Wow this is tricky! I would start by defining the areas - rugs would help. The living room in front is the challenge and if there is another living space - a family room etc I would just make it a small 2 chair nook in the left side of the entry doors. On the right side of the entry door I'd put shelves or a nice indoor plant. I've sketched rugs in red and moved the hutch.

Bywood Street Residence · More Info

Thank you! We are truly stumped and having fresh eyes is so helpful. I appreciate your diagram!

For the easiest quickest fix, I would put a big round foyer table with a houseplant right as you walk into the front door. I would angle the dining table in front of the fireplace — keep them going in the same direction. I would try to talk them out of keeping the big buffet, but if I wasn’t successful, I’d put the buffet on the wall facing the kitchen.

For the 2 windows flanking the door, I would create reading nook seating in the window to the right as one enters and use a bookcase + art to be like a wing coming out as far as the hallway opening. Angle an additional conversational chair facing the window, probably a small table as well. On on the other side of the roomI would look for a curve-back sofa rot face the window, with a chair at the window facing the sofa, tables as needed.

I would get 3 rugs to define each of the 3 spaces (entry foyer table, each of the two nooks with seating) and I would light each space with pendants hanging from the ceiling — maybe all alike, maybe the 2 outer ones the same/middle on different, maybe all 3 different.

One more possibility would be to place a substantial solid sofa facing the back wall, backed by a substantial sofa console table, as you enter the front door, and create the living room behind that. In fact, you could even go so far as to create an wall unit with see-thru shelves or millwork screening effect on the upper part, so it’s an entry vestibule. (If I’m describing this clearly) Then you’d have the makings of a conventional squared off living space behind that. With the Victorian feel of everything, you’d need to follow that style, I think, but I don’t think it would be hard to buy the elements and get a carpenter to make such a screen or shelving.

I think I’d turn the dining table so it’s the long way. I’d add a rug. And light there. And move the hutch to the left wall.
For the living room is this the only living space?
Can we do something more elegant and small here? Or is this the main room and needs couches etc?
If you need to create this as the main space. I think I’d do a couch facing the door. Back towards the dining table. And chairs on the left wall. Rug there also.

I realize most people aren’t into radical design, but I just happened to notice the placement of the ceiling light with respect to the entry door. I couldn’t help but think that if it was my space I’d finally get my chance to use paddle pendants to light living spaces functionally

Paddle LED Semi-Flush Mount · More Info

LED Pendant by Minka George Kovacs P8150-066-L in Black Finish · More Info

@HU187528210 thank you for the ideas! They do have another smaller living space in the home so this area can be whatever works best In terms of making it useable and at least not vacant. when we move the hutch to the left wall, would you put another set of chairs there or leave it blank? That wall is really the “main” thing that you walk into the home and notice Thanks again for your insight

@ital mover — These suggestions are so helpful! Angling the dining table might work to leave more space for the hutch (which is their prized possession) and the bar stools opposite that. these Other seating ideas make sense as well. I’m drawing each out on the diagram to see how it will work. Would you put a buffet? Chairs? Nothing? On the wall where the hutch is now? Again, thanks so much for your kind assistance! PS—I do like the fixture!

This is Good One you can't change it.

for the side of the room opposite where the hutch is now, to the left as you walk in the door, is there room for a chair this size in the window and a chaise piece this size along the wall, sort of facing it?

Best Master Chenille with Jacquard Fabric Accent Arm Chair in Teal/Light Blue · More Info

Glenna Left-Arm Rounded Chaise Piece · More Info

Yes there is room for both. I walked over to their house this morning (across the street :)) and took another look with these new options from the thread. We are going to tape out some things tonight as well to get a better feel!

It's easy to become attached to furniture. They probably have many great memories of family dinners and holidays around the table. However, a round table, maybe with leaves, would probably fit that space better.

Logically, the dining area should be near the kitchen, and the hutch should be in the dining area. But the hutch will look odd next to the fireplace (as noted above). As hard as it may be, they should get rid of the hutch and get a round table.

The reality we all face, is that moving means letting go. If they do that, then they can buy new rugs and furniture, for which you've received good suggestions.

Yes, rheh Are attached to the table and hutch :). Moving and letting go is proving difficult, to be expected after 30+ years in their previous, and much much smaller home. Each room will be a process! I appreciate your considerations! I’m excited and apprehensive to get started this weekend doing what we can to make it feel like (a new) home!

I think they should definitely keep the hutch! I would move it over to other wall, however. I think on that wall they might to well to have an armoire or old fashioned hall tree for guests. It can be made to look nice with other artwork, since it won’t take up the whole wall.

A sofa like this might be a really useful investment. You can use the pieces in various configurations on both sides of the room, and if you prefer to use only bits of it, you can easily put what’s left over in an upstairs bedroom (or give it to the kids!)

Zelmira Gray Velvet 6 Piece Modular Sectional Sofa Reversible Corner Couch · More Info

This might be just right! If we put this and a chair to right of the door with the book case / chair on the other side it will be a great start. There is no way I was getting to this point without your help. So much thanks!

Can you show a picture from the door of the wall. I wonder if a small console and a mirror can work.