With your original pictures - I agree with larger rug. But I don't agree with comments suggesting the rooms are monochromatic. They are lively indeed. I think you are just missing some accessories! Art work on the empty walls - even just a single large dramatic piece is in order. In the bedroom on the white wall, in the living space behind the sofa, in the greenish bedroom behind the two beds. Those are instant areas where you can improve. But I think your spaces are lovely and well put together. Also I agree with the comment about table lamps - some of those would really add something, and your coffee table looks so empty - maybe just one gorgeous bowl, or stack some books. These rooms are 90% done in my opinions, just need a few finishing touches. Some of my rooms come out like this because the clients are not willing to pay for those last few finish items or feel they can do that part themselves...

Here are more pictures. Main door is exactly opposite the big opening. Forgive my ignorance, as I wasn't aware they are not called french windows. Since there is not much space between the main door and the big windows, I don't want to stuff it with furniture. Also, since we like big spaces, we would like to keep it as simple as possible. Anyway, my main concern right now is whether the bamboo blinds will work for these big windows, or they will give a stuffed look as soon one enters?

Since the lot you describe is smaller than my open living area, I would suggest looking at some of the "shotgun" house plans around New Orleans,LA. I think you can build up and back and get an interesting home with a loft for space. It can be done, A porch with an entry to a narrow hall at the back might work best for you. Will you plan a courtyard (closed)? or what? What part of the country are you in? What are your local codes?

This arrangement works much better, but some adjustments are needed to make it work. First, the fireplace grouping needs to be tightened. It crowds the dining area and you need a passageway behind the couch. Turn the rug lengthwise, parallel to the fireplace. Pull the large couch about 2 1/2 feet closer to the fireplace, and place the two chairs and loveseat on the ends of the rug, and pull them closer together. This will give you a more intimate conversation area, and not impose on the other areas of the room. Remove that floor lamp from behind the couch. If you need the light in that area, put it by the fireplace. Also, the stereo system on the mantel needs to find another home. Maybe it can go IN the fireplace instead. At the other end of the room, I think the arrangement would look better if the seating were rotated 90 degrees. Keep the rug and coffee table in its current configuration, place the sofa either facing the window or with its back to the window, and put the two chairs opposite it. Finally, the dining area. Now that you've moved the big leather chairs, you should have enough room. Your rug is too small. It should be big enough to give you at least a 2 ft. border all the way around when the chairs are pushed in. And it's a really beautiful table; please uncover it. I can't see what kind of lighting that area has. It really needs a pendant or chandelier hanging directly over the table.