IMO a wall at the front entry where you have the ottoman will give some privacy from the front door as a start.

it's an interesting layout.

Have you considered swapping the dining room area with the living room?

I'd mount the TV to the left of the fireplace and creating a seating area with that as the focal point.

Try piling up some cardboard boxes to make an entry wall or two. See how that works.

Can the hallway door be moved either closer to the master bedroom door or as far from it as possible to make a longer wall on that side?

: ) Could the first issue be BED SHEETS?! No wonder it feels "disorganized! First add? Some sense of entry, part wall to ceiling, drop to half wall, and no, you really can't just erect walls elsewhere.

To be rid of? The raised hearth, sucking floor space. All the rest is defined "areas"

Your love seat size couch fits where I have two chairs....but, I'm not a loveseat fan, you get much more versatility in two chairs, less bulk with same amount of fannies seated.

You'd benefit from a longer tv console, an 85 inch tv at LEAST an 8' console below, ten feet even better..

I do see the puppy.....and I love dogs. But it's the floor, or more forgiving furniture coverings, OR ?

It will just look like your ready/preparing to roll PAINT in there! Take some more pics minus all the draping and come back ,? Please?

If you are willing to play? Put some elbow grease into the next day or two?

take out the loveseat,

Use just the chair and the leather recliner.

Put the longer couch facing the tv....NO sheets .

Try the bookcase in dining area facing entry door,and next to fire. . May help balance and take the higher/bulky in your face side of it away.

In the end,,, what I see is a furnishing, styling divide and conquer issue.

More?

Not every home MUST have a fireplace, and that one serves little purpose .

I consider being rid of it in total, and not let it control the space,

Appears if you must have one,. get something requiring no major construction, and relocate to tv wall. Electric..

You've a great space for hosting, and perhaps you moved, left a more traditional center entrance colonial ? As it's said ? "Grow where you're planted...."

PLay time!

Thank you for all your help! Jan Moyer you made me laugh. Yes, we have sighthounds. We have 2 Ibizans and a Spanish Greyhound. And they use couches all day long. That is why we can't have nice things. I totally agree about the raised hearth. We don't even use the fireplace. We live in Pensacola.

Aurrrrtgggggghhh !!! Kill me!

Sheets are not the solution - may as well move to a barn!

There ARE more attractive protectors, and they can even be placed on more 😩 forgiving fabrics that are beautiful, and you'd never guess the indoor/outdoor bullet proof content.

If you are staying? It's Pensacola and rarely sustainably fire weather? I'd lose the fireplace entirely, and not plan another..

My rugs would be washable, or very easily cleaned.

How many folks live here? How do you entertain, host, etc? Are there kids, or it was an empty nest type of move to a warmer climate,, snowbird style. I see the north in the furniture?

You have opportunities to actually really LIKE the space........the size, the square, the lack of walls. aren't the top issues.

Now.............send the three dogs outside, ditch the couch to outside for a few hours, and return with a furniture edit/jiggle and jpegs minus the SHEETS!!!!

Then go online,

I realize u like the sooooo easy to wash property of sheets..... but honestly? You feel good in the room? No,,,,,and you ARE COMPANY TOO.

• Machine Washable: Keeping your home fresh and clean has never been easier. Simply toss the cover in the washing machine for a quick refresh, making it convenient for busy households and pet owners alike.

https://funnyfuzzy.com/products/minimalist-herringbone-weave-breathable-faux-linen-all-season-couch-cover?variant=46120886141155&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google+Shopping&currency=USD&country=US&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=23336579030&utm_content=&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23331455898&gclid=Cj0KCQjwo_PRBhDNARIsAEcVALV0sca0KmVPCpwmYu_FCpA9wkKfI9-0PQwbAOyMvV4Z2CJ5m48gj68aAlb-EALw_wcB

PS......

Don't even think of telling me " each big dog must have his/her own couch. ..."..........please do not : )!

From the top down look, I would put a box around the living room with a door facing the dining room table. That would give you a hall from the door into the home. Keep the eating and kitchen areas together and give your living room some privacy.

Also check out this article for furniture protectors:

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/pets/g65194424/best-couch-covers-for-dogs/

Prettier picture, fireplace removed, window added, not limited to existing furniture:

This is how we live. Sighthounds are very long dogs. They each must have a couch. I will remove all the sheets, rearrange things, and take new pictures next week. 😊

^^ "Arcy - gw wants to help you close it

It just doesn't work!! Not good below, it's contrived....not meant to be,

Go ahead and lose the fire! See if you can get another WINDOW,

......I'd spend the money on making it drop dead lovely.and realize this is the home you bought.

Did you ever see how the greyhounds lived when they were racing/breeding dogs? In kennels. Not a couch in sight!

I have similar sized shepherd mixes, and although they would love to lounge on my good sofas, they were trained to use their pricey Orvis dog beds placed on the floor. They don't even get on the sofas when they are alone in the house! It isn't animal abuse to have some surfaces designated for humans and others for dogs!

Amen, chispa!

We weren't allowed to walk on moms freshly vacuumed living room rug - so it's a child abuse childhood : ) ?

Another idea to create separation but keep visibility for an entry….

Lots of good suggestions for creating a separate foyer and closet.

Aside from that, I don’t see trying to create two rooms out of the remaining space as feasible due to the size/shape. Separate rooms isn’t the cure for what you called “disorganization”. The majority of the space and seating is occupied by the dogs. If the couches with sheets, dogs on couches and dog beds have to stay, just embrace your choice and the “disorganization”.

Since the dogs and their comfort are the priority, which is totally fine and your call, i don’t see really much improving. But that is also okay. Your home is happy and comfy for the four legged crowd and maybe that’s enough. I type this with this beast beside me

Have you tried a pet cooling blanket with a non-slip backing? Lots on amazon, easy to wash and some also are waterproof. Our little guy loves his three...a big one folded, up next to our bed, a smaller one in his bed, and another for traveling in the car.

Kill shelter rescue all the way from Arkansas to Cape Cod via Uber puppy bus. He is a breed rag tag....sweet as can be. He just turned 9.

so cute!

Very interesting discussion and I’m commenting so I can find this post again. Someday I hope to build a small home near my son and with the current plethora of open floor plans I want some option to close the openness.

I abhor seeing into a kitchen from the front door.

@littlebug Zone 5 Missouri - Another thing that you can do is put this URL in your email drafts or create a folder in your email to easily find this dilemma.

^^

You don't have to "Build it" with an open floor plan. You build it the way you want it from the get go. : )

You don't have to re do someone else's vision, you create your own.

Here are some pics of the furniture stripped of dog protection. It is dated, but solid Ethan Allen, so I am hanging on to it. Where are the throw pillows? The dogs pull them off the couch and destroy them. We moved to Pensacola from Ohio, and downsized. The windowsills have been destroyed by the dogs and I have film on the bottom panes to reduce the amount of barking.

I am so thankful for everyone’s help! You have opened a world of possibilities. I have ordered decent sofa covers and have started hoarding cardboard to build some entrance walls and gain perspective.

Here are some pics of the furniture stripped of dog protection. It is dated, but solid Ethan Allen, so I am hanging on to it. Where are the throw pillows? The dogs pull them off the couch and destroy them. We moved to Pensacola from Ohio, and downsized. The windowsills have been destroyed by the dogs and I have film on the bottom panes to reduce the amount of barking.

^^

Much better! Now........... a real coffee table would be nice ? : ) Put the drop leaf side table with the swivel leather, between the windows. The dinky there is too small anyway.

I am all for dog comfort within reason, but within the limits of your own comfort considered.

I feel the same about children. Boundaries if you will, is not equal to "abuse".

“The dogs pull the throw pillows off the couch and destroy them.” They would only do that once at my house.

I like your new furniture arrangement.

“They each must have a couch”. “The dogs pull the throw pillows off the couch and destroy them”. That says it all. I love dogs but ….

I think it’s great you know your needs and what works for your family around the set up and what you buy and put out. Ignore the commentary on pets. It is your house after all and you and your adorable dogs are the ones enjoying it.

W.C should look into becoming the Pro Bono/ "In Defense of Dogs Everywhere" go to......: )

Just don’t feel the need to critique how others parent or manage their pets.

Nice furniture. Does not look dated to me. Maybe something a little nicer to cover.

Well I do. Even though I love dogs I’m tired of seeing them everywhere, the supermarket, restaurants ( one couple even brought the dog bed into the restaurant & placed it within 5’ of our table! ), the doctor’s office, airlines, etc. Some of my friends are highly allergic to cats & dogs, it’s not considerate for them.. Sometimes, especially during hot weather, I think the dog would be happier being left at home. Whatever one chooses to do in their own home is fine.

And yet here you are, commenting on someone’s home.

Nope, commenting on bringing dogs into inappropriate situations. As I stated, WHATEVER ONE CHOOSES TO DO IN THEIR OWN HOME IS FINE. Got it ? Lol

"JAN MOYER" I love your positivity! We used to have a 36"square coffee table. Unfortunately, and you are probably going to run away screaming, it made an occasional popping sound (probably with the humidity here), and scared the bejeebees out of our "neurodivergent" dog. However, it was not a high quality table. I noticed the console that came from Room & Board seldom makes sounds. I did order a nonslip couch covers. We have had couch covers with loops to hold them in place and the dogs chewed the loops off. 🤪

Read your post from earlier today regarding pillows

It amazes me how different we all are! My philosophy is that until kids and pets pay the bills, I'm the boss. When my dog is sitting on a chair that I want to use, he knows to get off, and quickly.

Anyway, back to the room--your furniture is very nice and the room looks 100% better without the sheets on the upholstery.

Summary.........................

Eighty percent of the "it's so disorganized" problem was a horrendous visual of SHEETS".

( resolved with more attractive protection )

Depending resources and the result you want, in a move from cold to warm clime, in a repurpose of furnishings/ look/styles etc that won't happen soon.....?

Get a coffee table! Whatever "popped" was a result of fluctuation in humidity on goods created ten minutes after hacking down a fast growing " sustainable" tree, then loaded onto a boat and more moisture. Expansion contraction, end story,

A coffee table for you is probably best with a stone top, and a round would be better than another square set within a square arrangement of seating. Failing that, a pattern on a large round cocktail ottoman - bullet proof fabric. Bonus, would be a way to add pattern that isn;t available to you in toss pillow accebts.

Can't speak to the other issue ( neurodivergent ) as way tooooooo far above my pay grade.

Haha my DH insists on a long piece of cardboard placed on our coach cushions when we leave to discourage the dogs on them. I HATE seeing the cardboard on the sofas (even though ironically it is almost the same color as the couches haha). We have agreed he is to remove it from both if home before me bc I don't want to see it when I walk in!

We just slide the cardboard under the couches when home. It seems to work for the dogs at least!

You will never discourage anything! You made that choice, the first time the dogs/s climbed above floor level, and didn't get the "down!" word with frown.

Put the new covers on the couches, have extras. Forget the cardboard and admit your "children" rule your home and that is that, the end : ) and fine and dandy.

Get a coffee table.. The children don't need the floor sprawl space; there is plenty at the slider exit. You need/deserve a place,( larger than a postage stamp please), for guests to set a drink and for you to do same. It should include decorative possibilities for when you want those ... a huge bowl of popcorn. ...... a candle or two at Christmas. The goal is to find the sweet spot between the chaos that was unattractive to everyone but the dogs, The dogs have no "taste" and need not be consulted. nor will they be offended. I'll pray on that?

Just a question for the OP--where do you and your family/guests sit???

You have a large enough space that adding a 6' x 10' entry is doable. I think closing in your entrance would be an absolute game changer for the space. Entrys instantly change the feel of a space. Another thing I would do is hang a chandelier over your dining table. This will better help to define the space and create intamacy establishing the dining room from the living room. You have great furniture , but agree the sheets are distracting from the space. If you can't or choose not to establish your furnirure as a no pet zone, Amazon sells excellent cushion covers specifically made for pets. I think you also need to get draperies that fit your windows. Along with the sheets your drapery panels are sloppy. Think about ordering pleated drapery panels that you hang from rings and that kiss the floor not pool on it. Amazon is selling tons now as are many sites so there is no need to go custom unless you want to. You also need to make them wide enough and full enough so if you wanted them to close they could. This will give you a quick idea of what closing in the entry could do for the space. You will have to ignore details like wall depths as they have not been captured entirely here and because we are trying to visualize everything and get it all in the image the furniture has been squeezed in tighter than it would be as well. Its at least a good visual to give you an idea.

OMG.....god bless her! She's late to the puppy party and as always GREAT rendering

of op's conflicted life : ) of children and reality

ARF! Love it ARFFFFFFF!

Jan ,you always make me laugh! Much needed these last 6 weeks while I work from home board and recuperating from some health issues! I am crawling the walls........so caught up on my real life clients that i dont know what to do with myself! I guess I never realized how much being "out in the field" slowed down all the logistics of the design process. Anyway RSV + asthma is no joke so don't make me laugh too hard , else I can't breathe but please never stop being your entertaining self!

^^^

."so caught up on my real life clients that i dont know what to do with myself! I guess I never realized how much being "out in the field" s"

You mean SEE people!? Like breathe air and see Humans vs Monitor?

I will join you in a climb of walls!! I'm on a long distance thing and I'm gonna fuse my tush to the desk chair, and gnaw a leg right off that chair.

I have been trapped in this thing for three months - whole house redo soup to nuts.

I'll bring you an inhaler and take my ciggies way out to your back forty lol, and try hard not to make you laugh - despite it seems we could both use that!

Go back to that kitchen thread!!!!

Design Interior South WOW! That does look really good. It is funny you mentioned the drapes. They are good ole Pottery Barn. I am testing stitching the back tab loops to make the drapes sit closer to the ceiling and off the floor.

Claudia, consider if it is really worth it to alter those drapery panels. PB has some of the worst drapery panels on the market. They are very inconsistent in their sizing and often they have over all issues because they cut the fabric to save fabric vs the nap. Its problematic. Consider looking into TWO PAGES. We have had good luck with them when budget doesnt allow for custom. I do not recommend their hardware however. https://www.amazon.com/TWOPAGES-Isabelle-Curtain-Drapery-Isabella/dp/B083DR3HYM/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=WSTWD3P74SPS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._Q-_HNqLoY_MTVMRPwtPKR0F6L0ns9qAYhnVpDeMtMDBwz-f0BGe6PvIftIBUVEpd56Nr6cgOsDiqOROOU6GuSfGa7VEH2d_BGhEtG12ESQ4h2tN63q4qGE5S55CPMTywmhFsYirrKMIZWrlABNsET_eV_WcNpTFV8WCN2k7y-Y5zYYvHNFMD1dBOYgtzfig3H1QQRvs_zZWrW3TlM7r2t4u0XcIF__kC2VpxQi2w-Ezm0rg_DTJ-5QQ25Z7q3dH4jD6qcpG2R1xdCQxBI9MSNjwmL2i_YP4MVzNmZt_M_A.u0RQhdOYI5Zlo6PJXs6E9i6e2fYyJccRJQnPwL1cPoA&dib_tag=se&keywords=two+pages+light+blue+drapery+panels&qid=1782948624&sprefix=two+pages+light+blue+drapery+panels%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1