Will the gym equipment be staying? If you plan on having them in the room can you place them in front of your big picture to face the fireplace wall. Can the sectional flip around so you can put the tv on a stand in the corner beside the fireplace and window?

The challenge seems to be that you have a nice big fireplace as a focal point, but it's not a good location for your tv. Any change you would want to or be able to change the facade of the fireplace and place the tv ablove it? I know not everyone like that, but for such a narrow space it would be something to explore. I agree with you that the beams add characeter but seem quite heavy for the lower ceilings. How about painting them white so not quite so heavy looking.

How many people would you like to accommodate seating for typcially?

Here's an idea of a possible room layout and what it might look like. Of course the furnishings and colors don't have to be like this, and it isn't showing the beams. Not sure without actual measurements exactly how much space you have to work with, but breaking it up into two conversational areas might be your best best.

Camille, It would help a great deal if you could post a floor plan indicating the overall dimensions and all other measurements. Start in a corner and measure all the way around the room.

I'm sure the people here on this forum will come up with the perfect solution.

Again, would help with measurements, but here's a layout that works for your room.

First, if not structural, remove the beams or paint white. They are not helping the ceiling height and looks like they aren't equal distance apart from each other. Second, paint the fireplace a lighter tone, preferably off-white, or if you go dark with that wall, match the paint. Visually removing the heavy items will make the height of the room look taller.

Treat the entire fireplace wall as one unit. You need to have some kind of horizontal line to maintain a cohesive flow and it won't look chopped up.

Use the window sill (actually from under the sill) as your horizontal focal point and continue from wall to wall. Whatever wood finish or paint you decide on, paint any exposed wall the same color as the wood/paint.

Treat the windows on either side of the fireplace differently as the front window. The side windows can be roman shades. The front window should have curtain panels, ceiling to floor as they will bring in color, texture and prints.

Bookcases are indicated near the game table, across from the fireplace to balance the room.

Hope this helps. If I need to adjust dimensions, don't hesitate to let me know.