I think Erica will have to guide us. With the lines of sight as you enter this space (coming in with the babies) it is all French. Except the sofa and the large TV unit. So, that is my problem. So Erica, you are the owner and the one who lives in the space and it needs to work for you. So, if you are happy with the sofa and TV unit where it is, that is fine. No worries. A trick I use to assess layouts is stand at openings and take pictures, something like what you did with the puppies and look at the photo. Sometimes the photo reveals things you don't see when you are physically in the space. Just you be happy!

My thought was to make the "French Sitting room with fireplace" where the sofa TV area is now. I realize there is an "outside" space but I need to ask Erica when she entertains, how does the space work? Does everyone gather outside or near the kitchen or both? Erica, how do you see things now that you have tried different approaches? Or are you too tired to think about it? Maybe we need to give you some breathing room! I might try a little layout for you in a bit so you have a visual.

I have done a 3D visual for you. Now this program is very limited in its selections, so you will have to use your imagination to "see" your things but I placed the basic items in place for you. the empty portion on the right is the kitchen, but couldn't put that into the drawing since they don't offer kitchens yet. At any rate, the idea is to put the "man cave" up toward left foyer side of entry, then fireplace and seating area upper left quadrant, round table center stage, breakfast on right side (as is now). I like the "line of sight" from foyer to round center table and on outside to patio. You can enter the seating areas from center area which directs "traffic" in a nice way. I also just used a console. Since most people tend to gather around kitchen for gatherings, I like the casual side of space with leather sofa near kitchen area. But that is my experience. Erica, you can express your thoughts on what happens when you entertain and we can go either way. I think the only real thing we are discussing at this point, is location of man cave and French "fireplace" setting. See if this helps you visualize things.

I think this answers your above questions. The furnishings aren't the best, but they depict pieces at least. The TV unit on the wall across from sofa. The sofa and a sofa table create a small entry area beyond the foyer. The snack bar would be on that right wall, but I couldn't put that into this version. Then a chair, end table, etc. I just put the basics in to give you a perspective. With this version, you will have a "dynamic" view from foyer through "entry" space (behind sofa) and into central area then out to patio outside area. The main thing you would see upon entering is the central area and the French area. Either way works, I think is just your call. I like the idea also of the length part of the space, i.e. the French side, center and breakfast side all in the same "décor" French. Then the casual space is separate. That is kind of my logic anyway. I am so glad to hear you have sliders! I figured you must moving all this stuff around. Super woman, that's you!

I would push the sofa toward the TV wall about 4" or so. But I like it. We have a constructive couple of opinions here, so I guess Erica will be deciding what she likes best. To me grouping all the French look on the outer space makes it much more important and cohesive. But you have lots of options. Just live with some for now and see how you feel. If it feels good, you have hit upon the right one.

If you like the sofa floating with a table behind it, you could flank the table with that pair of straight back chairs. They won't be comfortable for watching TV or FP, but as a table for a game of chess or scrabble they would work. This is English Country, but you see how it would work.

English Country House · More Info

You're welcome! Feel free to take a break until your rugs come in and then get back to posting pix. They'll make a big difference, as will the FP. Here are a couple of inspirations for a cozy French FP and a comfortable chair beside it. Don't forget, if you find that something you have is not working, Craig's List can convert it to $$ you can invest in the perfect replacement.

Country French Family Room · More Info

Juelle French Country Barrel Back Linen Salon Chair · More Info

Almost looks like Sea Salt.

Her little round rug under the straight chairs seems to have a center portion that looks like Sea Salt too. Since she's ordering it in a larger size, I think we should wait on it to make a color decision.

Hi guys ! Thanks for all the countinued help! Funny thing that you guys are talking paint colors as for the past couple days I have been trying different paint swatches to get a idea . I love that color in the photo Bell! My rugs and chairs are sea foam blue ! Got one of the larger rugs in for the breakfast area . An 8ft round . Got the fireplace ordered and a mirror to go above it . I'll post pics soon!

Turn the mirror vertically, and hopefully it won't be wider than the firebox opening. The lower frame should be 5" above the mantel. I'd prefer a pair of these nice, comfy Bergere chairs I showed you earlier instead of the stiff, straight back chairs. Glad to see the wrought iron candle holders gone in the second photo, but there is too much artificial greenery.

Juelle French Country Barrel Back Linen Salon Chair · More Info

Looks nice. Deco's comments I agree with. I would just add, learn to "edit". That means, don't "overload" space with "stuff". If you look at some of the photos, especially the French ones, you will notice that they are staged without a lot of visual distractions. Just because you "have" something, doesn't mean you have to use it. Greenery is the most overused. You can use the two iron floor pieces with the balls on top, but group them together on the left side of the fireplace. That turns them into "one" item. Spreading out a bunch of little things is very distracting. Simple, clean, but warm. I think with a "settee" this area would look really well designed. You might try that round table over toward the corner between your two chairs. Open up that space to the right and probably move the tall palm (even though we used it as a part of the "divider of the space" to a corner. Too big and bulky. Those are my thoughts. But I have to give it to you Erica, you rock with energy and you absorb so much quickly. Very impressive! Keep it up!

Ceilings are 8 1/2 . Thanks guys ! How should the area be arranged then ?

Hi there I'm on the businesses/ remodeling and renovations .. i like the chears around the place it really looks great ..kitchen cabinets no doubt about the color goes with the hardwood floor..I'm working on a 7 bathrooms houses doing remodeling on it i have about 4000sq foot of hardwood floor to do all solid wood oak and it lookd just like yours.

Those are great bbmaggie! Just what the Re-Design Doctor ordered (that is my business moniker.)

Sorry I've been absent a few days ! I love those chairs ! Ill take some photos and post soon . The mirror I just bought cause it matches all the other picture frames . Also bell, I love the fireplace ! the flame is more realistic then a lot I have seen . It's by Real Flame . Puts out great heat " even tho I'm only using it for looks lol"

The mirror doesn't have to match, but then again, a French mirror might look a bit odd since the fireplace is not French style. Guess you could try one just to see.

Hey just wanted to let you know that I had not forgotten about you. I just got busy trying to get my house semi finished before the holidays. I hope you are doing well. I have thought about you and hoped your Thanksgiving went well and that you were happy with the design changes.