I, personally, like having one room that is somewhat formal b/c it is always ready! With that being said, the Drexel couch I have in there is sooo comfortable that people always have gone in there to sleep (when they could not) or study. It is a great place to put up a Christmas tree too! Enjoy your new home.

Lots of potential in this generously sized room with great windows. If the fireplace is just for decorative purposes, I would suggest removing it altogether and creating a built-in desk area/work station in that end of the room. Add a contemporary sofa in front of the window for seating/reading to create a room that is a functional study space as well as an attractive first impression for guests entering your home.

Thanks for the tips!

for what you are trying to achieve ,I'd get rid of the fireplace and buy a large or two bookcases for that wall. Place two club chairs or chair and a halves in front of the case on an angle.In front of the window , you could put a library table where the kids could spread out their books and have somewhere to set a drink .Where the patterened chair is , I'd put a comfortable overstuffed sofa or loveseat.Defiantely change the drapery and wall color and find an area rug you like.Enjoy your new home.

HI Mav! Don't be afraid of doing double or triple duty in this room. Here are a few fantastic examples of how to marry a library/study and dining room together. I'm pretty sure that you plan to ditch the frou-frou curtains for something more tailored and simple?

We agree with Jamieson, a multifunctional room sounds like it would be your best bet. Our suggestion is to find a rectangular dining table with a durable finish that can double as a workspace, like this table from Lorts:
http://lorts.com/html/2103-2104.html#

I would also get rid of the fireplace and put a u shaped study center/desk in that space with shelving above for books, etc. In front of the window, I'd put two comfy club chairs and a large square ottoman/table. The chairs could be used for studying or putting a puzzle together or playing a board game. On the other side of the ottoman could be a bench (or a love seat could be in front of the window with the club chairs on the other side). You have great space in this room. You could add more shelving/storage on the other end of the room as well.

Use it as a study/library definitely. i would also remove the fireplace and build in bookshelves on that wall. Either a chaise lounge or loveseat could float in front of it with some ottomans and you have a comfy informal studying or reading room. On the other end I would put a game table, or small table with chairs for studying, projects, puzzles, etc. i would personally use that table to sip my morning coffee and read in front of that wonderful big window. Also build in or use a desk armoire for computer stuff on this side of the room also. Don't line all of the furniture along the walls as the current owners have done. Float the table and chairs in the middle if desired, or put the chaise in front of the window. Have fun! Oh and ditch the pink for a rich warm earth tone, as long as it goes with the rest of your house!

OMG...get rid of the fireplace? No way. Even if you make this a dining/library a fireplace is a must! A fireplace is almost on everyone's must have's. I agree with Jameison and make it a room with several functions. Make it a useful space.

Thanks again, loving the ideas

Wedidthesame thing as Judy did. We switched our sitting room and dining room.

Yes the curtains will be going, but I've never had a home with a box in for the curtains, any tips here. Our last house we had them removed but it was $$$ and we are on a tighter budget this time around. thanks!

Keep the built-in for the windows. You could get new drapes, or better yet mount shades or I like the panel track systems. Either way it is a great feature so I would just use it.

The room looks long and narrow. Use that length to your advantage. At the far end I would get rid of the faux-fireplace and build a library. If money allows go with build-ins, or until then you can use a series of smaller bookcases to fill the far wall. It is hard to determine the amount of space, but I would either put a small round table and 4 chairs in front of the shelving that can be used for studying, games and on holidays for overflow dining. You will need to consider some type of overhead lighting, but you can swag a light if running new wires is out of the question.

I would leave the window cornice. You can use it to hide ambient lighting, a more contemporary style curtain or suspend artwork from. In front of the window I would look at a loveseat or small sofa facing the window flanked by a couple of small but comfortable chairs. Don't forget a rug to unite this grouping. I can imagine this a being a great place to get away to read or have a quiet conversation - away from the TV room. Since the room is large and has ample natural light, I would love to see a rich color on the wall to give it a cozy feel.

Good luck!

this might help, make two sofa face to each other