House Happenings! Dilemma Number One

I’m starting a new series here where I need YOUR help. Every Thursday or thereabout, I will be posting a house dilemma and would like your input and opinions! So let them flow!!!

My dilemma:

When I first saw this house I wasn’t excited about this room. Why? Because it’s a big space and you basically walk into if from the front door. So I need your decorating expertise! Take a look at the photo and read my thoughts below.

 First of all, I want to make this room somewhat formal and kid prohibited. But it’s so large I’m thinking it needs a couple of seating arrangements. (Where’s Extreme Home Makeover when you need them?)

Take a look at the left wall. That’s where all the tv cable hook ups are. So I’m thinking of putting our entertainment center there since the other living area comes with one built in. Then I thought of putting our couches in a U shape. One against the wall that you can’t see and one opposite the entertainment center.

But that would mean the couch would be perpendicular to the fireplace. In the far right corner I’d LOVE to have a baby grand piano, but since we don’t have one and there’s no budget for one, I was thinking of putting two chairs with our round marble table there. But that would leave the space in front of the fireplace empty.

I really wish the fireplace wasn’t the focal point of the room because it causes major furniture challenges.

Anyone have any thoughts? PLEASE!