I agree with everything said so far. Would suggest you get built in book shelvers on both sides of fireplace, lift tv into a slot it fits perfectly into (make sure you have power on both sides). Then it will disappear more rather than fight with fireplace as focal point. I am always disappointed with mirrors over fireplaces, they become dark, are to high to reflect much. Plus then you have three rectangles fighting for center stage. I'd say very colorful artwork instead. Wonder if you can reorient tv where the big chairs are so both tv and fireplace are addressed? Color, maybe you should decide on furniture first?

Thanks everyone. AMN - The lighting in the photo isn't great - the walls and venetian blinds are both white and the green is a wallpaper. I've a TV on one side and radiator on the other side of the wall but I do like the idea of painting it a different colour. What do you mean by "because the sectional is too big for the space already" thanks! Dar Eckert - like your suggestion of introducing another colour, I was thinking about aubergine but again it could be over modern and not the slightly warm vibe I'm looking for - what do you think? Carolyn - thanks for posting the rug, going to look it up and see about shipping costs etc to Ireland from that site. Really happy with the rooms but we've just had a baby and I want a bit more of a cosier feel with her around whilst still keeping with my modern twist!! Long post, sorry!!!

What an awkward space! The door opens into the room where the hearth juts out, making it even narrower. In an ideal world I would want to make the fireplace smaller (a flat hole in the wall with no hearth) and change the door to open outwards. However I'm guessing they may not be options! You need the room to work in 2 ways, one as a cosy space for the adults in the evening and the other as a larger clear space for the kids during the day, a tough call! I would consider dividing the room into 2 defined areas, one for kids and one for adults. The adult space should be at the window end and mean moving the TV to the other side of the fireplace. The sofa could go under the end window and 2 chairs either side. This will be a tight fit, would you consider buying a new L shaped one in a more compact design? This could sit by the radiator with a chair opposite. A rug and coffee table would further define this space and make it feel cosy. At the other end, you could place your toy storage behind the door, (maybe invest in some more!) and then bean bags could give the kids some seating for watching TV and playing games. The TV being freestanding could swivel according to day/night position. I hope that gives you some ideas, I'll try to find some photos to illustrate what I mean! Good Luck!

I would move the table to the window end of the room for view out and light while you eat . Perhaps turn it 90 degrees if that would work with the door opening. You may be able to seat 4. Make the rest of the right hand wall - about half of it a floor to ceiling wall of built in storage including the fridge. Suggest deep drawers for lower and double door pantry cupboards sitting above. The left hand wall in a long line of counter top with the cooker, sink, washing machine, lower cupboards or drawers. Tile backsplash along whole wall and two long open shelves plus art. Definitely replace the flooring - timber or even black and white checkerboard.