you posted a picture of the desk and none of the room! it would help a lot to see the space. I might also paint the desk and chair distressed historical color. the layout and idea of built ins look and sound great. seeing the space helps us help you with color and such.

If you are going to be spending your life in this space I think it's well worth hiring a designer to help. This space looks unique and needs to be seen in person. I think multiple seating areas could be fun so you are not ignoring any part of the room.

It would be helpfull to hear more about your style and see other pictures, for us to help you picing out specific pieces.

Placing the sofas in front of vindows would also be a possibility because facing away from the entrence to a room is not the most optional setting.

If you do not what to build the tv unit yourself or know someone who does, then blacing vitrine cabinets is an easy option to create a nice library wall. Check out IKEA.com for cheap furnitures and art decor.

Chose dark brown furnitures, if your kicthen is dark, and then choose dark beige sofa covers. Otherwise go white and cream.

The website has sofa fabric covers as well.

@flairlighting, I love the idea of painting the desk and chair, but I will have to convince DH since he thinks it's a sin to paint wood. I convinced him once to let me paint some bathroom cabinets though, and it looked so good, he had to admit I was right!

@Kevin, I know what you mean about the unique space. The woodburning stove was a last minute decision and from an efficiency standpoint I think we chose the right spot, but I lost the space I had planned for a chess table. Maybe a designer will end up in the cards when we have all the money together for the furniture and such, but I am anxious to start looking at choices.

@TrineVig, I was just thinking this morning that I need to get down to Ikea to look at some pieces for my office. I have never been there (we don't have a close one yet). I've only seen the website and catalogs.

I am posting some more pics, but please don't judge my housekeeping (or photography) skills -We just got back from vacation and had a 21 yr old here watching the pets! Can't really complain though, he did good.

Thanks everyone!!

'That brown dog' (as my elderly mother calls him), is a bit needy and has to get in almost every pic I take!

As far as my "style", I would say a combination of casual, transitional, farmhouse with a bit of coastal. I like organic things, but I also like color. If I had to spend my entire decorating budget in one place it would probably be Ballard Designs, if that tells you anything.

I'm eager to play in your room a bit. I'll return later with some visuals.

Repeating what groveraxle is pointing out. I would redo the curtains. mayby try to only hang fabic on each side of all the windows, and please bring in some light.

If your not looking for replacing the furnitures, this arrangement is great, but you could also move them around and try to place othervise. MAybe the sofa by the windows and place the cahirs across and then find an ottoman or two. you like to place across from tv. They have a lot of great ones here on Houzz.

Adding a rug under the dining table would also make the room more comfy.

IKEA is definatley worth a drive. I have to drive one and a half to get to the nearest IKEA, but it is worth it every time. Its is a cheap way to redo a design in a room or your intire house.

Are you liking any of the units from IKEA and mostly the price. I think your big tv need such a big unit.

Rearange the art work on your walls and bring in some new big pieces. play around with some pillows to give some color to the room. IKEA have some great art decor and lighting. Bring in the blue to your living room or go white/beige.

i think

light gray sofa, to mesh with the wall,

light accent pieces to give the eye a place to go

longer curtains perhaps that you can hang a little higher.

built ins would be great.

I actually like the lighter wood tones against the dark wall.

pull the entire set up back about 2-3 feet, soak up some dead space and open up the room a bit.

you have a great sense of style.

do not get matchy matchy chairs with the new stuff.

Burlap curtains hung high, leather chairs from Pottery Barn (on sale at the moment), Printmaker's media cabinet from Restoration Hardware, simple graphic canvas (in keeping with the graphic piece on the right wall):

console behind couch in a natural wood tone.

built ins

love what groveraxle and flair lighting have done. definitely helps brighten up the space, which is already great to start with.

groveraxle, did you do that in photoshop? looks wonderful.

Flair, you've covered up that beautiful accent wall.

I think the burlap curtains would fit your organic style and add some nice texture. I think Ballard's carries them. :)

beautiful accent wall......its just paint gray.. (just saying) also she had mentioned wanting built ins, so im showing her. Also built in create a way to accent, display and conceal things... I think its too vast the other way. maybe a lighter shade of the blue gray would solve that.

its just one girls thoughts lol. I dont want to come off like "it's just", its a beautiful home.

Oh Flair, I'm just pulling your leg. But I do like the large expanse of gray wall left more open. But then, you know I'm not a knick-knacky kind of girl. ;-)

Wow! You've all given me some great advice and things to think about. Thank you so much for sharing your time!! Nice work.

Everyone mentioned the curtains and it's funny because those were from our last home and I dyed them grey to hang (temporarily) over the windows before I got the faux wood blinds. I will definitely invest in some new longer ones and raise them up. Most everything in here is what we had already and it is time for new things that are more suited for the space. The leather seating still looks good but not as comfortable anymore, so it will be replaced. I can't believe how much I like the pieces you have all shown here.

So, No one has mentioned a sectional?! I was starting to think it would be a good idea but I've been reluctant to go there anyway.... Have never seen one yet that calls my name.

TrineVig, Did you mean to only hang curtains on the very ends of the rods? I like the idea since it means purchasing fewer panels, lol. Also, I never close them anyway. I closed the blinds when I took the pics so it wouldn't have as much glare.

Should I change the rod out then? Will it look weird going all the way across with only panels on the ends?

Also, I have been on the lookout for a rug to put under the dining room table but didn't really have any idea what would look good. Thank you for the inspiration ones you posted. Gotta get to Ikea soon...

Groveraxle, I have Burlap curtains in my bedroom. Good read on what appeals to me :) And Yes that little sofa is the dog bed. I found it Overstock and couldn't resist. Thanks for the compliment on the dark wall. I just love the color- It's called Liquid Mercury by Behr. My husband really wants some staggered floating shelves on that wall flanking the console and TV. I'm not "nick-nacky" either ;-) and things on shelves need lots of dusting! I think I like the long console with art and those beautiful chairs better.

Flair Lighting, I agree that the arrangement needs to come back some. We actually pushed it all forward so visiting children would have more space in front of the stove in the winter when it was burning non-stop and it just ended up staying there. I think a console behind the sofa is a great idea if it remains in this position in the room. Thanks for showing me what built-ins might look like; I love the ones you show here but I also like my gray wall. Maybe a compromise with low closed built-ins in a light color and art above?

So much to think about! Thanks again everyone for all the great input (and the nice compliments)!

yes, I do @grover. btw my fern died........you be pleased to know im looking for something less tall LOL>

@centur...... l do think low ones would look nice as well, or maybe an long white console?

I would hire and invest in a professional designer definitely for the living area and kitchen and master bedroom / master bath. This property is your last home and you will be spending lots of years here. The rest of the house I would just do some of your favorite things and incorporate distinct room personalities but in the main areas make sure the designer uses what you already have and mixes a few new acent pwives in if needed make sure the colors are ones you love and that the style suits you 100% and that you feel good and relaxed in the space they design for you. Add your own little touches such as baskets to store things in and pillows and throws good luck!

It is not a "sin" to paint wood, cabinets and flea market finds, yes, but that desk and chair are so classic on their own, I would not paint them. They are a rich, beautiful color. Yeah, that one would be a sin.

Don't paint the desk and one day you and I will have the only unpainted antique furniture left! ; )

I wasn't ready for one large piece of furniture in our new living room. We went with two 8' couches, one upholstered chair with wood arms and legs in a classic style (check World Market), large rug and big rustic square coffee table. We got Ikea bookshelves and tv table for our big wall like yours.

I would advise against built ins taller than counter height. Tall bookcases make a room feel closed in. And don't put in staggered shelving. It will make the room look disordered. If your husband insists on shelving, tell him he can have it....in the garage. I learned most of this the hard way. I owned a gift/toy store and had lots of professional help on how to do the display. It makes a huge difference. I also use glass cube pieces. You can purchase them at a store that sells display to other stores. You can get any size and they are easy to put together. Again, I never go above about 30 inches high in my home but had higher ones in the store. Keep them uniform, mine are all the same size cube. I have them behind the couch and as a buffet. I mostly keep books and kids' toys in them for my grandchildren. But I love a bit of whimsy.

Centaurita, I like the idea of swivel chairs for your living room. They can be turned to watch t.v. or to face the sofa for conversation. I believe these are the same chairs that Groveraxle posted but in a swivel base. They're also available with nailheads.

Desk is great as is -- please ignore the suggestion someone made to paint it.

Wouldn't cover or hide the leather unless it's damaged or you need to do so to prevent damage. Personally prefer the leather to any upholstered stuff that catches dust and smells. If you add larger furniture pieces, I'd suggest you keep the better chair(s) for the dogs -- they seem to own them already.

Since the windows are tall and yet you still seem to have a high ceiling, adding a wood cornice -- wood finished or painted per your preference -- could help leave less naked wall space, but I, personally, prefer the idea of wood shutters or wood look mini blinds instead -- more solid look/feel and seems to be more in line with your other taste choices (and mine).

If you opt for drapes or curtains (smell and dust gatherers) in lieu of shutters or the wood look blinds, any cornice added should need to be deep enough to go over both blinds and a double curtain rod for sheers and drapes to preserve your future options. I'm not a knick-knack kind of person either -- not fond of dusting -- and clutter, along with being a target for handling and breaking by children and pets, clutters the mind as well.

You might consider a "stuff" cabinet for framed photographs, gifts, mementos, collectibles -- things you value and want to keep but don't want to dust. Consider having made a wide (or two narrower) cabinet(s) with shallow shelves and glass front doors for knick knacks such stuff for above tv height on that tv wall -- a way to personalize the space without cluttering it.

Sectionals limit your placement options and I'd never recommend them, even in the largest rooms, besides, your leather choices are great as is.

@Suzan- Thank you for the well thought out advice on shelving! I like the glass cube idea, if not for this room perhaps in my office (my next room to focus on). I would like to see a picture of the ones you are using for buffet. I do like a bit of the unexpected.

@katinparadise- Yes those chairs do look the same except the feet on one Groveraxle posted. I love the nailhead detail, and yes swivel does make sense.

@suezbell & lisamcmonkey- Thank you for the insight on sectionals and more ideas!

The White blinds you see in the photos are faux wood but in white with woodgrain texture. We chose white since there is already so much wood in the house. I do think we will keep some drapes in the room, because we have noticed the acoustics in these two room are not great. I like the idea of cornices but it might seem a little too formal for us. I will have to look on Houzz to see some different types.

I'm not a huge fan of family and friend photos in the living area, for some reason (maybe because it reminds of mom and grandma's house, lol), so those, will be relocated to a wall I have reserved for them in the hall. DH's Firefighter collectibles will go on display in the office by his desk, so we will have a minimum of decorative items that we love in here. We have been eyeballing some new art and sculptures for this room when it is complete.

@flairlighting, I am not a big fan of matchy matchy furnishings either, too formal looking in my opinion. I looked for months a few years ago, to find some living room tables that went together but did not match. Right now two of them are in this room, the big square coffee table and the small round table with the library dog on it. They actually came as a 3 pc. set. The other one is just hanging out in another room at the moment. It is round, card table height ,a little more than 30" across. I don't feel like it will work in the living room right now, I still like these tables.

Please forgive if I'm repeating someone else's comments....I read through some of the comments but skimmed the rest. It's late, I'm tired - if that's an excuse. :)

I know you like the TV where it is but would you consider moving it to the wall opposite the windows? It seems rather lost on that very large accent wall. The furniture would turn and it would certainly open up the space, making it feel accessible and not so closed off, plus it would give you access to the wood-burning fireplace. You could then place bookcases and/or art on the accent wall, as well as the pieces you currently have. As a side note, consider placing the desk chair on a diagonal as though it is simply waiting for someone to take a seat. It's a little foreboding to have it placed against the desk...

Just a note, I love color and I really appreciate how you're not afraid to incorporate it into your wall colors. Make sure to bring it down into the room with some accessories!

I would choose a leather sofa, and mix it with a couple of fabric pieces. Two nice comfy chairs for you to relax in,or read a book to your grandkids. The living room is large enough you could put a low bookcase on the wall going into the kitchen, and create a nice cozy sitting & reading area for the kids. I don't know if I would add built ins, they are nice, but if you do that it
will make what you see be this big massive wall and everything
else lose its notable existence. Keep rustic but don't 'old
McDonalds farm' style it up' too much. ; ) looks like a cool house.

Don't forget to look in estate sales and Craigslist for accent pieces - larger things, too, like sofas, if you can see through current fabric to the basic lines. You can recover/repaint/refinish things you might find, you're not spending as much, and you're not buying MORE STUFF!

LoL antqueenie, " 'old
McDonalds farm' style it up'"

What does that mean? I have a picture in my head of what the buyers did to my old house after they bought it!!

So many ideas, I have nothing to add but I want to show you what your desk might look like if you painted it, because I have a similar one, minus those amazing sexy legs, and I painted it. Here is a pic......

yours is a one of a kind and so beautiful as is.

labincurlers, That looks awesome! I love the feet on your desk. They are exactly like a table my mom had when I was a kid. is that hutch part of the desk or did you add it on? Looks great! I have no sentimental attachment to this one since I got a great deal on it at a church yard sale, so I still might paint it at some point.

columbia93, Excellent point about bringing the wall color down into the room! Thank you!

I got a kick out of your comment about the chair position being "foreboding". Thanks for the giggle :-)

Over the desk, reverse the prints. Put the large one at the bottom and the three smaller ones above. It will look more anchored. They might need to be a little lower too, to "connect" with the desk.

Have you considered using the desk behind the sofa like a sofa table? Personally, I would put the TV on the right as a counter balance to the corner FP, and turn the seating to face the entry in a more welcoming way. This is a rough idea and may not include all your furniture. Swivel chairs will be flexible for turning to TV or to conversation and/or watching the fire.

decoenthusiaste, It never occurred to me to try reversing the seating. I'm sure my husband would have a minor fit if he had to rerun the cable, but this is something to consider. It would be nice to also see the fire from the sofa.

deco you nailed it I love that idea, then you could have a gallery wall behind the sofa to high light the accent wall and you would also be looking at the entrance to the room rather than back to it!!

Thanks, flair! It just seems like the natural way to enjoy a dual focal point of FP/TV while opening up the room. Moving the cable is a must for a functional and comfortable room. I have several holes in my floors to pull the cable through when I want to rearrange!

Glad you liked my desk. It is all one piece and I used Modern Masters Metallic paint.