Hi everyone! Opening up kitchen to the dining alcove and living room. What would you do with the alcove in front of the kitchen if the dining table/desk is left in the alcove to the left of it (living room alcove?) Furniture, wall hangings, all suggestions welcome!

(Ideally it would be was a separate place from living room where one of us could hang out, do work, or keep the cook company (there are just two of us). Constraints: Manhattan 1 BR apt so (a) can’t move the gas pipe in kitchen and no other place for peloton (b) storage is key (benches under banquette hold a lot!), (c) we entertain but not huge numbers at a time, and (d) I’ve been working from home so moved the dining table to the living room alcove where it’s now also serving as my desk as that area gets more light.)

I’m including the renderings and photos of my current living room so you have a sense of my style.

Thank you in advance - excited for your suggestions!