It is always challenging when you have three different focal points in the same room - in your case it is the fireplace, the deck/view and the TV.

I would redesign the cabinetwork either side of the fireplace to be more integrated with the fireplace, and put the TV at 45 degrees (possibly with a wall bracket) into the corner between the fireplace and the window adjacent to the french doors. You need to have the top of the TV below the sill of the little window adjacent to the fireplace. By using the mantle piece as a continuous element will make this piece of cabinetwork seem neater, and not make the TV such a strong feature.

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I would re-orientate the couches so there is one with its back to the current TV position, facing towards the view, and one opposite the fireplace with the back facing the dining room.

Also consider the access points to the room, and if the french doors would be better placed closer to the desk, so that traffic is not going through the middle of the room, so that you can have a longer couch opposite the fireplace.

By re-orientating the room like this means that the focal points - the view, the TV and the fireplace are in the same direction, and not opposite and competing against each other. Your designer has gone to the trouble of "furnishing" the room to check the arrangement and flow, so I am surprised that they didn't pick this up.

Best of luck,

Dr Retro

of Dr Retro House Calls

I agree with Dr Retro with respect to the placement of the TV and couches. It certainly is an awkward room to work. What is the main purpose of the room? To face each other and sit around and chat, as many people as possible to watch the TV or be able to relax and look out to the view? Answer those questions and it may help you decide.

I would still put the TV above the fireplace and use one of those mount that let you lower it when you watch it and back up and flat against the wall when you don't.

Thanks for the suggestions and yes it is a difficult room to arrange seating in. The room is generally used as the main space in the house for the family to gather, chat, play games and watch tv. We are starting to move into winter here so that gas fire will be on most nights. Jen, I am not sure if regulations here would allow the tv to be able to move this close to the heat source but as we use the heater whilst watching tv it would become too hot if lowered. Dr Retro, I have considered changing these doors to large sliders so that the door swing into the room and out onto the deck is eliminated. We would have to go through planning approval for those sort of changes.

Sectional seating would work better in this room, the TV could just about go anywhere if it is wall mounted and can pivot left and right.

Leanne - the planning process can be onerous, however if you already have a planning permit then replacing a pair of french doors and a window with a large sliding door should be a straightforward planning amendment. I think that it is worthwhile considering as the current french doors compromise the usability of the deck and your main living room, and you will regret not changing them in the long term.

Regards

Dr Retro

of Dr Retro House Calls