Is this West Elm sofa the kind of thing you are looking for? Or even lower to the ground? http://www.westelm.com/products/4227534/?catalogId=52&bnrid=3918508&cm_ven=Google_PLA&cm_cat=furniture&cm_pla=Sofas_+_Sectionals&cm_ite=West_Elm_Baxter_Sectional_Sofa_Cotton-Rayon_Ikat_Print_Feather&adtype=placi_src=17588969&ci_sku=4227534&ci_kw=%7Bkeyword%7D

Wow, that was awesome Mark, thanks for that and everyone else. I thought about the desk facing the other way actually, to avoid feeling enclosed I do have really great views there so I thought about a small couch and maybe a bookshelf on the back, but having the dining table in front is probably not the best either.... complicated :( Here are a couple more pics, today was a beautiful day so I managed to get more of the views

I recently saw this episode of Ask This Old House where they demonstrated painting tiles - especially as a solution to get one through till an entire redo is possible. http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/tv/ask-toh/video/0,,20902001,00.html Looks like you are doing a great job!

I think the brands you have listed are good! What colour were you thinking? How have you gotten the opportunity to import carpet? I hope it's not too expensive for you!