Thank you all so much many of you suggested darkening the ceiling and leaving the beams the way it is to avoid too much work. What color did you guys had in mind?? isn't a lighter color suppose to open the room? Talianko and Hyde Evans and Shauna? ( I preferably will love a rustic lighter wood look, and the beams but does sound like a mission to get it done as sanding varnish on the ceiling might take me forever but if I get brave enough I might do it Sstar. Brio I do so want those curtains gone they are shocking :)you haven't seen the outdated blue couch yet... but I have to decide in the colors of the walls first :) I am inclined to have a rustic look for furniture... more like farm style and I also like wash off colors...my next vibrant color that i want to add is yolk yellow ( don't roll your eyes that will be in a cushions or a vase a picture) I am very impressed with all your answers and thank you all so much for taking the time to help a girl out :)

Try the TV where the sofa is now and float the sofa perpendicular to the fireplace where you currently have the big chair. Perhaps the big chair can then go where the TV was for a quiet spot for one. Or even better, pull the loveseat off the wall and put the big chair to its left flanking the fireplace.

That is a really small space,I think maybe an apartment size sofa would help you get the look you need and a smaller table or even removing the table and using two bar stools

Hope someone can help me. We have a new living area that is 18' x 12' which is a great size. However we have one 12' wall for fireplace/hearth/shelves, one 12' wall with sliding doors, one 18' wall with picture windows and view and the last 18' is open onto the entrance and off to the side open plan area. Not sure what furniture to buy and how to place it. Anyone have any wonderful ideas? Contemporary style, but looking for cozy/comfortable feel. Thanks, my email is janepoulston@gmail.com