Do you need the railing against the living room? or, if so, coud it be a wall/low bookcase instead?

Honestly, it feels odd to worry about the view. Start with what furnishings you need -- how many to seat, TV in this room or not, etc. -- and then you will have time to add decor to balance the furnishings and improve the overall impression.

What's the purpose of the railing? It seems superfluous. Just furnish the room the way that works best functionally and visually, and the view will take care of itself.

The fan is the focal point and needs to be switched out for a striking fixture to add drama.

I also think a mirror over the fireplace is in the perfect position to reflect the light as you enter.

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Agreed. Why not remove the railing?

Shiplap is nice 😊

@acm @RappArchitecture @h railing is needed as the living area is at a lower level

@BeverlyFLADeziner i love the fireplace decor you laid out.

@tracefloyd i agree - a better light fixture is essential. and a mirror is a great idea too. thank you so much!

Can you change the steps so that they go across the space and not in the corner?

Get rid of the carpet before anything. Continue the wood floor. . Find an area rug. No ship lap. Take a better pic of the fire, closer, lose the fan entirely and make a seating plan.

You can't do that until you provide a scaled drawing with all dimensions. Will there be a tv? Is it your main seating area or there is a family room etc

The post inspos of rooms you love. Your buggy is in front of your horse.

I would replace that railing with something slimmer or cleaner lines that your eyes would see thru. Definitely wood into that sunken living room. Paint the room a more interesting color. Shiplap is out. And too casual for the look of your fireplace. Your fireplace looks like a plug in? And it’s styling looks traditional? So figure out seating and go from there. It can be a lovely sitting room.

I would make this a cozy library style room. Maybe remove that railing completely and line edge with maybe plants or some visual que with tall back reading chairs down in the room. Here is rough mock up. But I would give this room some purpose and interest.

You could do the floors with your wood look and remove existing carpet from stairs and put more interesting carpet on them for visual reminder there are stairs.

If budget allows I would remove all railings, update flooring for entire entry and living room and reconfigure the fall protection areas to be more intentional. Like short bookcases or something. The spindles are so distracting. Will be a nice update.

We might suggest removing the carpet and then figuring out what style you are looking to do in your space. Here are plenty of ideas for you that might just aid you more:

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