Nice fresh start! What do you want to do in the extra space? Read? Entertain? or something else?

No large clock, please.

The vertical blinds are coming down, being replaced with curtains.

Make sure the curtain rod extends out far enough that the curtains can hang to the side of the window, maximizing the light. This allows the curtains to be "stacked back", rather than hanging so that they cover a good chunk of the window.

For the extra space I was thinking of either tall bookshelf and two chairs with small table? Or maybe a large clock with a buffet table ?

Where exactly would this extra space be? You have room under the painting (which is hung too high, by the way -- it should be eye-level for those standing) for a long but narrow buffet/console table. If it's longer, you would have room for two narrow buffet-style lamps, and you desperately need additional lighting in the space because the overhead lighting from the fan isn't very good at all.

If by "extra space" you mean the area in the second picture, what exactly do you need? Do you need a bookshelf for books and/or decorative items? Do you need two chairs for extra seating? Do you need a buffet for extra storage? I would let function drive the design here. Don't decorate that area just to decorate it because it's empty right now.

Thanks for your comments. That's why I came here, to get suggestions :) Large clock is definitely out of the list.

Well, for the extra area across the dining room will be used for entertaining, we always have people around and that would be a great place to entertain as it is close to the kitchen. SO suggestions on that would be great

The brown curtains in the living room will be replaced as well. Those were left by the prior owners, since the wall (not shown in the pictures) is all windows. They actually had dark brown blinds on all the windows, and made the house look darker.

I will be lowering the painting! Narrow buffet tables are a great idea. I could add lamps to add lighting. Yes, the fan does not provide much lighting for that whole dining room and extra area. That will be the first room to re-do lighting once we get to it.

Here is a picture of our living room. So those curtains were left by the previous owners, not a fan of them at all. We will be replacing all of the windows this summer as they are the original windows (old) and it gets really cold.

For aesthetic purposes though, I will be getting lighter colored curtains. Now for placement, with my ceiling height, should the curtain rods

For the extra area maybe a buffet where munchies and wine could be placed.

I'm a great advocate of having comfortable seating wherever possible. I would consider a love seat, another chair if possible, a coffee table with books and magazines on it to browse, interesting wall art, anything to make this a fun and comfortable space. Put attractive colors there in terms of seating and pillows.

The former owners' drapes are spectacularly awful. Choose plain light panels in a solid linen-like material and hang them quite high above the windows. I would also hang long panels in the dining room; you can still use them when you get new windows. More art in the dining room, although that may be further down the line after you've acquired all the essentials. Hope to see more of your house update in the future.

For an entertaining corner there, you might consider four small scale chairs and a round coffee table. Great spot for drinks, board games or just a bit of conversation, if anyone does that these days.

Well, for the extra area across the dining room will be used for entertaining, we always have people around and that would be a great place to entertain as it is close to the kitchen. SO suggestions on that would be great

What sort of entertaining? Do you have tea or a drink, or play cards, or board games? I'm thinking a round table with several chairs would work, either dining table height or coffee table height depending on what your entertaining consists of.

We mostly have people over for playing cards and drinks. I hadn't thought about this idea.

I like the ideas. I'm thinking maybe a loveseat/bench and a chair or two around a small coffee table would look nice. Thanks for your ideas! You've really inspired me... This is our first home, so definitely loving all the suggestions!

Yes, the living room drapes are next on my to do list. Should be updating those within the next two weeks. I will be hanging them well above the window frames.

Oh, and I've only left up the curtains for privacy reasons, otherwise, they would have been gone long ago!

Love the idea of a pair of lounge chairs, a table and lamps for coffee, reading, quiet area....I am not fond of the hole in the wall. Remove the wall, or cover up the hole/opening but it looks poorly thought out.

This is a totally cool concept that you might have library storage and a single chaise and hanging lamp....this is really pretty and practical!

Riverhouse · More Info

Riverhouse · More Info

If that were my place, instead of squeezing dining table, lounge chairs, tables etc i’d Have an 8 or 10 seat dining set (put centrally in the space) with large buffet/cupboard across the wall under the window. It could house wine fridge, glasses, napkins etc. it’s always nice to have plenty of space to walk around the table when the chairs are out. Having some free airy space is good. You don’t have to fill up every corner :-)