Comfortable and Inviting Living/Dining Space

I am in the middle of building a townhome and need help with interior design for the main living area which runs from the dining room through the kitchen and into the living room. If I like the result, I will use the same designer for the terrace level and the master bedroom.

The living and dining areas are on level 2. The only change to the floorplan is I have elected not to have a fireplace and there will be a large built-in on the wall behind the sofa.

I definitely want to incorporate a comfy chair and footrest in the living room for my husband. The wall across from the sofa will have a large screen television. We do not plan to bring any of our current furniture into the space, so we truly have a blank slate. We have dogs and teenagers, so pet-friendly, kid-friendly, and easy to clean are important.

I like the Studio McGee style: classic and comfortable, clean but still not sterile. Definitely not wanting farmhouse: I don't need signs to tell me where to eat :)

Architectural Features are:
- 1x8 baseboards
- 8ft tall two-panel interior doors
- Oak stairs
- Open railing on stairs
- 10ft walls with smooth finish ceilings on main level
- Engineered hardwood/Luxury vinyl plank
- 5” Cove crown molding on main level

In the dining room, I wonder if I could incorporate a narrow, open desk under the window without it being crowded or messy?

We want nice furniture, but not heirloom quality.

The builder is asking for wall colors now.

Newnan, GA, USA

As soon as possible