Hi jeanettei,

I ran across another post last night that has tons of information about other good brands of sofas. It goes back to 2012, but is still active. If you don't see information about the brands you're looking at on there, you can ask. Thought this might be a valuable resource for you:
[choosing-a-great-sofa-manufacturer-with-a-good-price-point[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/choosing-a-great-sofa-manufacturer-with-a-good-price-point-dsvw-vd~281623)

We are an hour North of New Paltz. We have been living in a very small A-frame and our new house seems like a mansion to us...haha...I will play around with the configurations...thanks for the resource...it's good to have options especially the ability to change the fabric and base colors! You have given me lots to think about and I appreciate your time helping me. BTW where are you located now? Hope it's not The Texas areas affected by Hurricane Harvey!!! Praying for those affected....so devastating it puts my decorating dilemma in perspective...

Thanks DH...I am devouring the thread...but I need to get back to work and revisit it later!! I see Lee Industries in on the list too...I believe you recommended them earlier. It's great having these resources to become a more educated consumer!

Jeanettei, you're being so tremendously gracious here, this thread is a joy to read. Thank you.

(Former mid-Hudson Valley-ite, here. Now Texas...)

Pajarito will check out the websites you posted!! Thanks again! Pennydesign you are so sweet thank you! Where in Texas are you? Are you affected by Hurricane Harvey? I pray you and your families are safe from the storm.

Everyone...just a side note my dining / sun room is 18.5'x10' with the opening 12.5' and the living area open space beyond the island towards the window wall is 24'x11'. It is difficult for me to imagine any other layout due to the entertainment unit so if you could help me visualize perhaps I would have a better understanding of the vision for moving the living room where the dining room is located. I was going to work on the living area first but maybe I have to incorporate a plan for the dining as well to see if it needs relocating or if I can make it work as it's being planned now...I am hearing what you all are saying and many of you believe the change would work and I just don't see how with that 142" wide entertainment unit which btw is housing a 75" TV. That's why I wanted the barn doors to keep it closed unless viewing.

Jeanettei. If you don't have a 12' wall in the sun room/dining room for the entertainment unit, I don't see how it could ever work. But it is interesting how long and narrow your rooms are. Personally, I think your present arrangement is the best for your lifestyle. I too am devouring the post by DH about purchasing quality furniture. So interesting and I thought I knew a lot about it . . . I did not know half of it. And particularly like knowing the names of the quality manufacturers. The chairs are beautiful but mucho $$$$.

How many feet is from the wall unit to the edge of island? What is the size of that space not counting going past the island? Your dimensions help me understand your lay out better.

The island to the wall unit is 10.5'. Thanks for wanting to understand my space.

The space doesn't feel narrow because it's all open to kitchen and the window wall gives the illusion of space. Add 87" for the kitchen space includes island.

With 10.5' you should have plenty of room to make a sitting area in front of the wall unit for movie/TV viewing without extending into the kitchen area. If it was my space I would try to make three areas; the tv area with a small sofa or and or swivel chairs. the kitchen/ dining table combo, with the table centered on the island in front of the beautiful windows and the sunroom for relaxing and reading with a love sofa ,chairs and the desk on the wall with out windows flanked by open book shelves or art. I think you have plenty of space and I just love the design.Not sure if that would work without being in the space as I am a visual person.

Pajarito's idea sounds like a good one if space permits. Is it possible to see a floor plan layout? The issue may be having folks in to watch the game but that may be something you guys don't do. I wanted to ask, Jeanette, what is a passive house. I'm not familiar with that term. Thanks.

Parjarito I am processing your ideas.... thank you for giving me a visual. Seajaygerns Passive House is a rigorous international building standard for energy efficiency in buildings and includes criteria for energy demand and airtightness. Passive House–certified projects are up to 90 percent more efficient to heat than a project built to satisfy the minimum code requirements. Passive House–certified components, including windows and heat recovery ventilation systems, help builders and designers meet the Passive House standard. Lots to think about!

WOW. Certainly a lot to think about but very interesting. A house actually built using criteria that was just on the drawing board not so long ago. I know it must be gorgeous and you love it. Winter in the Catskills will tell the story. ;-).

fascinating!!

Well I thought about it and decided to go ahead and change the layout like Parjarito suggested and then take another photo. I am a visual person so this will give me a chance to get a feel for it as another option. Will keep you posted....

Gosh that sounds like a really familiar idea...

;)

Thanks for the kind words Jeanette...

We're fine where we are (north).

Hi Everyone,

Let me know what you think about this layout compared to the previous layout... Thanks in advance!!

Yes Pennydesign your out of the box thinking finally is being implemented let me know what you think. Hubby is not home yet so he will be shocked upon his return... your feedback is appreciated...

It has to work for you...what do you think?

Would you like some tea? You're thoroughly exhausting me, girl...

ETA: Wait. There's a box?!?

I think it really works with a little tweaking. I guess I never read Pennydesign posts but I guess we were thinking along the same lines. I only looked at the images you had posted!

Another perspective...

Well Pennydesign I guess I was wearing the box and couldn't get out....I am still processing I could make the table smaller it has an extension on it?

Parjarito not only Pennydesign but many others wanted me to switch the dining and living areas...I couldn't see it working. Now wait until my husband comes home to see his desk moved...he will either love it or not...although maybe I can save money and not have to buy so many new pieces? That he would love...

The dining table looks great in that space, but other things about it don't work. Those two chairs are going to be way too close to a 75" TV and the rug under the TV chairs is wrong. If you go with this configuration, I think you need a rug under the dining table to define that space, and no rug under the TV chairs.

You are right Groveraxle I was too lazy to move the rug to the other room. Will need to make the table smaller and move the chairs back and get an appropriate rug for under the table. Maybe the chairs should face the view... I was in a hurry wanted to get things moved before husband came home... He agreed to live with it for awhile... All he said was you've been on Houzz... as always thanks for your honest feedback say hi to Oliver and let him know I'll be waiting for his stamp of approval. Haha!

If you're still going to do leather furniture, one thing that will most quickly destroy it is UV light from big windows.

If you buy a quality leather piece, make sure you have some UV film protection on your windows to help preserve the leather.

I looked at the Roger and Chris website. Pocketed coils are decent but the best standard is true 8-way hand tied springs. Two leather furniture manufacturers that make their furniture in the US with 8-way hand tied spring construction are Bradington Young and Hancock & Moore. Bradington Young is cheaper. Hancock & Moore is the gold standard with real hardwood frames, expert tailoring and a vast selection of leathers.

Groveraxle I moved the chairs back and made the table smaller... I moved the carpet under table...it's not an appropriate rug for dining.

Thank you mmilos DH has been educating me on what to look for in a quality sofa too! I did not know that about Roger+ Chris furniture... I am so lucky to have so many people helping me...so happy with the support!!!

I moved the carpet under the sofa... ok I done for the evening...see pics and let me know if this is better... the end table goes in our multipurpose room just used it for pic

I was thinking what Groveraxle posted. In the new living room I would turn the sofa 45 degrees to face the front (red chair); put hubby's desk behind it and his chest back by his desk. I would still have two chairs opposite the sofa for a conversation area. If you kept this configuration, two swivel chairs would be great in front of the TV. But before I settled on this arrangement, I would suggest turning on the TV to see how you feel about being so close to such a large TV. The table looks fine without the leaf. Maybe move the sweater rug to the new living room and get a more appropriate one for under the table.

Ok Seajaygerns see sofa turned...

Thanks. I like it. What do you think.

jeanetei, your home is beautiful and I'm in love with every light fixture! I've been following along but didn't see if you ever posted the dimensions of the room. It's surely long enough but what is the width from the window wall to the leading edge of the countertop?

And since it will usually be just you and your husband, do you expect to sit at the island on the stools with your back to the windows regularly or more for while one of you is cooking and the other is sitting to chat before dinner or for just a quick bowl of cereal in the morning?

Does the arhaus piece fit in the sunroom, and move your husbands desk to the stair area?

Hi Everyone,
We tried living with the new layout for a little while however feel more comfortable with the previous set up. It was a good exercise though! Joe thank you for your compliments on our lighting! Also note, We moved the bar stools to the side of the island. Darralisa the Arhaus piece only fits that wall. After thinking about our lifestyle when we have guests over we usually hang out at the dining table so that will be our area for entertaining. The kitchen/ great room is where my husband and I will hang out to chat, admire the view, read or watch tv. Thanks for all your help with the layout. And with your help...I am now an educated consumer and will go out and try out various quality 8 way hand tied appropriate sized sofas. I can't say thank you enough for all your options and help on this challenging space...I am happy!!

Wow - (from over here in the balcony viewing area ... )Thank you all for your thoughtful input and suggestions. This has been very educational for me as a homeowner seeking knowledge on furniture layout and cohesive decorating. Great insightful thread and interaction from all of you!!

Please don't forget update photos...

It's beautiful now, I would love to see it when it's done....

Jeanettei. It was important I think to try something new. You will never know if you don't. From a pragmatic standpoint I would have gone back to the original layout too. There were elements of the new layout that I liked better but not the whole layout. So nice of you to be so accommodating.

Hi julietippets...yes this has been an education for me too! I am like a sponge trying to learn as much as possible. Because of all the insight and help everyone provided here on Houzz I feel armed and ready to go out and find the right furniture that appropriately fits my space! Before Houzzer's feedback I would not have been prepared and am forever grateful. Pennydesign once completed and/or if I need a little more help while out shopping I will post photos! Seajaygerns I am so happy I went through the process of the various layouts! I would have always wondered.... I feel totally satisfied and ready to move forward now. Oh I want to give a shout out to Groveraxle and Oliver...thanks again for the visuals and feedback...I will keep in touch!

mmilos - Regarding sofa construction, you said "Pocketed coils are decent but the best standard is true 8-way hand tied springs". Can I ask on what you're basing that opinion?

I've once had the unfortunate experience of purchasing a sofa that didn't hold up. Literally... it wouldn't hold up my butt. After 6 months of use I was sitting on the floor. (The suspension in that particular sofa was belt webbing, which I subsequently learned is the worst of all types).

We're now considering purchasing two sofas from Roger + Chris. In my scholarly wisdom these days (hard knocks), I've learned it helps to put the research in front of the purchase.

In their article, Red Flags When Sofa Shopping , Roger + Chris seem to make a pretty good case for pocketed coils being a bit better than 8-way hand tied.

As an engineer myself, the pocketed coil system makes a little more sense to me both in terms of durability (greater spring volume) and evenly distributed support (more springy things per square inch of butt).

Of course, I'm sure we won't be reliving the past with either... just curious as to what makes you lean toward 8-way hand tied.

rogerc

These articles might be of interest to you in your search for a quality sofa at a good price point:
https://www.thespruce.com/judging-furniture-quality-1391215

https://www.google.com/amp/www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/decorating-ideas/amp17492/sofa-buying-may07/

[https://www.houzz.com/magazine/things-you-need-to-know-about-buying-a-sofa-stsetivw-vs~11734542[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/things-you-need-to-know-about-buying-a-sofa-stsetivw-vs~11734542)

Hi Everyone...It took longer than I thought due to $ but I did want to end this old thread with the photos I promised. I also wanted to say thank you for taking the time to educate me on the quality of sofas / sectional. We ended up picking out a Lee Industries Sectional and if fits perfectly. My hubby is happy his desk remained and is thrilled with the comfort of the Chaise portion of the sectional for optimal TV viewing. Also, our dining room is completed...just using our old chairs for now.

Thank you for posting this. It's always so nice to find out what happened. Great job! I'm hoping you will end up replacing the red chair in the living room with one of the leather swivels you were looking at before.

enjoy!

Hi ShwShw, the Red Chair is temporary and the Leather Swivel Chair is still under consideration. We need to go to Zin Home in New Jersey to see it and do a comfort check first. The sectional we purchased was expensive so we are waiting a bit before moving forward on a new chair. Another thing to consider is that if we do a swivel chair it would need to sit completely on the rug while a 4 legged chair would not...just wondering your thoughts on that?

Hmmm.... so true. Looks like you have room to pull the rug out away from the window wall and give yourself more rug to put the chair on. So exciting about the new chair.

The couch looks great in your space. Smart to get something with a lower back to mazimize your views!