We just painted a color called "Latte" over the dark red walls in our place and we keep thinking that someone left the light on! It adds that much light to the place as the red was just sucking out any light in the place. Find a color you like more for that wall and repaint...and/or maybe add a ceramic tile backsplash? It will make it feel brighter in there immediately as you will get a lot of light reflection. I love the idea of sage green with your cabinets.

Two ideas. Both times I would block up the entrance to the second half of the room to make more usuable space. Both ideas have a island with a dining table attached. Obviously these drawings are not to scale but everything should fit in. I would utilise the kitchen cuboards for utilities- intergrated appliances. If you can dont forget to use the space under your stairs as well. Also use the long wall at the bottom of the stairs for extra storage and alcoves.

Thanks, I wasn't sure where the 9'4 measurement came in. If you're buying all new furniture then look for items on legs, as you can see the floor beneath it will make the space feel bigger. You can also use glass ie a glass coffee table or Louis ghost chairs for example. I'd also go for a large mirror over the hearth or not knowing your style could also have a ŵall of glass tiles for the same effect which will also bounce light. I'd go for a pale tone sofa and use warmer/darker colours for cushions if wanted. If you want a rug then I'd keep it in the same tone as the floor else to visually maximise floor space. I've drawn a very rough plan (not entirely to scale and obviously not knowing where doors etc are!). I assume you're wanting to buy furniture before you move in? If so do you have a similar size room where you could cut out paper templates of all furniture to see if the space works? I would mount the tv on the ŵall if you have one. Hanging it over a slim console (or slim cabinet for storage) means you can add art on the ŵall and accessorise the console so the tv doesn't become the feature of the ŵall. You could go for a coffee table or a small footstool which can double up as extra seating and table. I'd go for a round dining table, 3ft will seat 4 and you can pull it away from the corner when entertaining. i'd go for a 2 seater sofa (c5f?) but try and get a slim one. I don't know the size of the windows but blinds, shutters may also be an idea so curtains don't encroach on the floor space? In terms of decor do you want light and neutral or dark and moody then people can suggest paint colours?

Loads of options as you basically have a black canvas. I love a rich teal, or dark turquoise. You could also consider wine or pink, or indeed red, but careful of tones