apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I'd float the couch in the middle of the room, facing the spot where it is now. TV apparatus can go on the wall where the couch is now, with some comfortable chairs placed around for a conversation triangle. A credenza can go behind the couch to act as a server for the dining room table. For that, I'd consider a thin rectangular table, with a glass top (if you like that sort of thing). Chairs in a bright color or in a nice dark wood can run along the sides of it and at the foot (which would be where the table with the lamp between the two wing chairs is now). Use a carpet to define the "TV space." I wouldn't put a carpet under the dining room table.

It looks like you get a lot of light through those windows, but I would be hesitant to cover them up... they look so great. I know you said this is an apartment, but I might consider a tinting on the windows so that you can keep them uncovered, but not be disturbed by sunlight when it is at its peak. If you don't want to tint, maybe some really low profile shades will work well.

Good luck.
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I like Cakekick's suggestion, only I'd reverse the positions of the TV area and dining area so the dining area is closest to the kitchen.

Hmmm, I like what cake said about floating the couch with a thin rectangular table behind it, but I would have it facing the end with the wingback chairs. As for the area where the sofa is now, since it is close to the kitchen, maybe put a banquette there that maybe carries a some kind of visual stimulation all the way to the ceiling to give it some pop. Then you could place your dining room table there with a couple of chairs.

In the living/TV area, other than the sofa, maybe stick an interesting chair and hang the TV on the far wall with a media center underneath it.

I agree with cakekick, on floating the sofa perpendicular to the window wall and creating a dining space on one end and living room space on the other.

Since you get so much sun, I would suggest that you install some sort of UV reflective film on the windows. This will keep your furniture from fading due to the sun exposure. If after installing the film, the light remains too intense, I would install translucent shades. These cut the light transmission, but preserve the view through the windows.

I am going to rock the boat a little and suggest NOT putting the couch in the middle of the room, but against the back wall--I would float 2 chairs with a side table between so that the chairs could be turned around and pushed up to the dining room table behind them. I feel like this might be a better use of space. I also think a round table with a couple leaves would be a nice contrast to the linear-ness (yes, I know, not a word) of the space.

Though absolutely on using rugs to break up the space...

Am I seeing correctly that there are 3 sets of french doors? In that's the case, divide the room into 3rds...

I agree with the others that the dining area should be in the third nearest the kitchen. A shallow buffet cabinet belongs on the end wall where the sofa is now with a round mirror above and a lamp on the buffet. A 42-48" round pedestal table goes in that area with 4 chairs - set the chairs at a 45 degree angle so that nobody's back is flat against a wall or window. No rug on the floor in this area.

At the far end, a flatscreen TV goes on the far wall above a low console offset to the left - your low backed chair sits on the corner on the right. The sofa floats in the center; it's back is in line with the column between the sets of french doors. A round leather ottoman instead of a cocktail table and a large round rug anchor the sitting area. A small end table can sit next to the chair for a table lamp for ambient light.

In the center third of the room, place your wing chairs angled facing the dining area - backs to the sofa. A console table/low bookcase goes behind the sofa - this is where the other table lamp sits for reading light. Another rug anchors this area. Place your round table in front of the chairs: this is where you can have tea or a cocktail and read while cooking dinner.

If you choose window coverings, make them the same for all 3 sets of french doors - Hang the rod as high as possible (allowing for the beam above the center set of doors - make certain to hang the 3 rods at the same height all the way across) and let the drapes puddle on the floor.

If you're getting new furniture, what about an armless sofa (and armless chairs to go with it, maybe)? I think that it would work really well floating in the middle, perpendicular to the french doors, like people suggested. Armless sofas are narrower and visually lighter, so it wouldn't feel as much like you'd plopped a big obstacle right in the middle of a room.

Of course, some people think it's not worth it if it doesn't have arms to lean against, so maybe just go for smaller, lighter arms.

I can't see where your tv is now in the photo.. I'm assuming that's a wall across from the glass doors/perpandicular to the fridge.

I like the idea of a banquette where the sofa is now in the pic, with two armed chairs that can double duty for company.

And, given the space, I would look for a small (so you have at least 36" walkway by the windows) sectional/left chaise (no arms on the chaise part so it's open to the dining area. Add a coffee table, and you can keep the chair in the corner by the wall if you'd like.

I'd fill the space where your wing back chairs are with floor to ceiling shelves/bookcases. I'd put the tv there, as well. You could even put a long credenza with shelves. I'd make that your focal point. Filling the space, so it doesn't go on forever into oblivion.

Good luck! Great space!

Where the chairs are, place your TV, perhaps in something that will also hold books and objects. Glass doors would be great.

Love seat facing TV/bookshelves. Ottoman.

Table directly behind the love seat. Pushed almost against it, with a pair of chairs behind it. And another pair of chairs by the fridge to be pulled over when needed (how many people will be living there?).

The pair by the fridge can have a nice small table there, for tea or even breakfast.

The table behind the love seat with it's pair of chairs also facing the TV/bookshelf can also serve as additional TV viewing. As a laptop desk. As a place to do homework or paperwork.

What a fantastic room and such wonderful light and windows!

I'd use them as the focal point for the seating area, actually, and leave the TV viewing for a room where there's less likely to be glare.