I can see why you are retired Sophie, your arrogance is noted. Your invalid assumptions and snipey tone suggest it may be time to take up knitting or at least find another forum? We have several professionals involved on this high end project. All of whom understand ergonomics. Nevertheless, I was interested in other opinions as there is still an acceptable range within expert views and average heights are on the rise. That said, from a stylistic point of view there is often a push toward lower. Further, the huge range of heights in ready made furniture shows just how much variation there is. Some of it is ergonomically designed, some is not.

Here's an alternative to a recliner that you may not have considered. It is a snuggle chair with matching Ottoman. It swivels too. Available from Plush Sofas. I love ours... So relaxing and there is room for two adults. Available in leather or lots of other fabrics too. I took this photo of the shop display one before we bought ours...

Why don't you live in the house for a while and get a feel for things. The curtains are bright but if they are still good quality / newish it would be a very expensive exercise to replace them (I have just spent a few thousand just on three rooms), you can always add a few red cushions or a red toned throw over your existing couch or a rug with a red tones in to it, to tone the red down, if required. Repainting the walls is cheaper than replacing curtains and a piece of art with red tones may also help. As far as furniture is concerned it would depend on what you like style wise. Why not send us a photo after you have moved in. You may find some of your concerns disappear once you are in and settled.

Even with the present layout , I would have tried to make the walkways around the back of the couches . If you are changing the couch , it might be a bit easier , but you'll have to select couches that not only look good , but are the right lengths so you can get around them -- not too wide . With the benefit of hindsight , I suspect the TV , or even a smaller one , above the fire would have been better -- keeps the furniture all focused on 1 thing , so that way you could have had couches either making a hallway , or right back against the walls . Right now you are trying to do everything , with 2 focuses , and there isn't quite the space to do that . IF you move the TV , get an artwork for that wall -- not only shows some colour , some of your personality , and maybe even hide some holes and cords haha .