Let us see both rooms from every angle. When you hit the limit, you simply comment on your own post and use the Photo icon below the comment box to continue adding pix.

Here are more pics of current family room (2nd pic below) and "formal" living room. We currently hang out and watch tv in room where tan sectional is and would like to swap and make the formal living room where the working fireplace is our family room and make the family room a home office. Need help and any advice on furniture layout - we are family of 5. Would like to place tv above stone fireplace - husband make frame out a recessed wall above FP for outlets - this room is long and narrow - measurements in upper paragraph - with two doorways coming in from front hall and one hall from kitchen area - sorry for disjointed post I had problem loading all photos at first.

I would not go to the trouble of remodeling the fireplace. Simply hang the TV above that nice distressed cabinet to the left of it, on an articulated arm so it is easily adjustable. Opposite, where the desk is now, angle a comfy chair and floor lamp for a reading corner with a view out the French doors. Place a small scale sectional and coffee table basically the same way yours relates to the FP in the current family room, and the short wing of it will create a pathway between the two opposite doors. For the new office, consider painting the desk. A rich green, teal, red (or a color from the wallpaper) might be nice. Place it opposite the FP where it can serve as a visual counter balance. Add a nice big upholstered swivel desk chair to give sufficient weight to the desk. Add a pair of smaller armchairs flanking the fireplace. Then we can measure for rugs, rearrange the art/mirror and tackle the lack of good lighting.

We plan on taking moulding down and redoing the ceilings (now sand texture ugh) with new 1/4" sheet rock and recessed lighting in both rooms

Big job! LED's on dimmers would be ideal. Have you considered changing the wallpaper, or just painting, in the new family room?

yes, we will change the paper or paint - lighten it up.

We agree with decoenthusiaste on hanging the TV above the cabinet and putting it on an articulating arm. We would change out the current sofa in the living room though for a three seater, and get C tables to use as end tables. We would then get more substantial chairs to put where you currently have the two chairs flanking the fireplace. Perhaps look at some nice comfy chairs?

Thank you - appreciate all the advice. I like the idea of a small scale sectional with a couple of comfy chairs. The TV off to the side may be an option but it is throwing me off - not sure where to put it and if i should keep the cabinet under it or buy another piece. Recessed lights have begun today in what will be home office - excited about that....I love fresh, clean light colors - nothing dark. Not sure what I should do in the room with all the wood trim and moulding - plaid Ralph Lauren paper on walls now - would like to change that out for something more current and light

Ideally, a piece of furniture under TV should be at least 25% wider than the TV. The articulated arm will allow for easy adjusting for the best view from anywhere. You might just remove the paper, prep and paint. Then if you fall in love with a new one you can re-paper.

I’m looking for a small scale sectionalmto face the fireplace, with a short chaise (Max 65”), low back to face out towards double windows. Then do a chair and ottoman where desk is now. Any advice on sectional? My wall behind sofa is 119” wide and I can’t go anymore than 65” deep with a chaise bc it will interfere with walk space from LR into office. I’ve been looking at the PB small sectionals with slipcover - like the 2 seater sofa with chaise. I also
Like the idea of a rectangular leather ottoman/coffee table with salt shelf underneath. I also want to do a storage ottoman for the comfy chair that would be angled where desk is now. Any advice appreciated!