This is a beach house rebuild with reverse living on the 3rd floor. The sitting area was supposed to be part of a large deck, but, I wanted more indoor space. The deck is now just large enough for a barbecue grill and a small table with chairs... just what we wanted.

I think the flat screen TV should go between the 2 windows on the left wall of the living room. If the TV is on the opposite wall, I think it would interfere with foot traffic?

What's the best furniture and arrangement for seating 6-8 people comfortably for TV watching? I really would like to have a large L shaped sectional, but, this may be too big for the space and I'm not sure where to place it.

Can I pull in space from the seating area somehow? There is a sliding glass door to the deck on the left wall. Should this seating area stay separate from the living room? And, maybe a linear gas fireplace against the right wall by the stairs? Good idea or not?

The last time I bought furniture and thought about furniture arrangement was 20 years ago lol. So, I appreciate any feedback, and, thank you for any advice and suggestions!

Sorry, if the picture is too light! The living room measures 19'7" by 7'5". The sitting area is 12' by 7'11".