Keep your dining area right where it is so you don't have to travel too far. I love banquettes too, so maybe you could put one underneath the window with chairs on the side closest to your greatroom.

I agree with ledeegan. The dining room is where it needs to be. The banquette, if built in, could give you some extra storage under the seats. Make drawers below the seats for easy access. That way you don't have to move the cushions everytime you need to get something out of seat storage.

Hi! So, is your Dining Room furniture formal or casual? If its formal and assuming it's not more than 6 chairs ... Consider placing it to the RIGHT of the front door (between the door and stairs). It's a small enough space to use and be used, and easy to walk around to get to the stairs. I'd recommend using the dining area on the plan as a "Hearth Room" or what we call a Carolina Room, for a quaint living space. Use your Living Room as, a Living Room. You already have Dining Room in this scenario, and you have a food bar at the island, if you built per the plan. I'd ask the question, Do you need a third dining space? Living space is more usable, and the proximity of the Dining Area near the stairs makes the area feel more "dressed," while the Carolina Room makes for an opportunity to do something really interesting for a cozy area right off of the Kitchen. This area is ultimately, the heart of the house. Best of luck. M.

Is the house already built? If not, I would move the front door a smidge to the right so you have a defined entrance, rather than ending up right in the middle of the living room. I would not put the tv where the fireplace is, instead arrange a sitting area to the left of the front door and keep the dining room where it is.

Your furniture placement will be easier to configure if you don't have to account for people walking through the centre of the room: it's a big open area, but will in effect be chopped in half by a walkway. I had this problem in our current house - we moved a doorway in our dining/kitchen area only 1 meter to the right, and it seriously looks like we have twice the space! I put pics on my blog a little while ago at www.thislittlehouse.com.au

:) Elise