Yeah, I know it’s a tall order to come up with something that accomplishes what I want but I figured I'd see if others on Houzz had some ideas. Both sectionals that I'm considering are pretty spacious. The first one is 144” x 79” and the other is 120” x 110.” msteezzy - here’s a picture of the space you asked about.

I am buying new furniture for this open concept kitchen and living. I want the result to feel cozy and functional. Any ideas? I am attaching pictures and measures. I like to have a table in the living room area where I can do crafts, work at my computer etc., I dont want it to be a space just with sofas and coffee/side tables. I am also sending this link because I think that a console table like the one in the picture might be a good way to separate my living-capeted area from my kitchen/tiled area. But if I do this in the living, what about the tiled/kitchen area? What would be a good use of it? It seems to me I would need a table there... https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-living-room-traditional-living-room-new-york-phvw-vp~18825494?share=clipboard Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thank you!