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.

Hi pankaj. Some lovely ideas above. Is that a door at the end of the passage? It strikes me, especially if you want to make the passage all white, that you might be able to give that door a special treatment to bring some drama to the end of the passage. That draws the attention to the door and away from the passage itself. You could just paint it a vivid colour. I think we tend to let our interior doors remain very plain and boring, when there is no good reason for that to be a rule. The one below would need some sort of backing for privacy, I guess, but I think to put metalwork on a door is a great idea that you could adapt in various ways. (Be aware of the dusting, though! Outside the rain will wash things clean, but not inside.) Also have a look at http://www.lushome.com/11-door-decorating-ideas-create-modern-interior-doors/58940 for some creative paint ideas -- I can't get those pictures to copy. I like the first one on that site. It's simple and geometric, and could very easily be adapted without hurting the budget.

Buying a home that needs a lot of updating. We plan on painting the kitchen cabinets white or cream and installing granite countertops, new sink, new light fixtures, new stove vent, etc. The floor is hickory hardwood. My dilemma is the island. Should I keep it? Or remove it? If I keep it I am thinking of topping it with a dark butcher block to match the floor. I am open to any suggestions to make this kitchen better, without breaking the bank.

I wanted to use a shimmery pearl backsplash but it was problematic to install. Looking for something reflective. My island is deep blue (sea serpent by Sherwin-Williams), cabinets white with clear glass in second row uppers, fixtures, pulls and knobs all champagne bronze. Hoped to find something more exciting than white subway but I need help and fast so we can install the range hood and the stove!