Hey :) I do 3d interior designs as a hobby. I could make you a design suggestion in 3d after discussing your needs (for free of course since it's only a hobby). What do you think?

If you’re a book lover, a small library with great chairs (like @decoenthusiast posted) and full wall shelving can make that area cozy. Painting the shelves a dark color that complement the chairs or pillows would also make it inviting.

I'm confused. I assume you have a tv in the family room, which is attached to the kitchen. I have found that when entertaining people usually gravitate to a kitchen area. And, when you say entertaining do you mean that you are watching TV with the people you are entertaining? If so, it seems again that the action would be happening in the family room. What am I not getting?

@kendrah- you are right. Everyone does congregate in the kitchen, which is right next to this room, you can see the small kitchen table in one of the pics. My husband thinks that if we put a tv in the front room, it will help with people spreading out and provide more seating space. Our family room is small and we have an L shaped sectional. But I am not necessarily sold on this idea.

@decoenthusiaste- you are correct. First room you see and I want to make it inviting. Had a friend over and she commented that this rooms needs something. Lol. I like your suggestions. I can’t get rid of that leather couch though. It’s fairly new and I probably should have waited to buy it until I had an actual plan for the room. Maybe I should add another arm chair like the one I have and put it on the opposite side?

@redryder - I am a book lover and have thought about putting shelves. The space isn’t that large though, so I would have to figure out seating arrangement.

Another question as I continue to think about this room: Drapes on those French doors or should I add blinds?

Have you considered trying the sectional in this room and the leather sofa in the family room?

@decownthusiaste - good thought, but we spend most of our time in the family room and it’s too comfortable to move to a room we don’t use as much. It’s also a white sectional and it fits our family room perfectly.

Another space for someone in the family to get away is always nice to have. If you turn your couch so it's back is facing the door you could put an electric fireplace and bookcases along that long wall. It will leave a "hallway" to the dining room you can in the picture. You could hang an art tv over the fireplace and since it's not the main tv watching area I wouldn't worry too much about it being too high.

When we first moved in, we thought about putting a fireplace on the wall where we have the entertainment center. But currently, we don’t want to make any major remodels to this room.

At least give the poor space a floor lamp, the overhead lighting isn't very cozy. Try for a throw and pillow covers that pull the rug and chair colors in.

@Pbanos - I know! I really have no decorating abilities! I like the floor lamp idea. And noted on the pillows! :)

What is the room beyond it? I see table and chairs in a tight space.

So, why not a dining room here? Access to the back yard, good light..

I would get side tables, lamps, 1-2 extra chairs and wall art .

@judianna20 We have a formal dining room. You can see it in the first picture. The other table you see is our kitchen table.

You are right, it's a beautiful room that looks sad. For entertaining, especially, this room should be moody and inviting. Since the flooring changes dramatically it's a perfect room to truly have an adult entertaining space. Consider the following:

1) As others have suggested, face the back of the sofa facing the entrance and back it with a console/cabinet to serve as a bar.

2) Yes, get another lounge chair.

3) Tighten up the conversation seating.

4) You mentioned bookcases, so consider something unique, instead of a full wall of just shelves.

5) Install a big tv on the long wall on the right with a simple shelf underneath and ottomans tucked under the shelf for additional seating.

6) Paint the room an unexpected color or a toast, making it like a vintage "men's club" but a modern version and not so heavy. Young, fun and vibrant. Don't be afraid, it's only paint.

7) Add lamps on the cabinet behind the sofa, some floor lamps, and the overhead lights on dimmers.

Here's some bookcase images.

Simple free standing bookcases on a vibrant color wall/room:

Note wonderful color of walls: moss:

Gorgeous federal blue:

Who doesn't love this room with Keith Richards? I just want to dive right in!

@denise Thank you for taking the time to mock up a layout for me! I love your ideas. The pictures included are so helpful. So, is it ok that when you walk into the house you see the back of a sofa? I guess having the console behind it makes it better?

Happy I could help, Erika! It's absolutely ok to walk into a console and the back of a sofa. As matter of fact, it will make that room cozier and inviting. One of the things I don't like is when a room is facing the entrance, it's like a waiting room for something else. Once you move the sofa and sit in it yourself, you will understand the intimacy and usefulness. I like the added bonus of a tv mounted on the right wall, even if it's just for music.

The nice thing about furniture, is that it can be moved around! It's all about "inching" it all until everything finds a perfect spot. Off hand, I would suggest centering the sofa on the opening, but if that looks too tight, move it closer to the bookcase wall.

For a client, I would go for painting the entire room a good color, not just a "feature wall ". Go big or go home! haha. As I pointed out, since the flooring makes that transition, it's a perfect room to treat as a getaway from the rest of the house.

Don't forget to let us know your progress! We love to hear.

Here’s a photo that appeared online on domino today. Perfect seating for a crowd!

The deep federal blue looks so dramatic! Don’t be afraid to use a color to define this special area. The red wall with the plain bookcase also made a huge impact.

Denise- I am excited about having a plan! Will try not to shy away from painting the room!

@redryder That color would be a nice compliment in my house!! I love it too!