Would it work to switch the couch and the chaise? Just seems like it could be nice to sit by the window in the fun chair with the lamp and read a great book, which you have right there, too. Is there a table beside it for a glass or to put the book on? Love the throw there and hope there is also a pillow.

Is the table placed so you can look out the window while sitting there? Is there a shelf in front of the window?

What about a rug by the table in case he wants to play with the legos on the floor?

It looks to me like you have done a great job with placement and design here.

I like the way you have handled the lack of entry area by the front door. Visually, instead of force-fitting an entry where there is not room for one, you chose to minimize the entry to just the small rug---which is a great neutral color--and make the space by the door a true part of the room as a whole…

I think that is an excellent design decision. Some stuff is just imperfect and best handled by not calling attention to it. It is what it is and with the way you handled it, it is okay.

Your coat collection piece, painted white, works well, too. it's large, but in the light color it is not overwhelming---good scale for your room!

I like your neutral walls and you have beautiful colored floors. You don't overload small spaces with clutter and the result is very pleasing. You are a person who understands "less is more."

I'm not sure why you are using the living room as dining room and visa versa right now, but the totality is not bad.

You have a good eye and have made good decisions.

The only thing I would change are the two stacked pictures to the left of the door into the hall… I think you could do a lot better in terms of both scale of these pictures and content…

On the other hand, I think the picture over the mantle is fine in scale and appearance and I appreciate the fact you didn't clutter the mantle up with a bunch of STUFF…

All and all, GOOD JOB!

I appreciate your comments sally78. We flipped the rooms because:

1) entering right into a very small living room (with a corner fireplace) that ends up functioning as a hallway always felt uncomfortable and claustrophobic and

2) our house sits close to a well traveled sidewalk into our town and this arrangement gives us more privacy.

You're right about it being an "imperfect" space. I have tried so many different furniture arrangements and types of furniture and nothing feels right. We are thinking that the best solution may be to enclose our small front porch to create the feeling of more usable space -- but that may have to wait a few years.

Thank you for your comment about the pictures. I will move them around and see if it looks better. Thanks again!

Thank you for your ideas abbyjean. I have thought about trying the couch on the other side facing the window and may see how it looks. I'm afraid since it is such a dark color and rather large, it may be too overwhelming when you walk in the front door. I will try it though. Thank your for your kind comments.