The best advice I can give is to measure the area you have & measure a sectional you are thinking about & put down blue painters tape on the floor where you plan to position the sectional. You are somewhat hindered by the pony walls with the columns at the entry of the room. Plus think about the FP & the TV both being the focal point of the room. I would tend to think that the TV should go into either corner next to the FP to allow more room for seating.

Then a sectional could float in the middle of the room, but will you have any room for any additional seating. Measure, measure, measure.

Move your current chairs and sofa into an "L" like a sectional facing the windows. FP and TV can both be seen and you can figure out over a few days what the +/- of it are before making a big purchase. You might compromise by letting him have the sectional if you get to pick out an upholstery other than cold leather. Otherwise, you'll end up with a man cave here, IMO.

Leather is very masculine,cold,and can be scratched by dog claws and other things. It is durable. Microfiber fabric is durable,remarkably cleanable, comes in colors and textures that cover most possibilities. I had boy children and good fabric was my favorite choice. Price points vary so much on upholstered furniture.i would spend some time looking at furniture stores that are available to you. Comfort trumps looks so you will have to sit and narrow things down before dragging your husband into the stores. Cheap furniture falls apart quickly,expensive furniture can be durable or trendy and costly but not durable. If you are not able to work on it have a professional give you some help.

I put TV's over fireplaces all the time. There are rules to follow to do it but in a small room it helps you not fracture the seating because of multiple focal points.

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You have to be a little stubborn too or else you'll be living with a sectional. Tell him you really don't want a sectional or leather. Dig your heels in. Then after that has sunk in, after a few days or however long that takes, then suggest a compromise (or better yet, let him, if he is motivated to get the furniture before the holidays).

Another idea to convince him is to find a sofa and chair set that is a lot cheaper than the average price of a comparable leather sectional.

There are also many sofas and chairs that come with washable covers. The microfiber is a great idea also for a growing family.

If you will send me the dimensions of the room, I can do a floor plan/furniture arrangement for you. Sometimes a visual picture helps make the right decision. Since your husband is an engineer, he might appreciate that.

Having the lamps in the corners will be good for reading also. I added a small chest/table by entry way with lamp. An 8x10 area rug. I really should pull the recliner in so front legs are on rug, but wasn't sure if room enough or if it would block doorway.

If the room is mostly used as FR and watching TV, this is a pretty good setup. Tell Mr. Engineer he has been outvoted and to sit back in his recliner and relax. No sectional. He might be ok with a leather recliner, they do make some great ones now that do not look like a smart car.

Here is room with recliner moved onto rug.

I am a fan of leather furniture. I agree with many of the other posters that you should choose a sofa and chairs for flexibility. A leather sofa does not have to be black or brown or clunky. They are available in fashion colors and clean-lined designs. Or, you can go for the European streamlined recliner in leather. They, too, are available in many different colors. I have new Palliser leather furniture (teal green) and my husband's recliner (cognac) is also made by Palliser. (www.palliser.com) He has had his recliner for 9 years and it looks like new. Every man who visits our home makes a bee-line for the recliner. Have fun with your decorating!

Adjusted the room dimensions per your drawing, made little difference, I was pretty close. Measure furniture before buying to make sure it fits, if this plan works for the family.

Just one step at a time. Decide what colors you want in the room. Start with your large furniture. If you are replacing a sofa or chairs, buy those 1st. Once that decision is made then look for tables, lamps and a rug. We can help with all of those items with ideas and sources. Then tackle your wall color (if you are changing it) Your choices in paint are 10x those for picking furniture. Drapes and accessories, such as pictures, pillows and other décor items.

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When you go shopping you go first by yourself and find three stores with a sofa that you like and all the pieces you want to consider and show. Then bring in hubs without the kids; too distracting. The the two of you decide together. Go from there.

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Love the custom romanshades in a bery basic off the shelf room. I am assuming there is a fireplace and a tv in the room.

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Look on line and in local stores for sofas that will accommodate your lifestyle. And price and quality compare. Same with the chairs and recliner. Those will be your major purchases. Once you get those basic pieces we can help with adding tables, lamps and a good rug. By then you will have the major decisions made and you can have real fun finishing the room.

Good advice, soosun. The last thing we need is for you to be back here with a problem with a sectional because it was too good a deal to pass up. :>)

Start with a furniture layout and make a space plan. That is number 1. Make a budget.