Hi... looks like a great challenge, and I agree with you... that room CAN be beautiful. All those windows really pour in the natural light very generously! Take advantage of that!

If it were my room, I would avoid tile or vinyl - I would choose a hardwood or one of the new manufactured hardwood laminates that are now readily available on the market. If this room is going to be high traffic - kids, dogs, lots of traffic in and out from the outdoor elements, etc. - laminate hardwood is a great choice.... long lasting and easy maintenance.

I love your idea of a stacked stone fireplace front, but have you considered first having the brick professionally cleaned? It's hard to tell from your photos what the condition is, so maybe that's irrelevant. But, I've done projects before where the client wanted to paint over, replace, or in some other way do away with the brick front fireplace. On the projects where I suggested the cleaning, the clients were blown away with how different and how beautifully improved their brick looked. Normally, the fireplace is the focal point of a room, so that's a great place to start. You're on the right track there. Once you've got that the way you want it, putting together the rest of the renovation materials should easily fall into place.

Good luck! I'll look forward to following your progress!

Lisa Graham
Laurel Alexander Interiors